Massive increases in C31 alkane on Zygophyllum xanthoxylum leaves contribute to its excellent abiotic stress tolerance.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Desert plants possess excellent water-conservation capacities to survive in extreme environments. Cuticular wax plays a pivotal role in reducing water loss through plant aerial surfaces. However, the role of cuticular wax in water retention by desert plants is poorly understood.

Methods

We investigated leaf epidermal morphology and wax composition of five desert shrubs from north-west China and characterized the wax morphology and composition for the typical xerophyte Zygophyllum xanthoxylum under salt, drought and heat treatments. Moreover, we examined leaf water loss and chlorophyll leaching of Z. xanthoxylum and analysed their relationships with wax composition under the above treatments.

Key results

The leaf epidermis of Z. xanthoxylum was dens

SUBMITTER: Li HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10147333 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature