Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science

Plant Surface Properties and Treatments

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This cluster of papers focuses on the formation, function, and regulation of plant cuticles, including the biosynthesis of cuticular wax and suberin, the role of transcription factors in drought tolerance, the mechanisms of lipid barrier formation, and the analysis of plant surface properties.

Keywords

Cuticular Wax; Biosynthesis; Suberin; Transcription Factors; Drought Tolerance; Lipid Barrier; ABC Transporter; Water Loss; Biopolymer; Plant Surface Properties

The effects of stress on plant cuticular waxes

2006-07-14

Tom Shepherd , D. Wynne Griffiths

Summary Plants are subject to a wide range of abiotic stresses, and their cuticular wax layer provides a protective barrier, which consists predominantly of long‐chain hydrocarbon compounds, including alkanes, primary … Summary Plants are subject to a wide range of abiotic stresses, and their cuticular wax layer provides a protective barrier, which consists predominantly of long‐chain hydrocarbon compounds, including alkanes, primary alcohols, aldehydes, secondary alcohols, ketones, esters and other derived compounds. This article discusses current knowledge relating to the effects of stress on cuticular waxes and the ways in which the wax provides protection against the deleterious effects of light, temperature, osmotic stress, physical damage, altitude and pollution. Topics covered here include biosynthesis, morphology, composition and function of cuticular waxes in relation to the effects of stress, and some recent findings concerning the effects of stress on regulation of wax biosynthesis are described. Contents Summary 469 I Introduction 470 II Biosynthesis of cuticular wax 470 III Deposition and crystalline morphology of cuticular wax 474 IV Cuticular wax as a photoprotective layer 475 V Effects of irradiation and temperature on cuticular wax composition 478 VI Contact angles and wettability 481 VII Humidity effects 482 VIII Water, salinity and cold stress 482 IX Mechanical stress 485 X Altitude 486 XI Pollution 486 XII Genetic and environmental control of cuticular wax production 488 XIII Conclusions 493 Acknowledgements 493 References 493

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Biology of the Plant Cuticle

2006-04-13

Markus Riederer , Caroline Müller

1. Introduction: Biology of the plant cuticle. Markus Riederer, Julius--von--Sachs--Institut fur Biowissenschaften, Universitat Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany. 2. The fine structure of the plant cuticle. Christopher E. Jeffree, Science Faculty Electron … 1. Introduction: Biology of the plant cuticle. Markus Riederer, Julius--von--Sachs--Institut fur Biowissenschaften, Universitat Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany. 2. The fine structure of the plant cuticle. Christopher E. Jeffree, Science Faculty Electron Microscope Facility, Edinburgh, UK. 3. The cutin biopolymer matrix. Ruth E. Shark and Shiying Tian, Department of Chemistry and Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies, City University of New York, College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314--6600, USA. 4. Composition of plant cuticular waxes. Reinhard Jetter, Departments of Botany and Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Ljerka Kunst and A. Lacey Samuels, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. 5. Biosynthesis and transport of plant cuticular waxes. Ljerka Kunst, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Dr Reinhard Jetter, Departments of Botany and Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada and A. Lacey Samuels, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. 6. Optical properties of plant surfaces. Erhard E. Pfundel, Julius--von--Sachs--Institut fur Biowissenschaften, Universitat Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany Giovanni Agati, Istituto di Fisica Applicata, Firenze, Italy and Zoran G. Cerovic, LURE--CNRS, Orsay, France. 7. Transport of lipophilic non--electrolytes across the cuticle. Markus Riederer, Julius--von--Sachs--Institut fur Biowissenschaften, Universitat Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany and Adrian A. Friedmann, Syngenta Inc, Bracknell, Berkshire, UK. 8. Characterisation of polar paths of transport in plant cuticles. Lukas Schreiber, A-kophysiologie der Pflanzen, Botanisches Institut, Bonn, Germany. 9. Cuticular transpiration. Markus Burghardt and Markus Riederer, Julius--von--Sachs--Institut fur Biowissenschaften, Universitat Wurzburg, 082 Wurzburg, Germany. . 10. The cuticle and cellular interactions. Hirokazu Tanaka and Yasunori Machida, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan. 11. Microbial communities in the phyllosphere. Johan H. J. Leveau, Centre for Terrestrial Ecology, Heteren, The Netherlands. 12. Filamentous fungi on plant surfaces. Tim L. W. Carver, Plant Genetics and Breeding, IGER, Aberystwyth, UK and. Sarah J. Gurr, Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. 13. Plant--Insect interactions on cuticular surfaces. Caroline Muller, Julius--von--Sachs--Institut fur Biowissenschaften, Universitat Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany

The Physical Biology of Plant Cell Walls

1976-01-01

Margaret Y. Stant , R. D. PRESTON

Composition of Plant Cuticular Waxes

2007-11-12

Reinhard Jetter , Ljerka Kunst , Lacey Samuels

This chapter contains sections titled: Methods used for the chemical analysis of plant cuticular waxes Chemical profiles of plant cuticular waxes Spontaneous reactions of cuticular wax constituents Quantitative composition of … This chapter contains sections titled: Methods used for the chemical analysis of plant cuticular waxes Chemical profiles of plant cuticular waxes Spontaneous reactions of cuticular wax constituents Quantitative composition of cuticular waxes Dynamics of wax composition Arrangement of plant cuticular waxes

Overexpression of Arabidopsis<i>ECERIFERUM1</i>Promotes Wax Very-Long-Chain Alkane Biosynthesis and Influences Plant Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses

2011-03-08

Brice Bourdenx , Amélie Bernard , Frédéric Domergue +7 more

Abstract Land plant aerial organs are covered by a hydrophobic layer called the cuticle that serves as a waterproof barrier protecting plants against desiccation, ultraviolet radiation, and pathogens. Cuticle consists … Abstract Land plant aerial organs are covered by a hydrophobic layer called the cuticle that serves as a waterproof barrier protecting plants against desiccation, ultraviolet radiation, and pathogens. Cuticle consists of a cutin matrix as well as cuticular waxes in which very-long-chain (VLC) alkanes are the major components, representing up to 70% of the total wax content in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. However, despite its major involvement in cuticle formation, the alkane-forming pathway is still largely unknown. To address this deficiency, we report here the characterization of the Arabidopsis ECERIFERUM1 (CER1) gene predicted to encode an enzyme involved in alkane biosynthesis. Analysis of CER1 expression showed that CER1 is specifically expressed in the epidermis of aerial organs and coexpressed with other genes of the alkane-forming pathway. Modification of CER1 expression in transgenic plants specifically affects VLC alkane biosynthesis: waxes of TDNA insertional mutant alleles are devoid of VLC alkanes and derivatives, whereas CER1 overexpression dramatically increases the production of the odd-carbon-numbered alkanes together with a substantial accumulation of iso-branched alkanes. We also showed that CER1 expression is induced by osmotic stresses and regulated by abscisic acid. Furthermore, CER1-overexpressing plants showed reduced cuticle permeability together with reduced soil water deficit susceptibility. However, CER1 overexpression increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal pathogens. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CER1 controls alkane biosynthesis and is highly linked to responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.

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Pesticide application methods

1993-01-01

G. A. Matthews

Atomization and Sprays.

1990-01-01

A. Arrowsmith

Building lipid barriers: biosynthesis of cutin and suberin

2008-04-25

Mike Pollard , Fred Beisson , Yonghua Li‐Beisson +1 more

A Tomato Peroxidase Involved in the Synthesis of Lignin and Suberin

2000-04-01

Margarita Quiroga , Consuelo Guerrero , Miguel A. Botella +7 more

The last step in the synthesis of lignin and suberin has been proposed to be catalyzed by peroxidases, although other proteins may also be involved. To determine which peroxidases are … The last step in the synthesis of lignin and suberin has been proposed to be catalyzed by peroxidases, although other proteins may also be involved. To determine which peroxidases are involved in the synthesis of lignin and suberin, five peroxidases from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) roots, representing the majority of the peroxidase activity in this organ, have been partially purified and characterized kinetically. The purified peroxidases with isoelectric point (pI) values of 3.6 and 9.6 showed the highest catalytic efficiency when the substrate used was syringaldazine, an analog of lignin monomer. Using a combination of transgenic expression and antibody recognition, we now show that the peroxidase pI 9.6 is probably encoded by TPX1, a tomato peroxidase gene we have previously isolated. In situ RNA hybridization revealed that TPX1 expression is restricted to cells undergoing synthesis of lignin and suberin. Salt stress has been reported to induce the synthesis of lignin and/or suberin. This stress applied to tomato caused changes in the expression pattern of TPX1 and induced the TPX1 protein. We propose that the TPX1 product is involved in the synthesis of lignin and suberin.

