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A study of glands on cotton responsible for the high pH and cation concentration of the leaf surface
Author(s) -
ELLEMAN CAROLE J.,
ENTWISTLE PHILIP F.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1982.tb01422.x
Subject(s) - microcrystalline , biology , epidermis (zoology) , potassium , distilled water , microanalysis , botany , gossypium , electron microscope , magnesium , malvaceae , calcium , gossypium hirsutum , anatomy , chromatography , chemistry , materials science , metallurgy , paleontology , physics , organic chemistry , optics
SUMMARY Groups of hygroscopic microcrystalline particles were found on the leaf surface of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum and were shown to be produced by glands in the epidermis. The glands were hydathode‐like, about 20 μm in diameter by 25 μm long, with swollen, rounded, apices. They secreted high concentrations of magnesium and potassium and some sulphur and calcium, as indicated by X‐ray microanalysis, onto the leaf surface. The proportions of elements present in gland secretions could be altered by changing the root environment of the plant. When the microcrystalline particles were removed and made up in distilled water the resulting solution had a pH of 10.2. It was established that the glands are responsible for the high pH and cation concentrations on the cotton leaf surface. The morphology and structure of the glands was investigated by light and electron microscopy and their possible function is discussed.