Leaf Epidermal Hydathodes and the Ecophysiological Consequences of Foliar Water Uptake in Species of <i>Crassula</i> from the Namib Desert in Southern Africa

Martin, Craig E.; Willert, D. J. von

doi:10.1055/s-2000-9163

Cited by 141 publications

(116 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…The ability to capture water via the leaf has been indirectly reported in species occurring in deserts (Martin and von Willert, 2000), tropical climates (Yates and Hutley, 1995), cloud-immersed mountain habitats (Berry and Smith, 2012;Berry et al, 2013Berry et al, , 2014, and coastal mountain regions where fog is a significant climatic contributor (Burgess and Dawson, 2004). However, this is the first time that foliar water uptake has been analyzed in strict physicochemical terms, while recording significant water potential changes in response to leaf hydration.…”

Section: Leaf Water Uptake and Ecophysiological Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 95%

Wettability, Polarity, and Water Absorption of Holm Oak Leaves: Effect of Leaf Side and Age

et al. 2014

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Plant trichomes play important protective functions and may have a major influence on leaf surface wettability. With the aim of gaining insight into trichome structure, composition, and function in relation to water-plant surface interactions, we analyzed the adaxial and abaxial leaf surface of holm oak (Quercus ilex) as a model. By measuring the leaf water potential 24 h after the deposition of water drops onto abaxial and adaxial surfaces, evidence for water penetration through the upper leaf side was gained in young and mature leaves. The structure and chemical composition of the abaxial (always present) and adaxial (occurring only in young leaves) trichomes were analyzed by various microscopic and analytical procedures. The adaxial surfaces were wettable and had a high degree of water drop adhesion in contrast to the highly unwettable and water-repellent abaxial holm oak leaf sides. The surface free energy and solubility parameter decreased with leaf age, with higher values determined for the adaxial sides. All holm oak leaf trichomes were covered with a cuticle. The abaxial trichomes were composed of 8% soluble waxes, 49% cutin, and 43% polysaccharides. For the adaxial side, it is concluded that trichomes and the scars after trichome shedding contribute to water uptake, while the abaxial leaf side is highly hydrophobic due to its high degree of pubescence and different trichome structure, composition, and density. Results are interpreted in terms of water-plant surface interactions, plant surface physical chemistry, and plant ecophysiology.

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Section: Leaf Water Uptake and Ecophysiological Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 95%

Wettability, Polarity, and Water Absorption of Holm Oak Leaves: Effect of Leaf Side and Age

et al. 2014

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“…However, the mechanism of the adherence of water to the plant material is not yet fully understood [8,9,54]. Nevertheless, the amounts of water which are retained in the canopy of trees and which will not reach the forest floor cannot be disregarded either in research of catchment hydrology or in an analysis of physical characteristics of the plant material [55][56][57].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variability in the Wettability and Water Storage Capacity of Common Oak Leaves (Quercus robur L.)

Klamerus‐Iwan

Witek

2018

Water

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Abstract:The canopy water storage capacity and wettability of the plant material are significantly dependent on the condition of the leaf surface. The aim of the present research was an analysis of the influence of infection with oak powdery mildew, seasonal changes occurring on leaves and factors related to location on the surface of leaves and their hydrological properties. This study performed a series of experiments connecting the direct spraying of tree branches with simulated rainfall under laboratory conditions; an analysis of the content of aromatic hydrocarbons in leaves with the use of the chromatograph; and measurements of the angles of adherence of raindrops to the leaf surface. Degree of wettability was determined and, additionally, photographs were taken with a scanning electron microscope. The experiments were performed on common oak (Quercus robur L.) both in the city and in the forest, on two dates: in May and September. All series of measurements were done on healthy leaves and on leaves covered with oak powdery mildew (Microsphaera alphitoides Griff. et Maubl.) to various degrees. Oak powdery mildew has the largest influence on the canopy water storage capacity and on hydrophobicity. In September, the leaves retained an average of 7.2 g/g more water than in May; and, in the leaves from the city, the canopy water storage capacity was 3.1 g/g higher. A decreasing angle of inclination of raindrops to leaves testified to growing wettability and increased the amount of water retained in tree crowns. An additional analysis of SEM photographs points to a dependency of the canopy water storage capacity on the condition of the surface of leaves.

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“…In dry climate, adaptation of trees not to retain water on the leaves can be observed so that more water can enter the soil (Martin & von Willert 2000, Holder 2012). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal variability of interception and water wettability of common oak leaves

Klamerus‐Iwan

Błońska

2016

Ann. For. Res.

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A. Klamerus-Iwan, E. BłonskaKlamerus-Iwan A., Błonska E., 2017. Seasonal variability of interception and water wettability of common oak leaves. Ann. For. Res. 60(1): 63-73.Abstract. Wettability of leaves and the resulting amount of interception loss of tree crowns is an important component of the atmosphere-tree stand-soil system balance. In the study, we hypothesized that changes occurring in leaves during the vegetation period can significantly affect the amount of rainwater retained by plants and wettability of leaves which is expressed by the contact angle between drops and leaves. We evaluated the hypothesis based on measurement series, which combined direct spraying of leaves with water at different stages of development at a constant temperature with observations made with an electron scanner which was used to determine changes occurring within a leaf, while the photographic method was used to analyze the contact angle of drops. The study involved common oak (Quercus robur). Samples of twigs derived from this species were collected in the area of Przedbórz (Poland) forest district, in particular from the trees with well-developed crowns. Twigs were collected from 10 trees of similar age (35-40 years). The resulting database contained experimental data on changes of raindrop adhesion on oak leaves throughout the growing season. The internal contact angle of drops was within the range of 150° on the upper side of the leaf and 160° on the underside in May, up to 15° and 35° in November on the upper and underside of the leaves. Loss of interception was established at 6% at the beginning of the growing season up to 22% in autumn. It was concluded that the wettability and the level of interception increases in line with the age of a leaf.

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Leaf Epidermal Hydathodes and the Ecophysiological Consequences of Foliar Water Uptake in Species of Crassula from the Namib Desert in Southern Africa

Cited by 141 publications

References 40 publications

Wettability, Polarity, and Water Absorption of Holm Oak Leaves: Effect of Leaf Side and Age

Wettability, Polarity, and Water Absorption of Holm Oak Leaves: Effect of Leaf Side and Age

Variability in the Wettability and Water Storage Capacity of Common Oak Leaves (Quercus robur L.)

Seasonal variability of interception and water wettability of common oak leaves

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