Does the amount of light a leaf gets effect the stomatal density?

Question

I need to find out whether the amount of light a leaf gets (for example, whether it is in direct or indirect sunlight) affects the stomatal density per mm. Basically whether light has any effect on the NUMBER/DENSITY of stomata. I know that the stomata open and close depending on light/CO2/moisture in the air etc.

Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes it can.  In high light environments plants have a high photosynthetic capacity, therefore these plants will have a higher stomatal density than plants that develop in shady environments in order to maximize their photosynthetic capacity (this assumes moisture is not limiting).  However, many other things can affect stomatal density such as CO2 levels, moisture, etc.  But in general, I think you can say that sun plants will have a high stomatal density than shady plants of the same species.

Answer 2

Plants that grow in full sunlight have more stomata than those that grow in shade.http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2004/Pro...