BrrTCP4b interacts with BrrTTG1 to suppress the development of trichomes in Brassica rapa var. rapa

The number of trichomes significantly increased in CRISPR/Cas9-edited BrrTCP4b turnip(Brassica rapa var.rapa)plants.However,the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be uncovered.In this study,we performed the Y2H screen using BrrTCP4b as the bait,which unveiled an interaction between BrrTCP4b and BrrTTG1,a pivotal WD40-repeat protein transcription factor in the MYB-bHLH-WD40(MBW)complex.This physical interaction was further validated through bimolecular luciferase complementation and co-immunoprecipitation.Furthermore,it was found that the interaction between BrrTCP4b and BrrTTG1 could inhibit the activity of MBW complex,resulting in decreased expression of BrrGL2,a positive regulator of trichomes development.In contrast,AtTCP4 is known to regulate trichomes development by interacting with AtGL3 in Arabidopsis thaliana.Overall,this study revealed that BrrTCP4b is involved in trichome development by interacting with BrrTTG1 in turnip,indicating a divergence from the mechanisms observed in model plant A.thaliana.The findings contribute to our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing trichome development in the non-model plants turnip.

Protective and defensive roles of non-glandular trichomes against multiple stresses:structure-function coordination

As superficial structures,non-glandular trichomes,protect plant organs against multiple biotic and abiotic stresses.The protective and defensive roles of these epidermal appendages are crucial to developing organs and can be attributed to the excellent combination of suitable structural traits and chemical reinforcement in the form of phenolic compounds,primarily fl avonoids.Both the formation of trichomes and the accumulation of phenolics are interrelated at the molecular level.During the early stages of development,non-glandular trichomes show strong morphological similarities to glandular ones such as the balloon-like apical cells with numerous phenolics.At later developmental stages,and during secondary wall thickening,phenolics are transferred to the cell walls of the trichomes.Due to the diff use deposition of phenolics in the cell walls,trichomes provide protection against UV-B radiation by behaving as optical fi lters,screening out wavelengths that could damage sensitive tissues.Protection from strong visible radiation is also aff orded by increased surface light refl ectance.Moreover,the mixtures of trichome phenolics represent a superfi-cial chemical barrier that provides protection against biotic stress factors such as herbivores and pathogens.Although the cells of some trichomes die at maturity,they can modulate their quantitative and qualitative characteristics during development,depending on the prevailing conditions of the external biotic or abiotic environment.In fact,the structure and chemical constituents of trichomes may change due to the particular light regime,herbivore damage,wounding,water stress,salinity and the presence of heavy metals.Hence,trichomes represent dynamic protective structures that may greatly aff ect the outcome of many plant–environment interactions.

Localization of a defensive volatile 4-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one in the capitate glandular trichomes of Oenothera glazioviana

Glandular trichomes of plants produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites which are considered as major defensive chemicals. The capitate glandular trichomes of Oenothera glazioviana(Onagraceae) were collected with laser microdissection and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The volatile compound 4-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one(1) was identified. We found that compound 1 displays antimicrobial, insecticidal, and phytotoxic activities. These results suggest that compound 1 might function as a defensive compound in the capitate glandular trichomes of O. glazioviana against pathogens, insect herbivores, and presumably competitive plants as well.

Leaf Traits and Histochemistry of Trichomes of Conocarpus lancifolius a Combretaceae in Semi-Arid Conditions

Leaf traits, structure and water status of Conocarpus lancifolius, a Combretaceae were investigated under semi-arid conditions. The leaf traits examined included leaf area and thickness, stomatal distribution, sclerophylly, succulence and relative water content. Additionally, the types of secretory structures, histochemistry of trichomes, and chemical nature of the cuticlular waxes were evaluated. Leaves showed xerophytic characteristics including a high degree of sclerophylly, thick cuticle and outer epidermal cell wall, low relative water content and high trichome density on younger leaves. The species has two types of trichomes;a secretory, short-stalked capitate trichome and a non-secretory trichome with a bulbous base and a pointed tip. The leaves also have a pair of extrafloral nectaries on both sides of the distal end of the petiole, 3-4 pairs near the leaf apex and two secretory ducts or cavities on mature leaves that secreted polysaccharides, epicuticlar waxes and polyphenols. Compared to young leaves mature leaves had almost 3 times total cuticular wax deposit or load. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic, stearic, nondecanoic, behenic and arachidic acids. The leaf traits and structures are discussed in relation to semi-arid habitat.