Uptake of Hydrophilic Solutes Through Plant Leaves: Current State of Knowledge and Perspectives of Foliar Fertilization

2009-02-27

Victoria Fernández , Thomas Eichert

Foliar fertilization is an agricultural practice of increasing importance in practical terms.Since nutrient sprays are mostly applied as water solutions, the focus of the article was placed on the penetration … Foliar fertilization is an agricultural practice of increasing importance in practical terms.Since nutrient sprays are mostly applied as water solutions, the focus of the article was placed on the penetration of ionic, polar solutes through the leaf surface, although the mechanisms of cuticular penetration of lipophilics are also taken into consideration.In theory, application of foliar nutrient sprays may indeed be a more target-oriented and environmentally-friendly fertilisation method since nutrients are directly delivered to the target organism in limited amounts, thereby helping to reduce the environmental impact associated with soil fertilisation.However, response to foliar sprays is often variable and not reproducible due to the existing lack of knowledge of many factors related to the penetration of the leaf-applied solution.To overcome the current "spray and pray" situation, there is a need to critically analyse the major factors involved and the existing experimental approaches to safely assess the penetration mechanisms, which is the final aim of this review.Beginning with the significance of foliar fertilisation in agriculture, a historical overview regarding foliar uptake related studies is given, with especial emphasis on the penetration of solutes through the cuticle and stomata.The existing models of cuticular and stomatal uptake are analysed separately considering among other factors the physico-chemistry of the solution including the role of adjuvants and the effect of the environment.Methods employed to estimate the process of cuticular and stomatal penetration of solutes are critically assessed.Finally, conclusions related to multi-disciplinary research perspectives for improving the efficiency of foliar sprays are drawn.

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Leaf Epicuticular Waxes

1967-06-09

G. Eglinton , Richard Hamilton

The external surface of the higher plants comprises a cuticular layer covered by a waxy deposit. This deposit is believed to play a major part in such phenomena as the … The external surface of the higher plants comprises a cuticular layer covered by a waxy deposit. This deposit is believed to play a major part in such phenomena as the water balance of plants and the behavior of agricultural sprays. The wax contains a wide range of organic compounds. These complex mixtures are amenable to modern microchromatographic and microspectrometric analytical procedures. The few surveys which have been made of the species distribution of certain classes of constituents indicate that such distribution may be of limited taxonomic value; however, the wax composition of a species may differ for different parts of the same plant and may vary with season, locale, and the age of the plant. This fascinating subject, in which the disciplines of botany, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics overlap and interact, is still in a very active state. Much remains to be learned about the composition and fine structure of the wax deposits, and, for this, experimental study of wax crystallization and permeation through artificial membranes will be required. Enzymic studies, radiolabeling, and electron microscopy will be needed to reveal the mode of biogenesis of the wax constituents and their site of formation and subsequent pathway through the cuticle to the leaf surface.

DIATOM EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCES: FUNCTION, FINE STRUCTURE, CHEMISTRY, AND PHYSIOLOGY

1993-10-01

Kyle D. Hoagland , James R. Rosowski , Michael R. Gretz +1 more

Graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto a polyethylene surface pretreated with glow discharge

1986-07-01

Masaaki Suzuki , Akio Kishida , Hiroo Iwata +1 more

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTGraft copolymerization of acrylamide onto a polyethylene surface pretreated with glow dischargeM. Suzuki, A. Kishida, H. Iwata, and Y. IkadaCite this: Macromolecules 1986, 19, 7, 1804–1808Publication Date … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTGraft copolymerization of acrylamide onto a polyethylene surface pretreated with glow dischargeM. Suzuki, A. Kishida, H. Iwata, and Y. IkadaCite this: Macromolecules 1986, 19, 7, 1804–1808Publication Date (Print):July 1, 1986Publication History Published online1 May 2002Published inissue 1 July 1986https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ma00161a005https://doi.org/10.1021/ma00161a005research-articleACS PublicationsRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views1561Altmetric-Citations469LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose Get e-Alerts

Biopolyester Membranes of Plants: Cutin and Suberin

1980-05-30

P. E. Kolattukudy

Cutin, a biopolyester composed of hydroxy and epoxy fatty acids, is the barrier between the aerial parts of higher plants and their environment. Suberin a polymer containing aromatics and polyesters, … Cutin, a biopolyester composed of hydroxy and epoxy fatty acids, is the barrier between the aerial parts of higher plants and their environment. Suberin a polymer containing aromatics and polyesters, functions as a barrier in underground parts, wound surfaces, and a variety of internal organs. The composition and probable structure of these polymers are discussed. The biosynthesis of the hydroxy, epoxy, and dicarboxylic acids of the polyesters from the common cellular fatty acids is elucidated. An extracellular enzyme transfers the hydroxy and epoxyacyl moieties from their coenzyme A derivatives to the growing polyester. The enzymes acting in the biodegradation of the polyesters have been isolated from fungi, pollen, and mammals and characterized. The function and possible practical implications of these polyester barriers are briefly discussed.

Phase/Doppler Spray Analyzer For Simultaneous Measurements Of Drop Size And Velocity Distributions

1984-10-01

W. D. Bachalo , M. J. Houser

Research was conducted on a laser light scatter detection method for measuring the size and velocity of spherical particles. The method is based upon the measurement of the interference fringe … Research was conducted on a laser light scatter detection method for measuring the size and velocity of spherical particles. The method is based upon the measurement of the interference fringe pattern produced by spheres passing through the intersection of two laser beams. A theoretical analysis of the method was carried out using the geometrical optics theory. The instrument response function was determined to be linear with drop size. Experimental verification of the theory was obtained by using monodisperse droplet streams. Several optical configurations were tested to identify all of the parametric effects upon the size measurements. Both off-axis forward-scatter and back-scatter light detection were utilized. Simulated spray environments and fuel spray nozzles were used in the evaluation of the method. The measurements of the monodisperse drops showed complete agreement with the theoretical predictions. The method was demonstrated to be independent of the beam intensity and extinction resulting from the surrounding drops. An instrument based on the concept has been developed.

PLANT MICROTECHNIQUE: SOME PRINCIPLES AND NEW METHODS

1968-01-01

Ned Feder , T. P. O'Brien

Some easily seen structural features of living plant cells are destroyed or badly distorted by most of the common fixatives and embedding media used in plant histology. In stained sections … Some easily seen structural features of living plant cells are destroyed or badly distorted by most of the common fixatives and embedding media used in plant histology. In stained sections of plant tissues fixed in FAA (formalin‐acetic acid‐alcohol mixtures) and embedded in paraffin wax, for example, mitochondria and fine transvacuolar strands of cytoplasm are usually not visible. Many structural features such as these can be preserved, however, with suitable fixatives and embedding media. Specifically we recommend fixation in non‐coagulant fixatives (e.g., osmium tetroxide, acrolein, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde) and the use of plastics as embedding media, and we describe in detail a method of fixation in acrolein and embedding in glycol methacrylate polymer. In a wide range of plant specimens prepared in this way, stained sections 1–3 microns thick showed excellent preservation of tissue and cell structures.

