Record |
Author |
Muhammad, S.; Wuyts, K.; Nuyts, G.; De Wael, K.; Samson, R. |
Title |
Characterization of epicuticular wax structures on leaves of urban plant species and its association with leaf wettability |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2020 |
Publication |
Urban Forestry & Urban Greening |
Abbreviated Journal |
Urban For Urban Gree |
Volume |
47 |
Issue |
47 |
Pages |
126557 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
Abstract |
Epicuticular wax (EW) protects the plant’s integrity and acts as a barrier against biotic and abiotic stresses. The micro-structured three-dimensional EW’s and presence of leaf trichomes influence the wettability of a leaf surface. In this study, leaves of 96 perennial urban plant species were examined to determine an association between epicuticular wax structure (EWS) types and leaf wettability and investigate their seasonal variation. The EWS types were identified using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while leaf wettability was analyzed by measuring the drop contact angle (DCA) on both the abaxial and the adaxial sides of leaves collected from a common garden in June and September 2016. Four distinct EWS types namely thin film, platelets, crusts, and tubules were observed on leaves of investigated plant species in both June and September. The EWS types varied significantly between functional plant types and plant families in both June and September. In June, the abaxial DCA ranged from 56° to 147°, and the adaxial DCA ranged from 56° to 136°. In September, the abaxial DCA ranged from 54° to 130°, and the adaxial DCA ranged from 51° to 125°. The effect of time, leaf side, and EWS type on leaf wettability were significant. Plant species which showed a change in EWS type or clustering from June to September did not show a more pronounced reduction in DCA compared to those species which exhibited a constant EWS type. Findings from our study illustrate that DCA is not a good indicator in determining the different EWS types due to overlapping DCA intervals between the identified EWS types. However, the identified EWS types remained fairly stable throughout the in-leaf season and do not require repeated measurements for characterization. |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000508389000028 |
Publication Date |
2019-12-05 |
Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue ![sorted by Series Issue field, descending order (down)](img/sort_desc.gif) |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1618-8667 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
Impact Factor |
6.4 |
Times cited |
5 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; The research was funded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP # 15103399). The SEM equipment was funded by FWO/Hercules. The authors acknowledge the help of the ENdEMIC group involved in the upkeep of the experimental site. The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their critical comments and constructive suggestions in improving the quality of the article. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 6.4; 2020 IF: 2.113 |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:164906 |
Serial |
5504 |
Permanent link to this record |