Microscopic analysis of the aerial part of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a widely spread food plant that contains valuable biologically active substances and mineral elements, which determine its important nutritional and medical-pharmaceutical significance. Of particular importance is the study of the epidermal structures of the plant, which perform protective, regulatory and secretory functions. The aim of this study was to microscopically examine the ultrastructure of the epidermal coverings and anatomical structure of the leaves, stems and flowers of Solanum tuberosum L., harvested during the flowering phase from potatoes grown on experimental plots at the Institute of Potato Research of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine in June–July 2024. The plant material was fixed in a solution of FAA (formalin–acetic acid–alcohol). To study the ultrastructure, scanning electron microscopy was used with prior gold and platinum coating of the samples. Studies have shown that the stem of Solanum tuberosum L. is characterised by a spiny epidermal relief, complex pubescence with glandular and multicellular trichomes, a clearly defined anatomical structure, and a ring-shaped conducting system.The vascular system is ring-shaped, with small phloem elements and radially arranged xylem vessels, between which there are arrays of sclerenchymatic parenchyma. The leaf is amphistomatic, with a well-developed cuticle and dense mixed pubescence. Conductive system: single-bundle central vein with 23–25 vessels, surrounded by chlorophyll-free parenchyma. The collenchyma is adjacent to the epidermis and chlorophyll-free parenchyma. The floral organs (calyx, petals) are covered with several types of trichomes, including glandular trichomes, which are particularly common in the basal part of the petals. The surface relief of the petal epidermis is collicular in nature. The anatomical structure of the leaves, stems and floral organs of Solanum tuberosum L. is characterized by clear tissue differentiation and the presence of morphologically diverse trichomes, which are important for plant identification. The discovered features of epidermal structures, surface relief, types of pubescence and mesophyll structure can be used as diagnostic features of medicinal plant material and further identification of biologically active compounds in it.