Summary
The wax structure of plant leaves has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy and with the replica technique by transmission electron microscopy. In addition to replicas of the wax layer, replicas of the leaf surface after removal of the wax have been examined.
The wax layer is very thick and felt-like, especially when the plants have been grown at low humidity. In this case the stomatas are also smaller than those of plants grown at high humidity.
The amount of transpiration of leaves was correlated to the different formation of the wax layer. Thick and felt-like structure of the wax above the stomatas reduces the water loss considerably. On the other hand all water evaporates from leaves in a short time after removal of the wax.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literatur
Bradley, D. E.: Evaporated carbon films of use in electron microscopy. Brit. J. appl. Phys. 5, 65–66 (1954)
Jeffree, C. E., Johnson, R. P. C., Jarvis, P. G.: Epicuticular wax in the stomatal antechamber of sitka spruce and its effects on the diffusion of water vapour and carbon dioxide. Planta (Biol.) 98, 1–10 (1971)
Rentschler, I.: Die Wasserbenetzbarkeit von Blattoberflächen und ihre submikroskopische Wachsstruktur. Planta (Berl.) 96, 119–135 (1971a)
Rentschler, I.: Kristalline und nichtkristalline Wachse auf Blattoberflächen. Cytobiologie 3, 172–175 (1971b)
Rentschler, I.: Die Bedeutung der Wachsstruktur auf Blättern für die Aufnahme gasförmiger und die Abscheidung fester und flüssiger Stoffe. Daten und Dokumente zum Umweltschutz 10, 27–31 (1973) (Dokumentationsstelle der Universität Hohenheim)
Whitecross, M. I., Armstrong, D. J.: Environmental effects on epicuticular waxes of Brassica napus L. Aust. J. Bot. 20, 87–95 (1972)
Wortmann, G. B.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen der Blattoberfläche und deren Veränderungen durch Pflanzenschutzmittel. Z. Pfl. Krankh. Pfl. Path. Pfl. Schutz 72, 641–674 (1965)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rentschler, I. Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an wachsüberdeckten Spaltöffnungen. Planta 117, 153–161 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390797
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390797