Identifying Foxtail and Common Millet Using Phytoliths
Author Information
Author(s): Lu Houyuan, Zhang Jianping, Wu Naiqin, Liu Kam-biu, Xu Deke, Li Quan
Primary Institution: Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Hypothesis
Can phytolith morphology be used to distinguish between Foxtail millet and Common millet?
Conclusion
Five key diagnostic characteristics in phytolith morphology can reliably distinguish Foxtail millet from Common millet.
Supporting Evidence
- Cross-shaped phytoliths are found in Foxtail millet, while bilobe-shaped phytoliths are found in Common millet.
- Regularly arranged papillae are present on the upper lemma and palea of Foxtail millet but absent in Common millet.
- The epidermal long cell walls are Ω-undulated in Foxtail millet and η-undulated in Common millet.
- The endings structures of epidermal long cells are Cross wavy type in Foxtail millet and Cross finger type in Common millet.
- Surface ridgy line sculpture is a distinguishing feature of Foxtail millet.
Takeaway
Scientists found special shapes in tiny plant parts called phytoliths that help tell Foxtail millet and Common millet apart.
Methodology
The study examined the anatomy and silicon structure patterns in the glumes, lemmas, and paleas from the inflorescence bracts of 27 modern plants using light microscopy.
Limitations
Variations in phytolith morphology can be influenced by factors such as plant maturity, genetic variation, and geographic location.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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