Plant Cuticles-an Integrated Functional Approach

1996-05-01

Gerhard Kerstiens

Cuticles of early land plants: a palaeoecophysiological evaluation, D. Edwards et al. Structure and ontogeny of plant cuticles, C.E. Jeffree Biosynthetic pathways of cutin and waxes, and their sensitivity to … Cuticles of early land plants: a palaeoecophysiological evaluation, D. Edwards et al. Structure and ontogeny of plant cuticles, C.E. Jeffree Biosynthetic pathways of cutin and waxes, and their sensitivity to environmental stresses, P.E. Kolattukudy Dif

Droplet Size Distribution in Sprays

1951-06-01

R. A. Mugele , H. EVANS

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTDroplet Size Distribution in SpraysR. A. Mugele and H. D. EvansCite this: Ind. Eng. Chem. 1951, 43, 6, 1317–1324Publication Date (Print):June 1, 1951Publication History Published online1 May … ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTDroplet Size Distribution in SpraysR. A. Mugele and H. D. EvansCite this: Ind. Eng. Chem. 1951, 43, 6, 1317–1324Publication Date (Print):June 1, 1951Publication History Published online1 May 2002Published inissue 1 June 1951https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ie50498a023https://doi.org/10.1021/ie50498a023research-articleACS PublicationsRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views4937Altmetric-Citations447LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access options Get e-Alerts

Fluid Dynamics and Transport of Droplets and Sprays

2000-03-01

William A. Sirignano , Chris F. Edwards

[S0098-2202(00)03201-6] [S0098-2202(00)03201-6]

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The Impact of Water Deficiency on Leaf Cuticle Lipids of Arabidopsis

2009-10-09

Dylan K. Kosma , Brice Bourdenx , Amélie Bernard +4 more

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants subjected to water deficit, sodium chloride (NaCl), or abscisic acid treatments were shown to exhibit a significant increase in the amount of leaf cuticular lipids. These … Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants subjected to water deficit, sodium chloride (NaCl), or abscisic acid treatments were shown to exhibit a significant increase in the amount of leaf cuticular lipids. These stress treatments led to increases in cuticular wax amount per unit area of 32% to 80%, due primarily to 29% to 98% increases in wax alkanes. Of these treatments, only water deficit increased the total cutin monomer amount (by 65%), whereas both water deficit and NaCl altered the proportional amounts of cutin monomers. Abscisic acid had little effect on cutin composition. Water deficit, but not NaCl, increased leaf cuticle thickness (by 49%). Electron micrographs revealed that both water-deprived and NaCl-treated plants had elevated osmium accumulation in their cuticles. The abundance of cuticle-associated gene transcripts in leaves was altered by all treatments, including those performed in both pot-grown and in vitro conditions. Notably, the abundance of the ECERIFERUM1 gene transcript, predicted to function in alkane synthesis, was highly induced by all treatments, results consistent with the elevated alkane amounts observed in all treatments. Further, this induction of cuticle lipids was associated with reduced cuticle permeability and may be important for plant acclimation to subsequent water-limited conditions. Taken together, these results show that Arabidopsis provides an excellent model system to study the role of the cuticle in plant response to drought and related stresses, and its associated genetic and cellular regulation.

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Classification and terminology of plant epicuticular waxes

1998-03-01

Wilhelm Barthlott , Christoph Neinhuis , David Cutler +4 more

Plant cuticles are covered by waxes with considerable ultrastructural and chemical diversity. Many of them are of great systematic significance. Waxes are an essential structural element of the surface and … Plant cuticles are covered by waxes with considerable ultrastructural and chemical diversity. Many of them are of great systematic significance. Waxes are an essential structural element of the surface and of fundamental functional and ecological importance for the interaction between plants and their environment. An extensive literature has been published since the introduction of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hitherto, the area has lacked a complete classification and terminology necessary as a standard for comparative descriptions. A refined classification and terminology of epicuticular waxes is therefore proposed based on high-resolution SEM analysis of at least 13 000 species, representing all major groups of seed plants. In total 23 wax types are classified. Thin wax films appear to be ubiquitous, while thicker layers or crusts are rare. The most prominent structures are local wax projections, which most probably result from self-assembly of wax molecules. These projections are supposed to be mainly of a crystalline nature and are termed crystalloids here. Among these, platelets and tubules are the most prominent types, while platelets arranged in parallel rows and stomatal wax chimneys are the most striking orientation and aggregation patterns. In addition, a comprehensive overview on the correlation between wax ultrastructure and chemical composition is given.

Studies at phase interfaces. I. The sliding of liquid drops on solid surfaces and a theory for spray retention

1962-04-01

C. G. L. Furmidge

The Formation and Function of Plant Cuticles

2013-07-26

Trevor H. Yeats , Jocelyn K. C. Rose

The plant cuticle is an extracellular hydrophobic layer that covers the aerial epidermis of all land plants, providing protection against desiccation and external environmental stresses. The past decade has seen … The plant cuticle is an extracellular hydrophobic layer that covers the aerial epidermis of all land plants, providing protection against desiccation and external environmental stresses. The past decade has seen considerable progress in assembling models for the biosynthesis of its two major components, the polymer cutin and cuticular waxes. Most recently, two breakthroughs in the long-sought molecular bases of alkane formation and polyester synthesis have allowed construction of nearly complete biosynthetic pathways for both waxes and cutin. Concurrently, a complex regulatory network controlling the synthesis of the cuticle is emerging. It has also become clear that the physiological role of the cuticle extends well beyond its primary function as a transpiration barrier, playing important roles in processes ranging from development to interaction with microbes. Here, we review recent progress in the biochemistry and molecular biology of cuticle synthesis and function and highlight some of the major questions that will drive future research in this field.

An analysis of irreversible plant cell elongation

1965-03-01

James A. Lockhart

Plant Cuticular Lipid Export Requires an ABC Transporter

2004-10-21

Jamie A. Pighin , Huanquan Zheng , Laura J. Balakshin +5 more

A waxy protective cuticle coats all primary aerial plant tissues. Its synthesis requires extensive export of lipids from epidermal cells to the plant surface. Arabidopsis cer5 mutants had reduced stem … A waxy protective cuticle coats all primary aerial plant tissues. Its synthesis requires extensive export of lipids from epidermal cells to the plant surface. Arabidopsis cer5 mutants had reduced stem cuticular wax loads and accumulated sheetlike inclusions in the cytoplasm of wax-secreting cells. These inclusions represented abnormal deposits of cuticular wax and resembled inclusions found in a human disorder caused by a defective peroxisomal adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporter. We found that the CER5 gene encodes an ABC transporter localized in the plasma membrane of epidermal cells and conclude that it is required for wax export to the cuticle.

Size exclusion limits and lateral heterogeneity of the stomatal foliar uptake pathway for aqueous solutes and water‐suspended nanoparticles

2008-05-20

Thomas Eichert , Andreas Kurtz , Ulrike Steiner +1 more

Penetration rates of foliar-applied polar solutes are highly variable and the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The contribution of stomata especially, is still a matter of debate. Thus, … Penetration rates of foliar-applied polar solutes are highly variable and the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The contribution of stomata especially, is still a matter of debate. Thus, the size exclusion limits of the stomatal foliar uptake pathway, its variability and its transport capacity have been investigated. The size exclusion limits were analyzed by studying the penetration of water-suspended hydrophilic particles of two different sizes (43 nm or 1.1 microm diameter) into leaves of Vicia faba (L.). To avoid agglutination of the particles, plants were kept in water-saturated atmosphere. Penetration of the larger particles was never detected, whereas after 2 to 9 days, the smaller particles occasionally penetrated the leaf interior through stomatal pores. Permeability of stomata to Na(2)-fluorescein along the leaf blade of Allium porrum (L.) was highly variable and not correlated with the position on the leaf. When evaporated residues of the foliar-applied solutions were rewetted repeatedly, approximately 60% of the previously penetrated stomata were penetrated again. The average rate constant of penetration of an individual stoma was in the same order of magnitude as typical rate constants reported for the cuticular pathway. The observed sparseness of stomatal penetration together with its high lateral variability but local and temporal persistency was taken as evidence that stomata contributing to uptake differ from non-penetrated ones in the wettability of their guard cell cuticle. These results show that the stomatal pathway is highly capacitive because of its large size exclusion limit above 10 nm and its high transport velocity, but at the same time the high variability renders this pathway largely unpredictable.

