The objective of this work was to evaluate changes in the anatomical and morphological characters of leaf (sheath and mesophyll), and stem of Brachiaria brizantha when treated with the plant growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two doses of trinexapac-ethyl (0.00, 0.75 kg ha-1) and five repetitions. Fifty days after treatment application, samples from the middle third of the sheath, blade of the second fully expanded leaf and stem internode below the leaf sheath insertion were collected for the determination of morphological characteristics, such as plant height, internode length and diameter, sheath length and leaf length and width. For evaluation of the anatomical features, transverse cuts of leaves, stem and sheath and longitudinal cuts of the stem were made, in table microtome and stained with fuchsin and astra blue and prepared into semi-permanent slides. The images obtained were scanned using a light microscope coupled to a digital camera and connected to a computer. To obtain area and linear measures, the software Image Pro-Plus was used. The data were subjected to statistical analysis, using the F test at 10% probability. The growth regulator reduced the length of tho the leaf blade, internode and sheath and also plant height. On the other hand, trinexapac-ethyl increased leaf blade thickness sheath cell and mesophyll areas, providing anatomical and morphological changes in B. brizantha.
leaf anatomy; weed; growth regulator
