MORPHOLOGICAL, ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL LEAF TRAITS OF PISTACHIO (PISTACIA VERA L.) GROWN IN BUCHAREST AREA (ROMANIA)

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a very important crop species due to its nutrient-rich nuts, as well as its special ability to adapt to climate changes. Micromorphological, anatomical and physiological characteristics have been performed in the leaf taken from the male tree, grown in the Bucharest area (Romania). The samples, represented by mature leaves, were collected in June-July. Leaves are simple, but also trifoliate, with ovate leaflets, with entire margins, glossy. The leaf micromorphology was performed by scanning electron microscopy. For anatomical observations, epidermis was collected from both sides of the leaf, transverse sections were carried out in the leaf lamina and petiole, then observations have been done using light microscopy. Stomata are of anomocytic type, located on both sides of the leaf. The secretory ducts have been identified in the phloem of the vascular bundle of the petiole and in the middle vein of the leaf lamina. The leaf mesophyll is equifacial, having the palisade tissue under both epidermises, and the spongy tissue in situated in the middle area. Physiological indicators can be useful for the characterization of the pistachio adaptation mechanisms in the resilience integrated framework.