The hydrophobic coatings of plant surfaces: Epicuticular wax crystals and their morphologies, crystallinity and molecular self-assembly

2007-12-05

Kerstin Koch , Hans‐Jürgen Ensikat

Efficient Lipid Staining in Plant Material with Sudan Red 7B or Fluoral Yellow 088 in Polyethylene Glycol-Glycerol

1991-01-01

Mark Brundrett , Bryce Kendrick , Carol A. Peterson

Polyethylene glycol (400) with 90% glycerol (aqueous) is introduced as an efficient solvent system for lipid stains. Various lipid-soluble dyes were dissolved in this solvent system and tested for their … Polyethylene glycol (400) with 90% glycerol (aqueous) is introduced as an efficient solvent system for lipid stains. Various lipid-soluble dyes were dissolved in this solvent system and tested for their intensity, contrast, and specificity of staining of suberin lamellae in plant tissue. The stability (i.e., lack of precipitation) of the various staining solutions in the presence of fresh tissue was also tested. When dissolved in polyethylene glycol-glycerol, Sudan red 7B (fat red) was the best nonfluorescent stain and fluorol yellow 088 (solvent green 4) was an excellent fluorochrome. These two dyes formed stable staining solutions which efficiently stained lipids in fresh sections without forming precipitates. Estimations of the solubilities of these dyes in the solvent compared with their solubilities in lipids of various chemical types indicated that they should both be effective stains for lipids in general.

Biosynthesis and secretion of plant cuticular wax

2002-12-11

Ljerka Kunst

Protecting against water loss: analysis of the barrier properties of plant cuticles

2001-10-01

Markus Riederer , Lukas Schreiber

The cuticle is the major barrier against uncontrolled water loss from leaves, fruits and other primary parts of higher plants. More than 100 mean values for water permeabilities determined with … The cuticle is the major barrier against uncontrolled water loss from leaves, fruits and other primary parts of higher plants. More than 100 mean values for water permeabilities determined with isolated leaf and fruit cuticles from 61 plant species are compiled and discussed in relation to plant organ, natural habitat and morphology. The maximum barrier properties of plant cuticles exceed that of synthetic polymeric films of equal thickness. Cuticular water permeability is not correlated to the thickness of the cuticle or to wax coverage. Relationships between cuticular permeability, wax composition and physical properties of the cuticle are evaluated. Cuticular permeability to water increases on the average by a factor of 2 when leaf surface temperature is raised from 15 °C to 35 °C. Organic compounds of anthropogenic and biogenic origin may enhance cuticular permeability. The pathway taken by water across the cuticular transport barrier is reviewed. The conclusion from this discussion is that the bulk of water diffuses as single molecules across a lipophilic barrier while a minor fraction travels along polar pores. Open questions concerning the mechanistic understanding of the plant cuticular transport barrier and the role the plant cuticle plays in ensuring the survival and reproductive success of an individual plant are indicated.

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Sealing Plant Surfaces: Cuticular Wax Formation by Epidermal Cells

2008-02-05

Lacey Samuels , Ljerka Kunst , Reinhard Jetter

The vital importance of plant surface wax in protecting tissue from environmental stresses is reflected in the huge commitment of epidermal cells to cuticle formation. During cuticle deposition, a massive … The vital importance of plant surface wax in protecting tissue from environmental stresses is reflected in the huge commitment of epidermal cells to cuticle formation. During cuticle deposition, a massive flux of lipids occurs from the sites of lipid synthesis in the plastid and the endoplasmic reticulum to the plant surface. Recent genetic studies in Arabidopsis have improved our understanding of fatty acid elongation and of the subsequent modification of the elongated products into primary alcohols, wax esters, secondary alcohols, and ketones, shedding light on the enzymes involved in these pathways. In contrast, the biosynthesis of alkanes is still poorly understood, as are the mechanisms of wax transport from the site of biosynthesis to the cuticle. Currently, nothing is known about wax trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane, or about translocation through the cell wall to the cuticle. However, a first breakthrough toward an understanding of wax export recently came with the discovery of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters that are involved in releasing wax from the plasma membrane into the apoplast. An overview of our present knowledge of wax biosynthesis and transport and the regulation of these processes during cuticle assembly is presented, including the evidence for coordination of cutin polyester and wax production.

Plant cuticles shine: advances in wax biosynthesis and export

2009-10-27

Ljerka Kunst , Lacey Samuels

Biophysical and biochemical characteristics of cutin, a plant barrier biopolymer

2003-02-28

Antonio Heredia

Cuticular water permeability and its physiological significance

1996-01-01

Gerhard Kerstiens

Cuticles act as solution-diffusion membranes for water transport. Diffusion in pores does not contribute to cuticular transpiration. An extensive literature survey of cuticular permeances (P) and minimum leaf conductances (g(min)) … Cuticles act as solution-diffusion membranes for water transport. Diffusion in pores does not contribute to cuticular transpiration. An extensive literature survey of cuticular permeances (P) and minimum leaf conductances (g(min)) to water is presented. The two variables cannot be distinguished with most experimental techniques. Results from different experiments are in good agreement with each other for some species, for example, Fagus sylvatica L., but not for others, such as Picea abies (L.) Karst. In a data set of 313 values of P or g(min) from 200 species, distributions of results obtained with different techniques were found to differ significantly. Likely reasons include water loss from incompletely closed or incompletely sealed stomata, and the dependence of P on moisture content of the cuticle and on storage time of isolated cuticles. Contrasting evidence for an interaction between cuticular transpiration and stomatal sensitivity to air humidity is presented. The occurrence of unusually high g(min) in trees growing at the alpine treeline and its physiological significance are discussed. It is shown that g(min) is of little value as a predictor for drought resistance of crops, with the possible exception of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench. Possible water uptake from fog or dew across cuticles is considered briefly.

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF WAX PRODUCTION IN PLANTS

1996-06-01

Dusty Post‐Beittenmiller

The aerial surfaces of plants are covered with a wax layer that is primarily a waterproof barrier but that also provides protection against environmental stresses. The ubiquitous presence of cuticular … The aerial surfaces of plants are covered with a wax layer that is primarily a waterproof barrier but that also provides protection against environmental stresses. The ubiquitous presence of cuticular wax is testimony to its essential function. Genetic and environmental factors influence wax quantity and composition, which suggests that it is an actively regulated process. The basic biochemistry of wax production has been elucidated over the past three decades; however, we still know very little about its regulation. This review presents a discussion along with new perspectives on the regulatory aspects of wax biosynthesis. Among the topics discussed are the partitioning of fatty acid precursors into wax biosynthesis and the elongation of fatty acids with particular emphasis on the nature of the acyl primer, and the role of ATP in fatty acid elongation. The recent cloning of wax biosynthetic genes and the transport of wax to plant surfaces are also discussed.

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Polyesters in Higher Plants

2001-01-01

Pappachan E. Kolattukudy

The Tab Method for Numerical Calculation of Spray Droplet Breakup

1987-11-01

P.J. O’Rourke , A.A. Amsden

A short history is given of the major milestones in the development of the stochastic particle method for calculating liquid fuel sprays. The most recent advance has been the discovery … A short history is given of the major milestones in the development of the stochastic particle method for calculating liquid fuel sprays. The most recent advance has been the discovery of the importance of drop breakup in engine sprays. We present a new method, called the TAB method, for calculating drop breakup. Some theoretical properties of the method are derived; its numerical implementation in the computer program KIVA is described; and comparisons are presented between TAB-method calculations and experiments and calculations using another breakup model.

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The MYB96 Transcription Factor Regulates Cuticular Wax Biosynthesis under Drought Conditions in<i>Arabidopsis</i>

2011-03-01

Pil Joon Seo , Saet Buyl Lee , Mi Chung Suh +3 more

Abstract Drought stress activates several defense responses in plants, such as stomatal closure, maintenance of root water uptake, and synthesis of osmoprotectants. Accumulating evidence suggests that deposition of cuticular waxes … Abstract Drought stress activates several defense responses in plants, such as stomatal closure, maintenance of root water uptake, and synthesis of osmoprotectants. Accumulating evidence suggests that deposition of cuticular waxes is also associated with plant responses to cellular dehydration. Yet, how cuticular wax biosynthesis is regulated in response to drought is unknown. We have recently reported that an Arabidopsis thaliana abscisic acid (ABA)–responsive R2R3-type MYB transcription factor, MYB96, promotes drought resistance. Here, we show that transcriptional activation of cuticular wax biosynthesis by MYB96 contributes to drought resistance. Microarray assays showed that a group of wax biosynthetic genes is upregulated in the activation-tagged myb96-1D mutant but downregulated in the MYB96-deficient myb96-1 mutant. Cuticular wax accumulation was altered accordingly in the mutants. In addition, activation of cuticular wax biosynthesis by drought and ABA requires MYB96. By contrast, biosynthesis of cutin monomers was only marginally affected in the mutants. Notably, the MYB96 protein acts as a transcriptional activator of genes encoding very-long-chain fatty acid–condensing enzymes involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis by directly binding to conserved sequence motifs present in the gene promoters. These results demonstrate that ABA-mediated MYB96 activation of cuticular wax biosynthesis serves as a drought resistance mechanism.