A Systematic Revision of the Genus Plectranthus L. (Lamiaceae) in Saudi Arabia Based on Morphological, Palynological, and Micromorphological Characters of Trichomes

This study aims to investigate the morphology and ultrastructure characters of pollen grains and trichomes in order to evaluate their systematic value of these characters in specific and intraspecific separation of the Saudi Arabian Plectranthus species. A critical systematic revision of 7 species of Plectranthus (Lamiaceae) in Saudi Arabia was conducted by means of numerical analyses based on thirty-one morphological characters, including vegetative parts, seeds, pollen grains, and trichomes. Macro- and micro-morphological characters, including seed and pollen shape, size, coat sculpture, trichome structure, were studied. It reveals the presence of seven species, including two endemic species. The pollen grains were zonocolpate, hexacolpate, prolate to subprolate. Three types of exine ornamentation were recognized. Also, two trichome types could be distinguished and classified into glandular and non-glandular. The glandular trichomes could be distinguished as peltate, capitate and digitiform. The eglandular trichomes were single, uniseriate, multicellular. Pollen and trichome characters were found to be valuable, while seed characters presented only minor taxonomic value. On the basis of UPGMA clustering analysis four branches and clusters were distinguished. The results offer useful data for evaluating the taxonomy of Plectranthus both at subgeneric and sectional levels. Our results indicated some degree of similarity among the species of subgenus Burnatastrum. Plectranthus arabicus is considered as a separate group and may be treated as separate subgenus. Furthermore, the endemic species Plectranthus asirensis and Plectranthus hijazensis constitute a monophyletic group and there are close relationships between this group and Plectranthus tenuiflorus. A key for the identification of the investigated taxa based on studied characters is provided.

Interspecific Variation of Micromorphology of Glandular Trichomes between two Salvia Species in South Albania

Micromorphology of glandular hairs on the leaves of Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia triloba L. was investigated by light microscopy. We noticed similiarity and variation between the two species regarding morphology of glandular trichomes. Two main types of glandular trichomes were identified on both species： peltate and capitate. Peltate trichomes consisted of a basal cell, one stalk cell and a large multisecretory head in S. officinalis L. In S. triloba L. peltate trichomes posses a basal cell, a short unicellular stalk, and a large secretory head with 8 secretory cells. In Salvia officinalis L., four types of capitate trichomes have been distinguished. Five types of capitate trichomes have been found in Salvia triloba L. The fifth type of capitate trichome, called digitiform trichome was found in S. triloba L. This determined interspecific diversity between the two Salvia species.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of <i>TTG</i>1 Gene Related to <i>Rosa rugosa</i>Trichomes Formation

The TTG1 transcription factor plays an important role in the formation of plant trichomes. Based on the R. rugosa transcriptome data, this study cloned a R. rugosa TTG1 gene, named RrTTG1, and carried out bioinformatics analysis and fluorescence quantitative analysis to explore the relationship between TTG1 gene and R. rugosa trichomes formation, in order to lay a good foundation to cultivate a thornless plant in the family Rosaceae. In this experiment, six hybrid cultivars of R. rugosa “Zizhi”, R. rugosa “Xizi”, R. rugosa “Tang fen”, R. rugosa “Hun chun”, R. rugosa “Zi long wo chi” and R. rugosa “Tian e huang” were used as experimental materials, and the cDNA full length of this gene was obtained by RT-PCR and RACE, and the full length of the cDNA was 1348 bp. After bioinformatics analysis, it is predicted that its molecular formula is C1723H2661N465O529S12, the molecular weight is 38.71 KB, and the isoelectric point is 5.00. Its instability index is 54.30, which belongs to unstable protein;and its hydrophilic amino acid distribution is relatively uniform, and the amount is larger than hydrophobic amino acid, which belongs to hydrophilic protein. Phylogenetic tree was constructed for the TTG1 gene. Evolutionary analysis indicated that RrTTG1 is closely related to the TTG1 protein of Rosaceae family, and has a close relationship with other families. The expression analysis showed that the expression of RrTTG1 protein was negatively correlated with the trichome content of R. rugosa stems and leaves. The expression levels of the three spiny varieties of R. rugosa “Hun chun”, R. rugosa “Xizi” and R. rugosa “Zi long wo chi” were lower, and the expressions of the three less thorn varieties of R. rugosa “Zizhi”, R. rugosa “Tian e huang” and R. rugosa “Tang fen” were higher. According to the above results, it was speculated that RrTTG1 is involved in the synthesis of R. rugosa trichomes and belongs to the negative regulation mechanism.

