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Dryad

The role of non-glandular emergences in Croton floribundus (Euphorbiaceae) upon elevated ozone exposures

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Nov 15, 2019 version files 15.81 MB

Abstract

The role of non-glandular emergences in avoiding ozone (O3) damages by preventing its entrance into leaf tissues was previously suggested to the O3-tolerant species Croton floribundus (Euphorbiaceae). However, this function against O3 damage has been underestimated due to the covering wax layer mostly composed of saturated hydrocarbon with low reactivity to this gas. To evaluate the role of these structures in conferring tolerance to O3, we mechanically removed the non-glandular emergences from leaf blades of C. floribundus, submitted the plants to acute O3 fumigation, and assessed the morphological and microscopic alterations. Plants with intact leaves showed the same phenotype of control samples but showed microscopic markers of accelerated senescence. These alterations indicated a whole-plant response to O3. Plants bearing leaves with emergences removed exhibited specific morphological symptoms and microscopic markers of O3. The leaf emergences encompass a barrier for volatiles contention, preventing O3 damage to leaf tissues of C. floribundus. The absence of these structures possibly disperses defense volatiles quickly and allows this species to become vulnerable to O3 effects. This study highlights the relevance of surface structures in confer resistance of plants against O3 damages over biochemical defenses alone.