Isolation and recrystallization of epicuticular waxes from Sorbus and Cotoneaster leaves

Abstract

Wax morphology and chemical composition are widely accepted to be important for the protective properties of the leaf’s surface and also valuable characteristics in plant systematics. The leaves of Sorbus domestica L. and Cotoneaster granatensis Boiss., species of two large genera with intricate taxonomy referred to subtribe Pyrinae, Rosaceae (formerly subfamily Maloideae), were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and performing different methods of wax isolation. The aim of the study was to acquire a suitable, cost and time effective method for wax removal. Chloroform and methanol extractions and freeze-embedding method for direct isolation of the wax crystals were applied. Immersing the leaves for 3 minutes in chloroform was sufficient to extract the waxes whereas the efficiency of the methanol solvent was lower. Wax layers with wellpreserved structures of the crystals from both upper and lower epidermis were successfully transferred to artificial surfaces. The recrystallization experiment demonstrated that waxes from chloroform extracts could recrystallize in in vitro conditions on artificial surfaces. The crystals showed same micromorphology as on the intact leaves. Results of this study could be applied in further analytical researches of the waxes of S. domestica and C. granatensis or other species of the subtribe Pyrinae.

Xanthomonas euvesicatoria-Specific Bacteriophage BsXeu269p/3 Reduces the Spread of Bacterial Spot Disease in Pepper Plants

“…Two types of probes were prepared: 1, from leaves infected with X. euvesicatoria strain 269p, and 2, from leaves infected with X. euvesicatoria 269p and subsequently treated with BsXeu269p/3. The preparation of the specimens was carried out according to a procedure described by Ganeva et al [46]. Air-dried 0.5 cm 2 segments from leaf surfaces of the middle part of the leaf lamina were attached to aluminum specimen stubs by double-sided carbon tape.…”

Roadside Moss Turfs in South East Australia Capture More Particulate Matter Along an Urban Gradient than a Common Native Tree Species

“…The material was agitated for a minute before passing through the 100 µm sieve. Chloroform dissolves the leaf's cuticle and releases PM that is embedded in the cuticle and is expected to remove the majority of waxes from a leaf [40]. The resultant chloroform was passed through the three filter sizes one after the other and the filters were put aside to dry.…”