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The SHINE Clade of AP2 Domain Transcription Factors Activates Wax Biosynthesis, Alters Cuticle Properties, and Confers Drought Tolerance when Overexpressed in Arabidopsis[W]

2004-09-01

Asaph Aharoni , Shital Dixit , Reinhard Jetter +3 more

Abstract The interface between plants and the environment plays a dual role as a protective barrier as well as a medium for the exchange of gases, water, and nutrients. The … Abstract The interface between plants and the environment plays a dual role as a protective barrier as well as a medium for the exchange of gases, water, and nutrients. The primary aerial plant surfaces are covered by a cuticle, acting as the essential permeability barrier toward the atmosphere. It is a heterogeneous layer composed mainly of lipids, namely cutin and intracuticular wax with epicuticular waxes deposited on the surface. We identified an Arabidopsis thaliana activation tag gain-of-function mutant shine (shn) that displayed a brilliant, shiny green leaf surface with increased cuticular wax compared with the leaves of wild-type plants. The gene responsible for the phenotype encodes one member of a clade of three proteins of undisclosed function, belonging to the plant-specific family of AP2/EREBP transcription factors. Overexpression of all three SHN clade genes conferred a phenotype similar to that of the original shn mutant. Biochemically, such plants were altered in wax composition (very long fatty acid derivatives). Total cuticular wax levels were increased sixfold in shn compared with the wild type, mainly because of a ninefold increase in alkanes that comprised approximately half of the total waxes in the mutant. Chlorophyll leaching assays and fresh weight loss experiments indicated that overexpression of the SHN genes increased cuticle permeability, probably because of changes in its ultrastructure. Likewise, SHN gene overexpression altered leaf and petal epidermal cell structure, trichome number, and branching as well as the stomatal index. Interestingly, SHN overexpressors displayed significant drought tolerance and recovery, probably related to the reduced stomatal density. Expression analysis using promoter-β-glucuronidase fusions of the SHN genes provides evidence for the role of the SHN clade in plant protective layers, such as those formed during abscission, dehiscence, wounding, tissue strengthening, and the cuticle. We propose that these diverse functions are mediated by regulating metabolism of lipid and/or cell wall components.

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Adaptation of Root Function by Nutrient-Induced Plasticity of Endodermal Differentiation

2016-01-01

Marie Barberon , Joop E. M. Vermeer , Damien De Bellis +7 more

The moving Griffith crack

1951-01-01

Elizabeth H. Yoffe

Petroleum and the Continental Shelf of North West Europe

1977-01-01

M. R. Dobson

Handbook of Atomization and Sprays

2011-01-01

Nasser Ashgriz

Timber Management-A Quantitative Approach.

1984-06-01

Keith Rennolls , Jerome L. Clutter , Jane Fortson +3 more

Atomization and Sprays

2017-03-27

Arthur H. Lefebvre , Vincent McDonell

The second edition of this long-time bestseller provides a framework for designing and understanding sprays for a wide array of engineering applications. The text contains correlations and design tools that … The second edition of this long-time bestseller provides a framework for designing and understanding sprays for a wide array of engineering applications. The text contains correlations and design tools that can be easily understood and used in relating the design of atomizers to the resulting spray behavior. Written to be accessible to readers with a modest technical background, the emphasis is on application rather than in-depth theory. Numerous examples are provided to serve as starting points for using the information in the book. Overall, this is a thoroughly updated edition that still retains the practical focus and readability of the original work by Arthur Lefebvre.

Demystifying suberin

2002-03-01

Mark A. Bernards

Suberin is a term used to define a specific cell wall component that occurs, for example, in phellem (cork) endodermal and exodermal cells and is characterized by the deposition of … Suberin is a term used to define a specific cell wall component that occurs, for example, in phellem (cork) endodermal and exodermal cells and is characterized by the deposition of both poly(phenolic) and poly(aliphatic) domains. Historically, the poly(phenolic) domain has been likened to lignin, and while there is an element of truth to this comparison, recent evidence supports an alternative view in which the poly(phenolic) domain contains a significant amount of nonlignin precursors (principally hydroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives) that are covalently linked to each other in a manner analogous to the monolignols in lignin. Similarly, the conceptual model in which the poly(aliphatic) domain of suberized tissues is represented as a random network of polyesterified, modified fatty acids and alcohols has been replaced with one comprising a three-dimensional, glycerol-bridged network. Taken together, a new model for suberin is emerging in which a hydroxycinnamic acid monolignol poly(phenolic) domain, embedded in the primary cell wall, is covalently linked to a glycerol-based poly(aliphatic) domain located between the primary cell wall and the plasma membrane. The structural and biochemical evidence supporting this new suberin paradigm are examined in this minireview, along with the presentation of a new structural model encompassing a current view of the structure of suberin.Key words: suberin, lignin, hydroxycinnamic acid, monolignol, poly(aliphatic) domain, poly(phenolic) domain, glycerol polyester.

The Effect of Geometric Adjustments in an Indirect Forced Convection Solar Tunnel Dryer: A Study Based on CFD Simulations and Experimental Investigations

2025-06-24

Aboubacar Chaibou Aouta , Fati Amadou Oumarou , Hamidou HAROUNA SALEY +2 more | Asian Journal of Physical and Chemical Sciences

The quality of dried agri-food products depends on the uniformity of their moisture content at the end of the drying process. Controlling parameters such as temperature, air velocity, and relative … The quality of dried agri-food products depends on the uniformity of their moisture content at the end of the drying process. Controlling parameters such as temperature, air velocity, and relative humidity within the dryer is essential to ensure optimal drying. This study presents the design of a tunnel-type indirect solar dryer intended for drying agri-food products. The main scientific challenge lies in the numerical evaluation and proposal of solutions to improve the dryer's performance. With this in mind, a numerical simulation was carried out using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyse the distribution of air flow and temperatures inside the dryer. Three simulation models were developed, with variable input values: air speed (1 m/s, 2 m/s and 3 m/s) and the temperature of the wall exposed to solar radiation (40°C, 50°C and 60°C). To validate the numerical results, an experimental study was conducted. Comparisons revealed high coefficients of determination between the simulated and experimental data: R² = 0.9951 for temperature and R² = 0.9217 for air velocity. Geometric adjustments were then made to the CFD model. The right angles (90°) at the upper ends of the drying chamber were changed to flat angles (0°), while those at the lower ends were replaced by 45° angles. These modifications led to an optimisation of the dryer's thermal performance, as well as a significant improvement in the efficiency of the drying process.

Características seminais de dois diluentes de simples preparação e acessibilidade de seus componentes para o resfriamento de ejaculado equino

2025-06-23

Diego Castex Conde , Guilherme Valente de Souza , Paulo Roberto de Oliveira Almeida Filho +2 more | Brazilian Journal of Development

A conservação de sêmen equino refrigerado tem sido muito utilizada na biotecnia reprodutiva assistida, portanto, diferentes diluidores comerciais cujas fórmulas são protegidas comercialmente vêm sendo estudados com o objetivo de … A conservação de sêmen equino refrigerado tem sido muito utilizada na biotecnia reprodutiva assistida, portanto, diferentes diluidores comerciais cujas fórmulas são protegidas comercialmente vêm sendo estudados com o objetivo de promover, sobretudo sua viabilidade espermática. No presente trabalho de pesquisa foram comparados dois diluidores de fórmula aberta de fácil preparação e acessibilidade de seus componentes. Estes diluentes foram denominados de Gera Cria e Gera Cria Plus e foram compostos a base de leite desnatado em pó, onde no diluente Gera Cria Plus foi acrescido de substratos benéficos ao metabolismo espermático. Foram analisadas a motilidade total, motilidade progressiva e teste hiposmótico dos espermatozoides de equino nos tempos de 0, 24 e 48 horas. Verificou-se que os diluidores Gera Cria Plus e Gera Cria são indicados para a conservação de sêmen equino no recipiente Max-Sêmen Express® por até 24 horas e que a escolha do diluente a ser utilizado (Gera Cria Plus e Gera Cria) depende de características individuais do sêmen de alguns garanhões.