Silicon Deposition in Leaf Trichomes of Cucurbitaceae Horticultural Plants: A Short Report

Silicon deposition in leaf trichome of six horticultural Cucurbitaceae species, cucumber (Cucumis sativus), pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), melon (Cucumis melo), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria var. hispida) was observed by an X-ray microanalyzer coupled with an environmental scanning electron microscope. The elements that presented in the surface of three or four leaves of the individual species were detected and mapped by the X-ray microanalyzer. In leaves of cucumber, pumpkin, and melon, high accumulation of silicon was detected in cells surrounding the bases of the trichome hair and the hair itself deposited calcium. On the other hand, in sponge gourd and bottle gourd, high accumulation of silicon was detected only in the hair. In watermelon leaves, silicon deposited both in the hair and in cells surrounding the bases of the hair. Thus, horticultural Cucurbitaceae plants have interspecific variation in the pattern of silicon deposition in leaf trichomes.

Characterization of the Formation of Branched Short-Chain Fatty Acid：CoAs for Bitter Acid Biosynthesis in Hop Glandular Trichomes

Bitter acids, known for their use as beer flavoring and for their diverse biological activities, are predominantly formed in hop （Humulus lupulus） glandular trichomes. Branched short-chain acyI-CoAs （e.g. isobutyryI-CoA, isovaleryl- CoA and 2-methylbutyryI-CoA）, derived from the degradation of branched-chain amino acids （BCAAs）, are essential building blocks for the biosynthesis of bitter acids in hops. However, little is known regarding what components are needed to produce and maintain the pool of branched short-chain acyI-CoAs in hop trichomes. Here, we present several lines of evidence that both CoA ligases and thioesterases are likely involved in bitter acid biosynthesis. Recombinant HICCL2 （carboxyl CoA ligase） protein had high specific activity for isovaleric acid as a substrate （Kcat/Km = 4100 s-~ M-l）, whereas recombinant HICCL4 specifically utilized isobutyric acid （Kcat/Km = 1800 s-1 M-1） and 2-methylbutyric acid （Kcat/ Km = 6900 s-1 M-~） as substrates. Both HICCLs, like hop valerophenone synthase （HIVPS）, were expressed strongly in glandular trichomes and localized to the cytoplasm. Co-expression of HICCL2 and HICCL4 with HIVPS in yeast led to significant production of acylphloroglucinols （the direct precursors for bitter acid biosynthesis）, which further confirmed the biochemical function of these two HICCLs in vivo. Functional identification of a thioesterase that catalyzed the reverse reaction of CCLs in mitochondria, together with the comprehensive analysis of genes involved BCAA catabolism, supported the idea that cytosolic CoA ligases are required for linking BCAA degradation and bitter acid biosynthesis in glandular trichomes. The evolution and other possible physiological roles of branched short-chain fatty acid：CoA ligases in planta are also discussed.

The Isogene 1-Deoxy-D-Xylulose 5-Phosphate Synthase 2 Controls Isoprenoid Profiles, Precursor Pathway Allocation, and Density of Tomato Trichomes

