LEAF‐SURFACE PROPERTIES IN RELATION TO TOLERANCE OF SALT SPRAY IN FESTUCA RUBRAssp. LITORALIS (G. F. W. MEYER) AUQUIER

Abstract

SUMMARYLeaf-surface properties were investigated in F. rubra ssp. litoratis (G. F. W. Meyer) Auquier cv. Hawk, which is tolerant of salt spray, and cv. Aberystwyth S.59, which is susceptible. Salt retention and leaf wettabilities were measured and leaf-surface structure was observed using a scanning electron microscope. In both cultivars stomata were confined to adaxial leaf surfaces which were less wettable than abaxial surfaces probably because of ridging and wax deposits. Salt retention after spraying was much higher per unit dry weight in S.59 than in Hawk, although salt retention per unit of projected leaf area was similar in both cultivars. This was because leaves were folded about the midrib in Hawk but were much flatter in S.59. Folding reduced the exposure of adaxial leaf surfaces to salt spray. The adaptative significance of this is discussed together with its broader physiological implications.

LEAF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF SEA CLIFF AND INLAND PLANTS OF AGROSTIS STOLONIFERA L. DACTYLIS GLOMERATA L. AND HOLCUS LANATUS L.

“…The coastal plants came from a steep exposed cliff, where adaxial surface of leaves receive most of the incoming salt spray. This is unlike the situation in Festuca rubra L. described by Humphreys, Kraus & Wyn Jones (1986), where leaf folding and rolling play a major role in tolerance to salt spray. In F. rubra, stomata are confined to the adaxial leaf surface and are thus protected from spray by inrolling of the leaves.…”

Long-term impact of de-icing salts on tree health in the Lake Tahoe Basin: Environmental influences and interactions with insects and diseases

“…Barrick et al (1979) found that resistance of P. nigra could not be attributed to exclusion of salt ions but to a greater protoplasmic tolerance of salt ions. Factors influencing foliar absorption of salt ions include: leaf morphology, cuticle thickness, leaf surface to volume ratio, and leaf waxes (Maas, 1985;Humphreys et al, 1986;McCune, 1991;Jordan et al, 2001). Evidently, these factors are different from those that would influence absorption of salt ions by the roots (Benes et al, 1996).…”

Physiological and biochemical adaptations of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. from the Salt Range (Pakistan) to salinity stress

“…Tolerance to salinity has been evolved naturally in numerous turfgrasses including members of Agrostis, Festuca, Lolium and Poa (Acharya et al, 1992;Humphreys et al, 1986). The evolution of salt tolerance in several genera of turfgrasses (Zoysia, Buchloe, Cynodon, etc.)…”