Ectopic expression of wax ester synthase under a wood-specific promoter enhances cell wall production and wood hydrophobicity

2025-06-22

Ashkan Amirkhosravi , Gerrit-Jan Strijkstra , Alisa Keyl +4 more | Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts

Abstract Background Many industrial applications of wood and woody biomass require harsh physicochemical pretreatments to improve the hydrophobicity and durability of the products. Environmentally friendly wood biorefineries necessitate the replacement … Abstract Background Many industrial applications of wood and woody biomass require harsh physicochemical pretreatments to improve the hydrophobicity and durability of the products. Environmentally friendly wood biorefineries necessitate the replacement of chemicals and energy-consuming wood processing. Here, our goal was to increase wood hydrophobicity via the ectopic expression of Jojoba ( Simmondsia chinensis ) wax ester synthase ( ScWS ) in poplar ( Populus × canescens ). We expressed ScWS under a wood-specific promoter ( DX15 ), which naturally controls the expression of FASCICLIN-like ARABINOGALACTAN PROTEIN 15 ( FLA15 ) in the xylem. Results In the DX15::ScWS lines, ScWS was highly expressed in wood but not in leaves. The transgenic lines exhibited normal photosynthesis and growth similar to the wild-type poplars. Compared with the wild-type poplars, the DX15::ScWS lines accumulated greater amounts of triacylglycerol in wood and a greater number of lipid droplets in ray parenchyma cells. The composition of the bark cuticle wax esters was unaffected. The wood of the DX15::ScWS lines showed greater water repellency and less swelling than that of the wild-type poplars. Furthermore, the DX15::ScWS lines had an increased expression of FLA15 and increased cell wall deposition in fibers, resulting in increased wood density. Conclusions Our results highlight the potential of combining the wood-specific DX15 promoter with ScWS to enhance the technological properties of poplar wood. Reduced wood hydrophilicity represents a significant improvement in wood quality. In addition, our results suggest that the overexpression of the DX15 promoter could be a promising strategy for improving lignocellulose biomass in plants. Since poplars are highly productive species that can be cultivated in short-rotation plantations, our results have high translational potential for advancing sustainable wood utilization for a wider range of applications.

The influence of surfactants on cleaning hard surfaces from oil contaminants.

2025-06-21

Maslak Hanna Sergiivna , Maryaskin Yuri Borisovich , Serap Derman +2 more | European Journal of Technical and Natural Sciences

Expression of Concern: Real-time recognition of spraying area for UAV sprayers using a deep learning approach

2025-06-20

| PLoS ONE

Investigating the effect of installing an electrostatic system on the performance of an orchard automizer sprayer

2025-06-20

Rasool Khodabakhshian , Hajar Sadat Seyyed Ali Bik Lavasani , Seyed Morteza Javadpour | Journal of Electrostatics

Study on Spray Deposition Effect of a New High-Clearance Air-Assisted Electrostatic Sprayer

2025-06-20

Mingxiong Ou , Shiqun Dai , Xu Jing +4 more | Agriculture

This study evaluates the performance of a novel high-clearance air-assisted electrostatic sprayer designed for vineyards and investigates the impact of applied voltage on droplet deposition. This sprayer, which uses a … This study evaluates the performance of a novel high-clearance air-assisted electrostatic sprayer designed for vineyards and investigates the impact of applied voltage on droplet deposition. This sprayer, which uses a new type of air-assisted electrostatic spray nozzle, could spray three rows of grapes at the same time, significantly improving work efficiency. Field test results show that the middle row of the high-clearance air-assisted electrostatic sprayer deposition effect was better than the left and right rows, and the minimum droplet deposition density inside the grape canopy was 26.4 deposits/cm2. The droplet deposition effects of electrostatic spraying were effectively improved, and the average droplet deposition density of the canopy increased by 15.72%. Electrostatic spraying improves the deposition on the outer canopy but reduces deposition on the inner canopy, so electrostatic spraying reduces the penetration of droplets into the canopy. The sprayer’s design proves effective for large-scale operations, offering insights into electrostatic spray technology’s role in precision agriculture.

A Hybrid Analytical Framework for Cracking and Some Fruit Quality Features in Sweet Cherries

2025-06-19

Erol AYDIN , Mehmet Ali Cengiz , Leyla Demirsoy +1 more | Horticulturae

This study investigates the relationships among fruit quality traits, cracking susceptibility, and bioactive compounds in sweet cherries. Eleven genotypes collected from Northern Anatolia and two standard cultivars were evaluated. Key … This study investigates the relationships among fruit quality traits, cracking susceptibility, and bioactive compounds in sweet cherries. Eleven genotypes collected from Northern Anatolia and two standard cultivars were evaluated. Key fruit characteristics were measured, and novel machine learning algorithms were applied to identify associations between variables. A negative correlation was found between the cracking index and fruit weight (r = −0.23), while a positive correlation was observed with total soluble solids (TSS) (r = 0.29). Furthermore, TSS was positively correlated with stem thickness (r = 0.67). Machine learning analyses indicated that DPPH and anthocyanin content were the most influential factors associated with the cracking index. A hybrid analytical pipeline was developed by integrating Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction, Random Forest regression for nonlinear prediction and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) for interpretability. This triad offers a robust and replicable framework for trait-dissection studies in horticultural phenotyping, enabling deeper insights into complex trait interactions. These findings suggest that, beyond their recognized health benefits, bioactive compounds also positively contribute to fruit quality parameters. The results provide valuable insights for future sweet cherry breeding programs aimed at improving both nutritional and physical fruit traits.

Foliar uptake of biocides: Statistical assessment of compartmental and diffusion-based models

2025-06-19

Enrico Sangoi , Federica Cattani , Faheem Padia +1 more | Chemical Engineering Science

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Airborne concentration and canopy distribution of microencapsulated pheromone formulation applied with drone and terrestrial sprayers in vineyards

2025-06-18

Aitor Gavara , Alberto Fonte , Sandra Vacas +3 more | PubMed

Abstract BACKGROUND Mating disruption is a highly effective pest control technique without the negative impacts of most chemical plant protection products. Traditionally, this control method has been implemented using passive … Abstract BACKGROUND Mating disruption is a highly effective pest control technique without the negative impacts of most chemical plant protection products. Traditionally, this control method has been implemented using passive dispensers that release the synthetic sex pheromone of the target pest. However, new sprayable formulations are now available. Due to the recent introduction of these formulations, their application for mating disruption has yet to be fully optimized. This study evaluated the field performance of two spray technologies—unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and conventional terrestrial sprayer (TS)—for applying a microencapsulated formulation against the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana . RESULTS Spray distribution in the orchards revealed that UAV application resulted in higher deposition at the top of the vines, whereas TS achieved greater deposition on the lateral canopy surfaces. Additionally, the UAV setup produced larger droplets, while the TS setup generated a higher number of smaller, more clustered droplets. When measuring airborne pheromone concentration on the treatment day and at 7, 14 and 21 days post‐treatment, initial levels were higher with UAV application but declined more rapidly compared to TS. CONCLUSION Both spray technologies delivered sufficient pheromone levels for effective mating disruption. Compared to dispensers, pheromone spraying achieved similar airborne concentrations while using 50% less pheromone. Although this approach shows great potential, further optimization of spray technology is needed to maximize its effectiveness. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of water and ethanol vapours on the compressive behaviour of natural cork during ageing

2025-06-18

Massimiliano Gerometta , Xavier Gabrion , Aurélie Lagorce-Tachon +3 more | Industrial Crops and Products

Comparison of Navier–Stokes and K-Epsilon Equations in Modelling Coupled Transfer Phenomena during Frying of Potato Slices Using a Continuous Solid–Fluid Phase

2025-06-18

Afsaneh Safari , Jalal Dehghannya , Babak Ghanbarzadeh | Potato Research

Design and Development of a Precision Spraying Control System for Orchards Based on Machine Vision Detection

