Some cesium and potassium salts increase the water permeability of astomatous isolated plant cuticles

摘要

Salts were applied as aqueous solution to the outer surfaces of astomatous isolated cuticles, and the water was allowed to evaporate. Effects of salt residues on the surfaces of cuticles on water permeability of cuticles were measured at 25 degrees C. A surface dose of 0.2 mol m(-2) Cs2CO3 and K2CO3 increased the water permeability of pear leaf cuticles by factors of 9.9 and 3.9, respectively. Na2CO3 was barely effective, and Li2CO3 as well as (NH4)(2)CO3 had no influence on water permeability. Potassium applied as sulfate, nitrate, or chloride had no effect on the water permeability of pear leaf cuticles, while K+ salts of weak acids (0.2 mol m(-2)) were effective, as they increased water permeability by factors of 5.4 (K-acetate), 3.9 (K2CO3), and 2.0 (K2HPO4), respectively. Sensitivity of Idesia polycarpa leaf cuticles to treatment with K2CO3 at 0.2 mol m(-2) was greatest as water permeability was increased 35-fold, while the water permeability of cuticles from other species tested (astomatous leaf cuticles from Hedera helix, Citrus aurantium, Prunus laurocerasus, Pyrus communis, and Populus canescens; fruit cuticles from Capsicum annuum and Lycopersicon esculentum) increased only by factors ranging from 1.7 to 3.9. Data are discussed in relation to Milling and ion-exchange properties of cuticles.