Plant isoprenoids are formed from precursors synthesized by the mevalonate （MVA） pathway in the cytosol or by the methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate （MEP） pathway in plastids. Although some exchange of precursors occurs, cytosolic sesquiterpenes are assumed to derive mainly from MVA, while plastidial monoterpenes are produced preferentially from MEP precursors. Additional complexity arises in the first step of the MEP pathway, which is typically catalyzed by two divergent 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase isoforms （DXS1, DXS2）. In tomato （Solanum lycopersicum）, the SIDXS1 gene is ubiquitously expressed with highest levels during fruit ripening, whereas SIDXS2 transcripts are abundant in only few tissues, including young leaves, petals, and isolated trichomes. Specific down-regulation of SIDXS2 expression was performed by RNA interference in transgenic plants to investigate feedback mechanisms. SIDXS2 down-regulation led to a decrease in the monoterpene β-phellandrene and an increase in two sesquiterpenes in trichomes. Moreover, incorporation of MVA-derived precursors into residual monoterpenes and into sesquiterpenes was elevated as determined by comparison of ^13C to ^12C natural isotope ratios. A compensatory up-regulation of SIDXS1 was not observed. Down-regulated lines also exhibited increased trichome density and showed less damage by leaf-feeding Spodoptera littoralis caterpillars. The results reveal novel, non-redundant roles of DXS2 in modulating isoprenoid metabolism and a pronounced plasticity in isoprenoid precursor allocation.

Artemisia annua glandular secretory trichomes: the biofactory of antimalarial agent artemisinin

Artemisinin, the key ingredient of first-line antimalarial drugs, has large demand every year. The native plant, which produces small quantities of artemisinin, remains as its main source and thus results in a short supply of artemisinin. Intensified efforts have been carried out to elevate artemisinin production. However, the routine metabolic engineering strategy, via overexpressing or down-regulating genes in artemisinin biosynthesis branch pathways, was not very effective as desired. Glandular secretory trichomes, sites of artemisinin biosynthesis on the surface of Artemisia annua L.(A. annua), are the new target for increasing artemisinin yield. In general, the population and morphology of glandular secretory trichomes in A. annua(Aa GSTs) are often positively correlated with artemisinin content. Improved understanding of Aa GSTs will shed light on the opportunities for increasing plant-derived artemisinin. This review article will refresh classification of trichomes in A. annua and provide an overview of the recent achievements regarding Aa GSTs and artemisinin. To have a full understanding of Aa GSTs,factors that are associated with trichome morphology and density will have to be further investigated, such as genes,micro RNAs and phytohormones. The purpose of thisreview was to(1) update the knowledge of the relation between Aa GSTs and artemisinin, and(2) propose new avenues to increase artemisinin yield by harnessing the potential biofactories, Aa GSTs.

Peltate glandular trichomes of Colquhounia seguinii harbor new defensive clerodane diterpenoids

Glandular trichomes produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites that are considered as major defensive chemicals against herbivore attack.The morphology and secondary metabolites of the peltate glandular trichomes of a lianoid Labiatae,Colquhounia seguinii Vaniot,were investigated.Three new clerodane diterpenoids,seguiniilactones A-C（1-3）,were identified through precise trichome collection with laser microdissection,metabolic analysis with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer,target compound isolation with classical phytochemical techniques,structure elucidation with spectroscopic methods.All compounds showed significant antifeedant activity against a generalist plant-feeding insect Spodoptera exigua.Seguiniilactone A（1） was approximately 17-fold more potent than the commercial neem oil.a-Substituted α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone functionality was found to be crucial for strong antifeedant activity of this class of compounds.Quantitative results indicated that the levels of these compounds in the peltate glandular trichomes and leaves were sufficiently high to deter the feeding by generalist insects.Moderate antifungal activity was observed for seguiniilactone C（3） against six predominant fungal species isolated from the diseased leaves of C seguinii,while seguiniilactones A and B were generally inactive.These findings suggested that seguiniilactones A-C might be specialized secondary metabolites in peltate glandular trichomes for the plant defense against insect herbivores and pathogens.