2025-06-18

Yu Luo , Xiaoli He , Hanwen Shi +3 more | Sensors

Precision spraying technology has attracted increasing attention in orchard production management. Traditional chemical pesticide application relies on subjective judgment, leading to fluctuations in pesticide usage, low application efficiency, and environmental … Precision spraying technology has attracted increasing attention in orchard production management. Traditional chemical pesticide application relies on subjective judgment, leading to fluctuations in pesticide usage, low application efficiency, and environmental pollution. This study proposes a machine vision-based precision spraying control system for orchards. First, a canopy leaf wall area calculation method was developed based on a multi-iteration GrabCut image segmentation algorithm, and a spray volume calculation model was established. Next, a fuzzy adaptive control algorithm based on an extended state observer (ESO) was proposed, along with the design of flow and pressure controllers. Finally, the precision spraying system's performance tests were conducted in laboratory and field environments. The indoor experiments consisted of three test sets, each involving six citrus trees, totaling eighteen trees arranged in two staggered rows, with an interrow spacing of 3.4 m and an intra-row spacing of 2.5 m; the nozzle was positioned approximately 1.3 m from the canopy surface. Similarly, the field experiments included three test sets, each selecting eight citrus trees, totaling twenty-four trees, with an average height of approximately 1.5 m and a row spacing of 3 m, representing a typical orchard environment for performance validation. Experimental results demonstrated that the system reduced spray volume by 59.73% compared to continuous spraying, by 30.24% compared to PID control, and by 19.19% compared to traditional fuzzy control; meanwhile, the pesticide utilization efficiency increased by 61.42%, 26.8%, and 19.54%, respectively. The findings of this study provide a novel technical approach to improving agricultural production efficiency, enhancing fruit quality, reducing pesticide use, and promoting environmental protection, demonstrating significant application value.

DETERMINAÇÃO DOS ESFORÇOS INDUZIDOS PELO ESCOAMENTO DO TIPO GOLFADA EM CURVAS DE TUBULAÇÕES ATRAVÉS DE FLUIDODINÂMICA COMPUTACIONAL

2025-06-16

Felipe Morais de Faria , Luiz Filipe Costa Ribeiro , Roger Matsumoto Moreira +1 more | Revista Foco

O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a interação fluido-estrutura em escoamentos bifásicos internos, especificamente do tipo golfada, em tubulações industriais, fornecendo subsídios para o dimensionamento adequado. Utilizou-se a fluidodinâmica computacional … O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a interação fluido-estrutura em escoamentos bifásicos internos, especificamente do tipo golfada, em tubulações industriais, fornecendo subsídios para o dimensionamento adequado. Utilizou-se a fluidodinâmica computacional (CFD) para simular experimentos de Raeder (2012) conduzidos no Laboratório de Vibração e Automação da UFF. O experimento foi realizado em uma bancada de tubulação de acrílico com diâmetro interno de 19mm, composta por dois trechos horizontais e um vertical em formato de "U", onde ar e água foram injetados em diferentes velocidades de mistura (j) e frações volumétricas (β). As simulações, realizadas com o ANSYS Fluent utilizando os modelos VOF e k-ε, permitiram calcular a distribuição de pressão em seções específicas, principalmente em trechos retos e curvas de 90º. Três cenários foram simulados (Casos I, II e III), observando-se maiores flutuações de força nas curvas, com amplitudes de até 7,1N no Caso III. Picos de frequência de 10Hz e 5Hz foram identificados nos Casos I e II no entanto, séries temporais mais extensas são necessárias para uma análise conclusiva.

Design of and Experiment with Physical Perception Pineapple Targeted Flower Forcing-Spraying Control System

2025-06-16

Sili Zhou , Shuang Zheng , Ye Dai +7 more | Horticulturae

Induction in pineapples requires the targeted delivery of specific chemical solutions into the plant’s central core to enable batch management, a task currently reliant on manual operation. This study addressed … Induction in pineapples requires the targeted delivery of specific chemical solutions into the plant’s central core to enable batch management, a task currently reliant on manual operation. This study addressed this challenge by analyzing the physical characteristics of pineapple plants and establishing a perception-based mathematical model for core position localization. An integrated hardware–software system was developed, complemented by a human–machine interface for real-time operational monitoring. Comprehensive experiments were conducted to evaluate the spraying accuracy, nozzle response time, and prototype performance. The results demonstrate that the actuation system—comprising solenoid valves, pumps, and flowmeters—achieved an average spraying error of 2.72%. The average nozzle opening/closing time was 0.111 s; with a standard operating speed of 0.5 m/s, a delay compensation distance of 55.5 mm was implemented. In human–machine comparative trials, the automated system outperformed manual spraying in both efficiency and stability, with average errors of 7.1% and 6.4%, respectively. The system reduced chemical usage by over 67,500 mL per hectare while maintaining a miss-spray rate of 5–6%. Both two-tailed tests revealed extremely significant differences (p < 0.001). These findings confirm that the developed solution meets the operational requirements for pineapple floral induction, offering significant improvements in precision and resource efficiency.

Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Droplet Size and Velocity in a Methanol Spray

2025-06-13

Zehao Feng , Junlong Zhang , Ju Gu +3 more | Processes

The atomization performance of methanol fuel plays a crucial role in enhancing methanol engine efficiency, contributing to the decarbonization of the shipping industry. The droplet microscopic characteristics of methanol spray … The atomization performance of methanol fuel plays a crucial role in enhancing methanol engine efficiency, contributing to the decarbonization of the shipping industry. The droplet microscopic characteristics of methanol spray were experimentally investigated using a single-hole direct injection injector in a constant volume chamber. The particle image analysis (PIA) system equipped with a slicer was employed for droplet detecting at a series of measurement positions in both the dense spray region and dilute spray region, then the spatial distributions of droplet size and velocity were examined. Key findings reveal distinct atomization behaviors between dense and dilute spray regions. Along the centerline, the methanol spray exhibited poor atomization, characterized by a high concentration of aggregated droplets, interconnected liquid structures, and large liquid masses. In contrast, the spray periphery demonstrated effective atomization, with only well-dispersed individual droplets observed. Droplet size distribution analysis showed a sharp decrease from the dense region to the dilute region near the nozzle. In the spray midbody, droplet diameter initially decreased significantly within the dense spray zone, stabilized in the transition zone, and then exhibited a slight increase in the dilute region—though remaining smaller than values observed at the central axis. Velocity measurements indicated a consistent decline in the axial velocity component due to air drag. In contrast, the radial velocity component displayed irregular variations, attributed to vortex-induced flow interactions. These experimentally observed droplet behaviors provide critical insights for refining spray models and enhancing computational simulations of methanol injection processes.

Autonomous Agricultural Spraying UAV: Design, Implementation and Performance Analysis

2025-06-13

Ahmet Faruk Tekin , Batıkan Erdem Demir | Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science

This article discusses the importance of spraying in precision agriculture for optimizing land use, particularly in response to increasing population and declining agricultural land. A six-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) … This article discusses the importance of spraying in precision agriculture for optimizing land use, particularly in response to increasing population and declining agricultural land. A six-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was designed to maximize spraying efficiency and minimize waste. The required pesticide amount was determined based on the number of trees in the field, and UAV components capable of autonomous spraying were selected accordingly. Autonomous flight tests were conducted, utilizing a color-based object detection algorithm for tree identification. The results indicate that in low-wind conditions, the spraying success rate can reach 92%, whereas in high-wind conditions, it drops to 20%. Comparisons with traditional spraying methods reveal that tractor-based spraying achieves the same efficiency (92%) but requires 1.5 times longer spraying time and twice the pesticide amount. In contrast, hand-pump spraying reaches 97% efficiency but requires 7.5 times longer and consumes 3.5 times more pesticide. Despite the similar success rate, the UAV-based system significantly reduces spraying time and pesticide consumption.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Cracking Characteristics in Sweet Potato Tubers and Screening for Crack-Tolerant Varieties

2025-06-12

J. Liu , Fan Ding , Xue Zou +5 more | Horticulturae

This study aimed to investigate the cracking characteristics of various sweet potato germplasm resources, explore their genetic associations, and identify crack-resistant varieties. Using 40 sweet potato varieties as experimental materials, … This study aimed to investigate the cracking characteristics of various sweet potato germplasm resources, explore their genetic associations, and identify crack-resistant varieties. Using 40 sweet potato varieties as experimental materials, we systematically analyzed their cracking traits and assessed 24 parameters. The results indicated that genotypic differences significantly influenced sweet potato cracking (p = 1.11 × 10−16). Correlation analyses revealed that skin thickness (r = −0.81, p < 0.01), skin hardness (r = −0.50, p < 0.01), and starch content (r = −0.51, p < 0.01) were highly significantly negatively correlated with cracking incidence. Microscopic observations of the cell structure revealed that the development quality of the cork cambium and vascular cambium during the secondary growth stage plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural stability of the tuber skin, whereas the internal expansion force during the rapid growth phase is a direct factor that induces cracking. A multiple regression prediction model (R2 = 0.85) was established based on ten core indices. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation system for sweet potato cracking resistance was developed by integrating principal component analysis and the entropy-weighted TOPSIS model (kappa = 0.752, p = 5 × 10−6), identifying seven extremely crack-resistant and nine crack-resistant varieties. This study is the first to construct a multidimensional evaluation system for cracking traits in sweet potato, offering a reference for breeding crack-resistant varieties and developing cultivation, prevention, and management strategies.

