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13 pages, 2850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphoanatomical Changes in Eucalyptus grandis Leaves Associated with Resistance to Austropuccinia psidii in Plants of Two Ages

by Edson Luiz Furtado, André Costa da Silva, Érica Araújo Rodrigues Silva, Roberto Antônio Rodella, Marcus Alvarenga Soares, José Eduardo Serrão, Cristiane de Pieri and José Cola Zanuncio

Plants 2023, 12(2), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020353 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2433

Abstract

The fungus Austropuccinia psidii infects young tissues of Eucalyptus plants until they are two years old in the nursery and field, causing Myrtaceae rust. The characteristics making older eucalypt leaves resistant to A. psidii and the reason for the low levels of this [...] Read more.

The fungus Austropuccinia psidii infects young tissues of Eucalyptus plants until they are two years old in the nursery and field, causing Myrtaceae rust. The characteristics making older eucalypt leaves resistant to A. psidii and the reason for the low levels of this pathogen in older plants need evaluations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological differences between Eucalyptus grandis leaves of different growth stages and two plant ages to propose a visual phenological scale to classify E. grandis leaves according to their maturation stages and to evaluate the time of leaf maturation for young and adult plants. A scale, based on a morphological differentiation for E. grandis leaves, was made. The color, shape and size distinguished the leaves of the first five leaf pairs. Anatomical analysis showed a higher percentage of reinforced tissue, such as sclerenchyma-like tissue and collenchyma, greater leaf blade thickness, absence of lower palisade parenchyma in the mature leaves and a higher number of cavities with essential oils than in younger ones. Changes in anatomical characteristics that could reduce the susceptibility of older E. grandis leaves to A. psidii coincide with the time of developing leaf resistance. Reduced infection of this pathogen in older plants appears to be associated with a more rapid maturation of their leaf tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment)

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13 pages, 3442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Double Puzzle: Morphogenesis of the Bi-Layered Leaf Adaxial Epidermis of Magnolia grandiflora

by Emmanuel Panteris and Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. Adamakis

Plants 2022, 11(24), 3437; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11243437 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2030

Abstract

Anticlinal ordinary epidermal cell wall waviness is a widespread feature found in the leaves of a variety of land plant species. However, it has not yet been encountered in leaves with multiple epidermides. Surprisingly, in Magnolia grandiflora leaves, ordinary epidermal cells in both [...] Read more.

Anticlinal ordinary epidermal cell wall waviness is a widespread feature found in the leaves of a variety of land plant species. However, it has not yet been encountered in leaves with multiple epidermides. Surprisingly, in Magnolia grandiflora leaves, ordinary epidermal cells in both layers of the bi-layered adaxial epidermis exhibit wavy anticlinal contour. During the development of the above cells, cortical microtubules are organized in anticlinally oriented bundles under the anticlinal walls, and radial arrays extending from the bundles at the edges of anticlinal and external periclinal walls, under the external periclinal walls. This microtubule pattern is followed by cell wall reinforcement with local thickenings, the cellulose microfibrils of which are parallel to the underlying microtubules. This specialized microtubule organization and concomitant cell wall reinforcement is initiated in the external epidermal layer, while hypodermis follows. The waviness pattern of each epidermal layer is unrelated to that of the other. The above findings are discussed in terms of morphogenetic mechanism induction and any implications in the functional significance of ordinary epidermal cell waviness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment)

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21 pages, 4902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stomata in Close Contact: The Case of Pancratium maritimum L. (Amaryllidaceae)

by Pavlos Saridis, Xenia Georgiadou, Ilana Shtein, John Pouris, Emmanuel Panteris, Sophia Rhizopoulou, Theophanis Constantinidis, Eleni Giannoutsou and Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. Adamakis

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3377; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233377 - 5 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3732

Abstract

A special feature found in Amaryllidaceae is that some guard cells of the neighboring stomata form a “connection strand” between their dorsal cell walls. In the present work, this strand was studied in terms of both its composition and its effect on the [...] Read more.

A special feature found in Amaryllidaceae is that some guard cells of the neighboring stomata form a “connection strand” between their dorsal cell walls. In the present work, this strand was studied in terms of both its composition and its effect on the morphology and function of the stomata in Pancratium maritimum L. leaves. The structure of stomata and their connection strand were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. FM 4–64 and aniline blue staining and application of tannic acid were performed to detect cell membranes, callose, and pectins, respectively. A plasmolysis experiment was also performed. The composition of the connection strand was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy after immunostaining with several cell-wall-related antibodies, while pectinase treatment was applied to confirm the presence of pectins in the connection strand. To examine the effect of this connection on stomatal function, several morphological characteristics (width, length, size, pore aperture, stomatal distance, and cell size of the intermediate pavement cell) were studied. It is suggested that the connecting strand consists of cell wall material laid through the middle of the intermediate pavement cell adjoining the two stomata. These cell wall strands are mainly comprised of pectins, and crystalline cellulose and extensins were also present. Connected stomata do not open like the single stomata do, indicating that the connection strand could also affect stomatal function. This trait is common to other Amaryllidaceae representatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment)

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17 pages, 3492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anatomy and Biomechanics of Peltate Begonia Leaves—Comparative Case Studies

by Annabell Rjosk, Christoph Neinhuis and Thea Lautenschläger

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3297; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233297 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4578

Abstract

Plants are exposed to various external stresses influencing physiology, anatomy, and morphology. Shape, geometry, and size of shoots and leaves are particularly affected. Among the latter, peltate leaves are not very common and so far, only few studies focused on their properties. In [...] Read more.

Plants are exposed to various external stresses influencing physiology, anatomy, and morphology. Shape, geometry, and size of shoots and leaves are particularly affected. Among the latter, peltate leaves are not very common and so far, only few studies focused on their properties. In this case study, four Begonia species with different leaf shapes and petiole attachment points were analyzed regarding their leaf morphology, anatomy, and biomechanical properties. One to two plants per species were examined. In all four species, the petiole showed differently sized vascular bundles arranged in a peripheral ring and subepidermal collenchyma. These anatomical characteristics, low leaf dry mass, and low amount of lignified tissue in the petiole point toward turgor pressure as crucial for leaf stability. The petiole-lamina transition zone shows a different organization in leaves with a more central (peltate) and lateral petiole insertion. While in non-peltate leaves simple fiber branching is present, peltate leaves show a more complex reticulate fiber arrangement. Tensile and bending tests revealed similar structural Young’s moduli in all species for intercostal areas and venation, but differences in the petiole. The analysis of the leaves highlights the properties of petiole and the petiole-lamina transition zone that are needed to resist external stresses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment)

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9 pages, 10673 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Comparative Study of the Anatomy of Leaf Domatia in Gardenia thunbergia Thunb., Rothmannia capensis Thunb., and Rothmannia globosa (Hochst.) Keay (Rubiaceae)

by Sivuyisiwe Situngu and Nigel P. Barker

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3126; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223126 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

Many dicotyledonous plants produce structures called leaf domatia. Approximately 28% of 290 families have species with leaf domatia. These structures are abundant within the Rubiaceae and Vitaceae. 26% and 16% out of 206 representative species cited in literature from 48 plant families belong [...] Read more.

Many dicotyledonous plants produce structures called leaf domatia. Approximately 28% of 290 families have species with leaf domatia. These structures are abundant within the Rubiaceae and Vitaceae. 26% and 16% out of 206 representative species cited in literature from 48 plant families belong to the Rubiaceae and Vitaceae respectively. Leaf domatia are usually associated with mites and often mediate mutualistic relationships with predacious mites. These structures are pockets found in the underside of the leaf, where the secondary vein axils meet the major vein. In the present study, we examine the anatomical structures of leaf domatia from three plant species (Gardenia thunbergia Thunb., Rothmannia capensis Thunb., Rothmannia globosa (Hochst.) Keay) from the Rubiaceae family in order to find out if their internal tissues differ. These plants were sectioned and viewed under a Light Microscope in order to document their internal anatomy. A Transmission Electron Microscope was used to search for the presence of cuticular folds in their epidermis, which are thought to assist plant to communicate with mites. Results from this study suggested that the main features of domatial anatomy are the presence of an extra layer of tissue in the lower epidermis, a cuticle, cuticular folds, trichomes and the presence of an invagination. Cuticular folds were present inside the domatia but were not restricted to the domatial lamina. Thus, we conclude that these structures do not assist plant in plant-mite communication. This study provides a better understating of the anatomy of leaf domatia of the Rubiaceae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment)

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18 pages, 4941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Anatomy, Impact Behavior and Energy Dissipation of the Peel of Citrus × limon: A Comparison of Citrus × limon and Citrus maxima

by Maximilian Jentzsch, Sarah Becker, Marc Thielen and Thomas Speck

Plants 2022, 11(7), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070991 - 5 Apr 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8039

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact behavior of lemon peel (Citrus × limon) and investigates its functional morphology compared with the anatomy of pomelo peel (Citrusmaxima). Both fruit peels consist mainly of parenchyma structured by a density gradient. In [...] Read more.