Phylogenetically Distinct Cellulose Synthase Genes Support Secondary Wall Thickening in Arabidopsis Shoot Trichomes and Cotton Fiber

Through exploring potential analogies between cotton seed trichomes （or cotton fiber） and arabidopsis shoot trichomes we discovered that CesAs from either the primary or secondary wall phylogenetic clades can support secondary wall thickening. CesA genes that typically support primary wall synthesis, AtCesA 1,2,3,5, and 6, underpin expansion and secondary wall thickening of arabidopsis shoot trichomes. In contrast, apparent orthologs of CesA genes that support secondary wall synthesis in arabidopsis xylem, AtCesA4,7, and 8, are up-regulated for cotton fiber secondary wall deposition. These conclusions arose from： （a） analyzing the expression of CesA genes in arabidopsis shoot trichomes; （b） observing birefringent secondary walls in arabidopsis shoot trichomes with mutations in AtCesA4, 7, or 8; （c） assaying up-regulated genes during different stages of cotton fiber development; and （d） comparing genes that were co.expressed with primary or secondary wall CesAs in arabidopsis with genes up- regulated in arabidopsis trichomes, arabidopsis secondary xylem, or cotton fiber during primary or secondary wall deposition. Cumulatively, the data show that： （a） the xylem of arabidopsis provides the best model for secondary wall cellulose synthesis in cotton fiber; and （b） CesA genes within a ＂cell wall toolbox＂ are used in diverse ways for the construction of particular specialized cell walls.

Transcriptome Analysis of Arabidopsis Wild-Type and gl3-sst sim Trichomes Identifies Four Additional Genes Required for Trichome Development

Transcriptome analyses have been performed on mature trichomes isolated from wild-type Arabidopsis leaves and on leaf trichomes isolated from the g13-sst sim double mutant, which exhibit many attributes of immature trichomes. The mature trichome profile contained many highly expressed genes involved in cell wall synthesis, protein turnover, and abiotic stress response. The most highly expressed genes in the g13-sst sim profile encoded ribosomal proteins and other proteins involved in translation. Comparative analyses showed that all but one of the genes encoding transcription factors previously found to be important for trichome formation, and many other trichome-important genes, were preferentially expressed in gl3-sst sim trichomes. The analysis of genes preferentially expressed in gl3-sst sim led to the identification of four additional genes required for normal trichome development. One of these was the HDG2 gene, which is a member of the HD-ZIP IV transcription factor gene family. Mutations in this gene did not alter trichome expansion, but did alter mature trichome cell walls. Mutations in BIT resulted in a loss of trichome branch formation. The relationship between bit and the phenotypically identical mutant, sti, was explored. Mutations in PEL3, which was previously shown to be required for development of the leaf cuticle, resulted in the occasional tangling of expanding trichomes. Mutations in another gene encoding a protein with an unknown function altered trichome branch formation.

Two zinc-finger proteins control the initiation and elongation of long stalk trichomes in tomato

Plant glandular trichomes are epidermal secretory structures that are important for plant resistance to pests.Although several regulatory genes have been characterized in trichome development,the molecular mechanisms conferring glandular trichome morphogenesis are unclear.We observed the differences in trichomes in cultivated tomato cv.‘Moneymaker’(MM) and the wild species Solanum pimpinellifolium PI365967 (PP),and used a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population to identify the genes that control trichome development in tomato.We found that the genomic variations in two genes,HAIR (H) and SPARSE HAIR (SH),contribute to the trichome differences between MM and PP.H and SH encode two paralogous C2H2 zinc-finger proteins that function redundantly in regulating trichome formation.Loss-offunction h/sh double mutants exhibited a significantly decreased number of Type I trichomes and complete loss of long stalk trichomes.Molecular and genetic analyses further indicate that H and SH act upstream of ZFP5.Overexpression of ZFP5 partially restored the trichome defects in NIL-h;sh;.Moreover,H and SH expression is induced by high temperatures,and their mutations inhibit the elongation of trichomes that reduce the plant repellent to whiteflies.Our findings confirm that H and SH are two vital transcription factors controlling initiation and elongation of Type I and III multicellular trichomes in tomato.

Effects of plant trichomes on herbivores and predators on soybeans

Tritrophic interaction in soybean system has received increasing attention recently. However, few studies have investigated the influence of plant trichomes on the population dynamics of soybean herbivores and their natural enemies. We conducted a field survey to investigate whether soybean trichomes affected the abundance of herbivores and their predators. The results of this study show that moderately or densely pubescent trichomes have positive influences on the abundance of some herbivores （e.g., Stollia guttiger） and predators （e.g., Propylaeajaponica and Orius similes） although the influence may change over time, while trichome types do not affect the density of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines.

