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Stomatal penetration by aqueous solutions--an update involving leaf surface particles
Juergen Burkhardt1, Sabin Basi2, Shyam Pariyar1
1Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Plant Nutrition Group, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, D-53115, Bonn, Germany.
The New Phytologist
|September 19, 2012
Summary
Real leaves are not clean; deposited aerosols can alter surface tension, enabling stomatal uptake of aqueous solutions. Ion-specific effects, like NaClO(3) defoliation, are linked to the Hofmeister series.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Environmental Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- A 40-year paradigm stated stomatal water uptake was impossible due to surface tension on hydrophobic leaf surfaces.
- Real leaf surfaces are contaminated with aerosols, altering hydrophobicity and surface tension.
- Nanoparticle and aqueous solution uptake via stomata was recently visualized, challenging the old paradigm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of deposited aerosols on leaf surface properties and stomatal uptake.
- To determine the effects of various salt solutions on plant physiology (photosynthesis, necrosis, biomass).
- To elucidate the role of ion-specific effects and the Hofmeister series in stomatal uptake and plant response.
Main Methods:
- Evaporation of droplets containing various salts (NaCl, NaClO(3), (NH(4))(2) SO(4)) and surfactants on apple (Malus domestica) leaves.
- Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) to observe salt crystallization and cuticle interactions on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cuticles.
- Assessment of physiological parameters including photosynthesis, necrosis, and biomass.
Main Results:
- Confirmed stomatal uptake of aqueous solutions, contradicting the previous paradigm.
- Observed spatial expansion and dendritic crystallization of salts into stomata, especially under humidity fluctuations.
- Demonstrated that NaClO(3) decreased cuticular hydrophobicity more rapidly than NaCl, with significant physiological impacts on abaxial leaf surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Aerosol deposition and subsequent salt crystallization facilitate stomatal uptake of aqueous solutions.
- Humidity fluctuations enhance salt expansion into stomata, impacting plant physiology.
- Ion-specific effects, explained by the Hofmeister series, influence surface tension and plant responses, such as the defoliant action of NaClO(3) and salt spray tolerance in coastal plants.
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