| Abstract Detail
Stress Tolerance Diaz, Miriam [1], Holbrook, Noel [2]. Leaf water absortion in Capparis odoratissima. THE total anual productivity and leaf longevity of Capparis odoratissima has been described to be higher when water is applied over the canopy that at soil surface level. Direct water uptake has been proposed as an explanation. Inorder to test direct water absortion, sections of the dry leaves were observed in the SEM. A dense mat of scales was observed on the abaxial surface. The relative humidity surrounding the leaf section in the SEM was manipulated by decreasing temperature, thus allowing water to condense over both surfaces of the leaf. Direct observations of water diffusion in the abaxial epidermis was followed during 45 minutes, and documented by photographs. A continuos film of water formed almost immediately under the scale and in a progressive manner the rouges surface belonging to the cuticular layer showed an increase in volume indicating water absorption. Reverse flow of water was also evaluated using 0.5 mM Sulphorhodamide G. applied on the abaxial surface. Fresh sections where observed in a fluorescent microscope at 540 nm. The sulphorhadamine solution applied on the abaxial surface colored the cuticle of the adaxial surface, cells adyacent to the scales and the minor veins of the leaves, indicating direct transfer of water from abaxial epidermis to internal cells.
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Related Links:
1 - Universidad Experimental Francisco de Miranda, CIEZA, Coro, Falcon, , Venezuela
2 - Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA
Keywords:
direct leaf water absortion.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 14-1
Location: 134/Performing Arts Center
Date: Monday, July 31st, 2006
Time: 10:15 AM
Abstract ID:848 |
