Foliar water and solute absorption: an update.
Victoria Fernández1, Eustaquio Gil-Pelegrín2, Thomas Eichert3
1Forest Genetics and Ecophysiology Research Group, School of Forest Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|November 21, 2020
Summary
Plant leaves absorb water and solutes through complex foliar uptake mechanisms. This review integrates knowledge on plant surfaces, absorption processes, and future research directions for foliar nutrient and water uptake.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Ecology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Foliar absorption of water and solutes by plants has been recognized for over two centuries.
- Research has historically focused on plant cuticles and foliar sprays for crop nutrition.
- Recent studies highlight the role of foliar water absorption in ecosystem water balances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on plant surface properties influencing foliar uptake.
- To discuss mechanisms of foliar water and electrolyte absorption.
- To identify key questions for future research in foliar absorption.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of plant surface characteristics (composition, structure, wettability).
- Discussion of experimental methods for tracing foliar uptake.
Main Results:
- Plant cuticle properties and physico-chemical interactions significantly affect foliar absorption.
- Both cuticular and stomatal pathways are involved in water and solute penetration.
- Environmental, physico-chemical, and physiological factors complexly influence uptake processes.
Conclusions:
- Foliar absorption is a complex process influenced by multiple factors.
- Understanding foliar uptake is crucial for crop nutrition and ecosystem water dynamics.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and implications of foliar absorption.
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