This study analyzes the impact behavior of lemon peel (Citrus × limon) and investigates its functional morphology compared with the anatomy of pomelo peel (Citrusmaxima). Both fruit peels consist mainly of parenchyma structured by a density gradient. In order to characterize the lemon peel, both energy dissipation and transmitted force are determined by conducting drop weight tests at different impact strengths (0.15–0.74 J). Fresh and freeze-dried samples were used to investigate the influence on the mechanics of peel tissue’s water content. The samples of lemon peel dissipate significantly more kinetic energy in the freeze-dried state than in the fresh state. Fresh lemon samples experience a higher impulse than freeze-dried samples at the same momentum. Drop weight tests results show that fresh lemon samples have a significantly longer impact duration and lower transmitted force than freeze-dried samples. With higher impact energy (0.74 J) the impact behavior becomes more plastic, and a greater fraction of the kinetic energy is dissipated. Lemon peel has pronounced energy dissipation properties, even though the peel is relatively thin and lemon fruits are comparably light. The cell arrangement of citrus peel tissue can serve as a model for bio-inspired, functional graded materials in technical foams with high energy dissipation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment)

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Review

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14 pages, 8978 KiB

Open AccessReview

Priorities for Bark Anatomical Research: Study Venues and Open Questions

by Ilana Shtein, Jožica Gričar, Simcha Lev-Yadun, Alexei Oskolski, Marcelo R. Pace, Julieta A. Rosell and Alan Crivellaro

Plants 2023, 12(10), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12101985 - 15 May 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4127

Abstract

The bark fulfils several essential functions in vascular plants and yields a wealth of raw materials, but the understanding of bark structure and function strongly lags behind our knowledge with respect to other plant tissues. The recent technological advances in sampling and preparation [...] Read more.

The bark fulfils several essential functions in vascular plants and yields a wealth of raw materials, but the understanding of bark structure and function strongly lags behind our knowledge with respect to other plant tissues. The recent technological advances in sampling and preparation of barks for anatomical studies, along with the establishment of an agreed bark terminology, paved the way for more bark anatomical research. Whilst datasets reveal bark’s taxonomic and functional diversity in various ecosystems, a better understanding of the bark can advance the understanding of plants’ physiological and environmental challenges and solutions. We propose a set of priorities for understanding and further developing bark anatomical studies, including periderm structure in woody plants, phloem phenology, methods in bark anatomy research, bark functional ecology, relationships between bark macroscopic appearance, and its microscopic structure and discuss how to achieve these ambitious goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment)

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18 pages, 1303 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Anatomical Basis of Heavy Metal Responses in Legumes and Their Impact on Plant–Rhizosphere Interactions

by Arun K. Pandey, Lana Zorić, Ting Sun, Dunja Karanović, Pingping Fang, Milan Borišev, Xinyang Wu, Jadranka Luković and Pei Xu

Plants 2022, 11(19), 2554; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192554 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5336

Abstract

Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and mine tailings runoff are the main sources of heavy metal contamination of agricultural land, which has become one of the major constraints to crop growth and productivity. Finding appropriate solutions to protect plants and agricultural land from heavy metal [...] Read more.

Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and mine tailings runoff are the main sources of heavy metal contamination of agricultural land, which has become one of the major constraints to crop growth and productivity. Finding appropriate solutions to protect plants and agricultural land from heavy metal pollution/harmful effects is important for sustainable development. Phytoremediation and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are promising methods for this purpose, which both heavily rely on an appropriate understanding of the anatomical structure of plants. Specialized anatomical features, such as those of epidermis and endodermis and changes in the root vascular tissue, are often associated with heavy metal tolerance in legumes. This review emphasizes the uptake and transport of heavy metals by legume plants that can be used to enhance soil detoxification by phytoremediation processes. Moreover, the review also focuses on the role of rhizospheric organisms in the facilitation of heavy metal uptake, the various mechanisms of enhancing the availability of heavy metals in the rhizosphere, the genetic diversity, and the microbial genera involved in these processes. The information presented here can be exploited for improving the growth and productivity of legume plants in metal-prone soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Plant Anatomy – Structure, Function and Environment)

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