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The value of wet leaves
Todd E Dawson1,2, Gregory R Goldsmith3,4
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
The New Phytologist
|July 1, 2018
Summary
Plant leaf surfaces are frequently wet, impacting plant function. While costs like pathogen growth exist, emerging research highlights benefits such as improved water relations and photosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Ecology
- Environmental science
Background:
- Leaf surfaces are wet for significant durations, influencing plant functions at multiple scales.
- Traditional understanding focuses on the costs of leaf wetting, including pathogen proliferation and nutrient leaching.
- Recent research reveals overlooked benefits of leaf wetting for plant health and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical importance of leaf wetting in plant science research.
- To present a framework for analyzing the costs and benefits of leaf wetting.
- To explore how climate change may alter the balance of these costs and benefits.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on leaf wetting and plant function.
- Analysis of direct and indirect effects of leaf wetness on plant physiology.
- Development of a conceptual framework for cost-benefit analysis.
Main Results:
- Leaf wetting incurs costs (pathogen growth, nutrient leaching) and offers benefits (improved water relations, enhanced photosynthesis).
- Synergistic effects can occur, where improved leaf water potential from wetting leads to growth not seen when leaves are dry.
- The balance between costs and benefits is dynamic and influenced by environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- Leaf wetting is a crucial factor affecting plant function and ecosystem dynamics.
- Future research must integrate the study of leaf wetting into plant sciences.
- Climate change projections necessitate a re-evaluation of the costs, benefits, and tradeoffs associated with leaf wetting.
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