LEAF AND STOMATAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GRAPE VARIETIES (VITIS VINIFERA L.) CULTIVATED UNDER SEMI-ARID CLIMATE CONDITIONS

In this study, we investigated the leaf morphology, which plays a key role in transpiration of grape varieties cultivated in semi-arid climate conditions, and the distribution and morphological characteristics of stomata on leaves. 6 Vitis vinifera L. varieties were examined to determine the differences between varieties, and 3 different leaf lobes were examined to determine the distribution of stomata on leaf surface. While significant differences were found between varieties in terms of leaf and stoma characteristics, it was determined that stoma characteristics did not change depending on the leaf lobe. A positive relationship was found between stomata width and stomata length; however, a similar relationship could not be found between stomata dimensions and stomata frequency. The Chardonnay variety had the highest stomata frequency and relative stomatal surface. Potential conductance index showed an increase with increasing stomatal surface. The relative stomatal surface varied from 5.4% to 8.1%. Also, a very strong and positive relationship was identified between relative stomatal surface and potential conductance index.