A simple and accessible method for whole-leaf stomatal mapping using a flatbed scanner
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Stomata regulate plant gas exchange, photosynthesis, and transpiration. Their spatial distribution is an important functional trait, but most studies are limited to microscopic fields of view that cover only a small part of the leaf surface. Here, we present a simple scanner-based approach for mapping stomata at the whole-leaf scale. Using a 4800-dpi (189 pixels mm-1) scan of a Sonneratia apetala leaf, we identified 48,772 stomata across 645 mm2 and generated a whole-leaf stomatal distribution map. We validated scanner-derived stomatal locations against light microscopy using 853 matched stomata. Pairwise distances derived from the two methods showed strong agreement, with an R2 = 0.983. This method provides a low-cost and accessible way to map stomatal abundance, density, and spatial distribution in leaves with suitable epidermal features. We also developed a preliminary semi-automated workflow for candidate stomatal detection and localization. We emphasize that this approach is not designed to measure stomatal area, guard-cell size, or pore aperture, and that it should be validated with microscopy before use in new species. Although the method is not suitable for all leaf types, this scanner-based framework can extend stomatal research beyond local microscopic observations and support future studies of leaf functional traits.
Source: Journal of Plant Ecology
Authors: Lin Zhang, Yijuan Deng, Wenqing Wang
Institution: Xiamen University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,190
OpenAlex ID: W7170898313
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