Wheat Leaves: The Surface Disposition of Their Epicuticular Wax

Abstract

This research work describes the micro-nano-patterning of the epicuticular wax of wheat leaf surface (adaxial side), by analyzing their RIMAPS spectra. It is known that the epicuticular wax of the wheat leaf has a platelet shape. The basic idea of this work is to see if the platelets have a specific arrangement on the surface, if they are disposed in certain directions. This concept is important because some studies concerning wheat leaf-Rust fungus interaction which were performed to investigate factors influencing fungus spore germination and growing, like leaf surface morphology and chemical components, showed that topological features and wax related components play a crucial role in the orientation of rust germination hyphae towards the stomata, probably modulated by chemical signals.