Differential occurrence of epicuticular wax and its role in leaf tissues of three edible aroids hails 1from north eastern hill region of India

Abstract

Localization of epicuticular wax (EW) content in leaf tissues and its interaction on leaf protective mechanisms of 17three edible aroids, Alocasia,ColocasiaandXanthosomawereassessed. Scanning electron microscopy depicted the 18occurrence of EW in leaf tissues which was higher in Colocasia(10.61 mg dm-2) and Xanthosoma(11.36 mg dm-2) 19than in Alocasia (1.36 mg dm-2). The result highlightedthe interface of EW between the leaves and its internal and 20external environments. EW acted as a protecting barrier againstdeleterious solar radiationin term of sun protecting 21factor (SPF). Occurrence of EW also effectively managedleaf pigmentation, moisture retention, cellular membrane 22integrity against the invaders. Colocasiaexhibited superhydrophobic properties with higher static contact angle(CA)23>150othan hydrophobicXanthosoma and Alocasia with CAranged between 99.0o to 128.7o. ColocasiaEW highly 24influenced the qualitative and protective mechanisms of leaf. Aroids are the cheapestsourcesof edible EW among 25the terrestrial plants could be used in food,agricultural and industrial applications