FERONIA defines intact tissue boundaries through cuticle development

2025-06-12

Ga Yeon Kim , Jeongho Choi , Ryeo Jin Kim +6 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Abstract Plant cuticle is the first hydrophobic barrier between the epidermis and the environment. Upon wounding, damaged tissues undergo healing processes that involve cuticle or callus formation at the wound … Abstract Plant cuticle is the first hydrophobic barrier between the epidermis and the environment. Upon wounding, damaged tissues undergo healing processes that involve cuticle or callus formation at the wound site. However, signaling pathways that initiate cuticle development and callus formation in the wound-proximal region are still poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the FERONIA receptor-like kinase facilitates cuticle development in the epidermis and FER-mediated cuticle formation limits the propagation of wound-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger callus formation. Cuticle defects stimulate NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production, which leads to unrestricted callus formation. However, the cuticle formed in mesophyll cells in the vicinity of the wound suppresses ROS propagation, thereby preventing unorganized callus formation beyond the wound-proximal site and activating programmed cell death adjacent to the wound. These findings provide valuable insights into cuticle development in aerial tissues and its defensive function for preserving the integrity of undamaged regions.

Tree Borrows

2025-06-10

Neven Villani , Johannes Hostert , Derek Dreyer +1 more | Proceedings of the ACM on Programming Languages

The Rust programming language is well known for its ownership-based type system, which offers strong guarantees like memory safety and data race freedom. However, Rust also provides unsafe escape hatches, … The Rust programming language is well known for its ownership-based type system, which offers strong guarantees like memory safety and data race freedom. However, Rust also provides unsafe escape hatches, for which safety is not guaranteed automatically and must instead be manually upheld by the programmer. This creates a tension. On the one hand, compilers would like to exploit the strong guarantees of the type system—particularly those pertaining to aliasing of pointers—in order to unlock powerful intraprocedural optimizations. On the other hand, those optimizations are easily invalidated by “badly behaved” unsafe code. To ensure correctness of such optimizations, it thus becomes necessary to clearly define what unsafe code is “badly behaved.” In prior work, Stacked Borrows defined a set of rules achieving this goal. However, Stacked Borrows rules out several patterns that turn out to be common in real-world unsafe Rust code, and it does not account for advanced features of the Rust borrow checker that were introduced more recently. To resolve these issues, we present Tree Borrows . As the name suggests, Tree Borrows is defined by replacing the stack at the heart of Stacked Borrows with a tree. This overcomes the aforementioned limitations: our evaluation on the 30 000 most widely used Rust crates shows that Tree Borrows rejects 54 % fewer test cases than Stacked Borrows does. Additionally, we prove (in Rocq) that it retains most of the Stacked Borrows optimizations and also enables important new ones, notably read-read reorderings.

Cuticular constituents and their effects on water loss in fruit of Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch

2025-06-04

Hua Huang , Jiaying Yu | Postharvest Biology and Technology

Interaction of pyroxasulfone and encapsulated saflufenacil applied preemergence to corn

2025-06-02

E. K. Nelson , Nader Soltani , Chris Budd +2 more | Weed Technology

Abstract A new formulation of pyroxasulfone + encapsulated saflufenacil has been developed. Combining these two herbicides extends the application window to early postemergence. Pyroxasulfone, saflufenacil (suspension concentrate), and pyroxasulfone + … Abstract A new formulation of pyroxasulfone + encapsulated saflufenacil has been developed. Combining these two herbicides extends the application window to early postemergence. Pyroxasulfone, saflufenacil (suspension concentrate), and pyroxasulfone + encapsulated saflufenacil (microcapsule suspension) were applied to corn preemergence and evaluated for corn injury, corn yield, and visible weed control; in addition, the interaction (antagonistic, additive, or synergistic) was ascertained for each parameter. Six field trials were conducted at three locations in southwestern Ontario in 2022 and 2023. Pyroxasulfone was applied at 90, 120, and 150 g ai ha −1 ; saflufenacil was applied at 56, 75, and 95 g ai ha −1 ; and pyroxasulfone + encapsulated saflufenacil was applied at 146, 195, 245 g ai ha −1 , equal to the combined rates of pyroxasulfone and saflufenacil. All pyroxasulfone, encapsulated saflufenacil, and pyroxasulfone + encapsulated saflufenacil treatments caused no corn injury. Weed control varied based on application rate and weed species. Reduced weed interference with pyroxasulfone + encapsulated saflufenacil at 195 and 245 g ai ha −1 resulted in corn yield that was similar to the weed-free control and the industry standard of S -metolachlor/atrazine/mesotrione/bicyclopyrone. The interaction between pyroxasulfone and encapsulated saflufenacil for weed control was additive.

Tuning electrostatic interactions in amine-functionalized lignin-stabilized pickering emulsions for enhanced foliar retention and plant protection

2025-06-01

Bin Yu , Haonan Zhang , Zerui Li +4 more | International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Comparison of high-speed videography and phase Doppler anemometry applied to flat-fan sprays

2025-06-01

Zuhaib Nissar , Steven Begg , Guillaume de Sercey +1 more | International Journal of Multiphase Flow

Effects of blending of neem seed oil, carvacrol, and eugenol in carnauba wax-based nanocoating on shelf-life extension of common mandarin

2025-06-01

L. Susmita Devi , Avik Mukherjee , Shikha Sharma +2 more | Food Chemistry Advances

Kiwiberry selections vary in susceptibility to skin damage

2025-06-01

A. White , J. Cho , M. Seelye +7 more | Acta Horticulturae

Environmental factors affecting foliar permeability: effects on leaves and fertilisers

2025-06-01

Victoria Fernández | Acta Horticulturae

Research on the spray characteristics of the fan nozzle based on coupled analysis of the internal and external flow fields

2025-06-01

Hui Chen , Ran Duan , Quanjing Wang +1 more | Physics of Fluids

The spray angle and distribution uniformity of fan nozzles mainly determine spray characteristics in precision spraying agriculture. However, unreasonable structural parameters make it challenging to achieve the desired controllability of … The spray angle and distribution uniformity of fan nozzles mainly determine spray characteristics in precision spraying agriculture. However, unreasonable structural parameters make it challenging to achieve the desired controllability of the spray angle and distribution uniformity. To address this challenge, this study investigates the influence of the four structural parameters on the spray angle and distribution uniformity in terms of the inner chamber diameter and length and grooving angle and depth through the orthogonal and single-factor experimental designs. Results show that the increase in the inner chamber diameter and the grooving angle contribute to an expansion of the spray angle compared with the others. Increasing the inner chamber diameter brings about the reduction of energy dissipation within the internal flow field, and the grooving angle generates the decreased velocity decay of droplets in the external flow field. Compared with the grooving angle, the inner chamber diameter enhances the uniformity of spray distribution due to reduced velocity difference and the uniform velocity distribution in the external flow field. Overall, the inner chamber diameter is the potential parameter for controlling the spray angle and distribution uniformity in precision spraying agriculture.

Computer Simulation of Pesticide Deposition and Drift by Conventional and Intelligent Air-Assisted Sprayers in Apple Orchards

2025-06-01

Matthew J. Herkins , Se-Woon Hong , Lingying Zhao +2 more | Smart Agricultural Technology