EFFECT OF Zn ON THE ANATOMIC STRUCTURE OF CROP LEAVES

The growth state and leaf anatomic structure of celery, corn and wheat seedlings were observed by adjusting the Zn levels in water culture method. The deficiency of Zn caused the decreasae of Zn content in plant that inhibited the growth of seedlings. When Zn was deficient, the mesophyll cells contracted, the cell space increased, and the chloroplast number in mesophyll cells reduced. For cereal crops, the chloroplast number especially in vascular bundle sheath decreased obviosly, but there were no effect on the size of chloroplasts; the development of conducting tissue were inhibited and the machanical tissue developed badly. When Zn was excessed, the cell structure was destroyed, the mesophyll cells contracted seriously and the number of chloroplasts decreased obviously.