Profiles of the Headspace Volatile Organic and Essential Oil Compounds from the Tunisian Cardaria draba (L.) Desv. and Its Leaf and Stem Epidermal Micromorphology

In this work, we investigated aroma volatiles emanated by dry roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of Cardariadraba (L.) Desv. growing wild in Tunisia and its aerial part essential oils (EOs) composition. A total of 37 volatileorganic compounds (96.7%–98.9%) were identified;4 esters, 4 alcohols, 7 hydrocarbons, 12 aldehydes, 5 ketones,1 lactone, 1 organosulfur compound, 2 organonitrogen compounds, and 1 acid. The hydrocarbons form the maingroup, representing 49.5%–84.6% of the total detected volatiles. The main constituent was 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane(44.5%–76.2%) reaching the highest relative percentages. Forty-two compounds were determined in thetwo fractions of EOs, representing 98.8% and 97.2% of the total oil composition, respectively. The principal componentswere hexadecanoic acid (34.6%), 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (18.3%), decanal (15.0%), 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (13.2%), and n-pentacosane (13%). Micromorphological details of the leaf and stem epidermisusing light microscopy revealed polygonal cells with sinuous walls in the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces andnearly rectangular and long ones with linear and thick walls for the stem epidermis. The stomata complexes wereanisocytic in the leaf epidermis and mainly anisocytic and rarely paracytic in the stem epidermis. Non-glandulartrichomes were unbranched and long with an acute apex or short with a convex apex. The glandular ones wereidentified for the first time in this species. They were short-stalked with a large secretory head. The highest stomatalindex (17.02%) was recorded in the abaxial leaf surface. The identification of headspace volatiles and essentialoil compounds can be used to characterize this species, and the various epidermis micromorphologicalfeatures are very useful for biosystematics taxonomic studies within Brassicaceae.

Leaf epidermal characters of Lonicera japonica and Lonicera confuse and their ecology adaptation

The leaf epidermis of Japanese honeysuckle （Lonicera japonica Thunb.） and Wild Honeysuckle （Lonicera confusa） in the genus of Flos Lonicerae were mainly observed by scanning electron microscopes （SEM） to study the characteristics of stomata, trichomes and dermal cell, etc.. The results showed that stoma exists only on the lower epidermis and its distribution is irregular, and leaf epidermis consist of epidermis cells, stoma complexes and bushy trichomes including glandular hair and non-glandular hair. On the upper epidermis, anticlinal wall caves in sinuous groove to countercheck the transpiration. Evidences from leaf morphological structures serve as another proof on drought-resistant mechanisms. Some strumaes distributing regularly are hypothesized as oxalic calcium on the lower epidermis under laser scanning confocal microscopy （LSCM） with Fluo-3/AM, which can increase their endurance to drought stress. Therefore, the above characteristics of Flos Lonicerae can reduce the loss of water and make Japanese honeysuckle and Wild Honeysuckle adapt to the droughty environment at Karst area in southwest China. However, there is some difference of the two species. From the SEM （Scanning Electron Microscopy） result, it is shown that on the upper epidermis, some glandular hair regularly present along the midrib of Japanese honeysuckle, but Wild Honeysuckle has no glandular hair on the upper epidermis, which can verify the relationships of Flos Lonicerae species and provide the significance for classification of Flos Lonicerae.

Characterization of a Cotton Fiber Gene Promoter

Cotton fibers are unicellular trichomes derived from outer integument cells of the ovule.Our previously study showed that cotton R2R3 MYB transcript factor GaMYB2 could complement the Arabidopsis trichome mutant of glabra1(gl1),suggesting that cotton fiber initiation and Arabidopsis

Comparative Foliar Structure of Vicia L. Species from China

The genus Vicia L. includes about 190 species around the world and approximately 40 species in China. The genus includes minor food crops and forage plants. This study gives a detailed description of foliar structure of some Vicia species from China. Leaf characters showed considerable variation among studied taxa including petiole and tendril length;leaflets number, length, width, shape, apex, base;blade surface, trichome shape, type, base and length;stipules shape, base, length, width and surface. Numerical analysis of these characters was used to construct a phenogram illustrating the relationship between the studied taxa and to build an artificial key to identify Vicia species. Moreover, variation in leaf characters helped in overcoming the overlapping among harmful taxa.