Relationship Between Leaf Structure and Aloin Content in Six Species of Aloe L.

The leaf structure, content and the storage location of aloin in the leaves of six species of Aloe L. were studied by means of semi-thin section, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorescent microscope. Results showed that all leaves consisted of epidermis, chlorenchyma, aquiferous tissue and vascular bundles. The leaves had the xeromorphic characteristics, including thickened epidermal cell wall, thickened cuticle, sunken stomata and well-developed aquiferous tissue. With the exception of thus, there were remarkable differences in leaf structure among the six species. The chlorenchyma cells were similar to palisade tissues in Aloe arborescens Mill. and A. mutabilis Pillans, but isodiametric in A. vera L., A. vera L. var. chinensis Berg., A. saponaria Hawer and A. greenii Bali. A. arborescens, A. mutabilis, A. very and A. vera var. chinensis included large parenchymatous cells at the vascular bundles, whereas no such cells were observed at the vascular bundles of A. saponaria and A. greenii. In A. arborescens, A. mutabilis and A. vera, the aquiferous tissue sheaths were present and composed of a layer of small parenchymatous cells without chloroplasts around the aquiferous tissue. While there were no aquiferous tissue sheaths in A. vera var. chinensis, A. saponaria and A. greenii. The HPLC revealed that the content of aloin was high in A. arborescens, low in A. vera, and very low in A. saponaria among the six species. The fluorescent microscopy showed that the yellow-green globule only appeared in the large parenchymatous cells of vascular bundles, vascular bundle sheath and aquiferous tissue sheath, but not in the chlorenchyma and aquiferous tissue. Consequently, the large parenchymatous cells of vascular bundles, vascular bundle sheath and aquiferous tissue sheath were the storage location of aloin. They were positively correlated with the content of aloin.

Biomimetic leaf structures for ultra-thin electromagnetic wave absorption

Ultra-thin electromagnetic wave(EMW)absorbers present challenging demands on EMW absorption performance.Drawing inspiration from heather leaf structures,this study introduces an innovative design strategy for EMW absorbing material,proposing biomimetic leaf SnO_(2) structures(bio-SnO_(2))on carbon fabric(CF).By employing leaf-shaped SnS2 as precursors,biomimetic leaf SnO_(2) nanostructures are constructed on CF surface after a simple thermal treatment,resulting in bio-SnO_(2)@CF composite.Experimental results indicate that bio-SnO_(2)@CF exhibits an exceptional minimum reflection loss of-54.8 dB at an incredibly thin thickness of 1.2 mm.Radar cross section(RCS)simulations further validate the outstanding EMW attenuation ability of bio-SnO_(2)@CF,attaining a maximum RCS reduction value of 16.9 dBm^(2) at an incident wave angle ofθ=0°.This novel research showcases the biomimetic structural design strategy and its remarkable function in enhancing the EMW absorbing performance at ultra-thin absorber thickness.

Extremely thin but very robust:Surprising cryptogam trait combinations at the end of the leaf economics spectrum

Leaf economics spectrum(LES)describes the fundamental trade-offs between leaf structural,chemical,and physiological investments.Generally,structurally robust thick leaves with high leaf dry mass per unit area(LMA)exhibit lower photosynthetic capacity per dry mass(Amass).Paradoxically,“soft and thinleaved”mosses and spikemosses have very low Amass,but due to minute-size foliage elements,their LMA and its components,leaf thickness(LT)and density(LD),have not been systematically estimated.Here,we characterized LES and associated traits in cryptogams in unprecedented details,covering five evolutionarily different lineages.We found that mosses and spikemosses had the lowest LMA and LT values ever measured for terrestrial plants.Across a broad range of species from different lineages,Amass and LD were negatively correlated.In contrast,Amass was only related to LMA when LMA was greater than 14 g cm^(-2).In fact,low Amass reflected high LD and cell wall thickness in the studied cryptogams.We conclude that evolutionarily old plant lineages attained poorly differentiated,ultrathin mesophyll by increasing LD.Across plant lineages,LD,not LMA,is the trait that represents the trade-off between leaf robustness and physiology in the LES.

Research Progress on Leaf Anatomical Structures of Plants Under Drought Stress

Plants usually suffer drought stress during their growth process. As the photosynthetic activity center of plants, the leaf is the most sensitive organ under drought stress. In order to support the research on drought resistance of higher plants, this study reviewed the adaptation response and damage performance of epidermal structure, palisade tissue and spongy tissue, thickness, veins and stomata of plant leaves under drought stress.

Effects of PP333 and Exogenous ABA on Leaf Tissue Structure of Armeniaca vulgaris ‘Luntaibaixing'

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of PP333 and ex- ogenous ABA on the growth and development of Armeniaca vulgaris ＇Luntaibaixing＇ so as to provide a theoretical basis for the growth regulation of Luntaibaixing in cultivation and management. [Method} Different concentrations of PP333 and ABA were sprayed to Luntaibaixing during the rapid growth period of fresh treetops. The technology of paraffin section was used to measure the thickness of leaf, upper epidermis, lower epidermis, palisade tissue and sponge tissue. The thickness ratio of palisade tissue to sponge tissue, tightness degree of leaf tissue structure （CTR） and loose degree of leaf tissue structure （SR） were calculated and the differences in leaf tissue structure were analyzed. [Result] The thickness of leaf and palisade tissue both increased significantly after treated by PP333. At the treatment concen- tration of 1 000 mg/L, the thickness ratio of palisade tissue to sponge tissue and the value of CTR were highest, while the thickness of sponge tissue and the value of SR were lowest. The thickness of leaf and palisade tissue also increased after treated by ABA, and it increased most greatly at the ABA concentration of 60 mg/L compared with CK. At the treatment concentration of 60 rag/L, the thickness ratio of palisade tissue to sponge tissue and the value of CTR were the highest, while the thickness of sponge tissue and the value of SR were the lowest. [Conclusion] ABA and PP333 treatment increased the leaf thickness, palisade tissue thickness, pal- isade tissue to sponge tissue thickness ratio and CRT value, but reduced the sponge tissue thickness and SR value of Luntaibaixing.

Research on Leaf Anatomical Structure of Psammosilene tunicoides Populations under Water-limited Conditions

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the leaf anatomical structures of P. tunicoides populations under water-limited conditions. [Method] 2-year-old seedlings of herbaceous perennial P. tunicoides that was introduced into the experi- mental field were selected as the research objects. Under the well-watered and wa- ter-limited conditions, we conducted the comparative observation of leaf anatomical structure and stomatal characteristics of two populations by using paraffin slice method and imprinting method. [Result] The result showed that the upper cuticle of P. tunicoides leaves were thickened, the palisade tissue/spongy tissue ratio, vascular bundle diameter and number of xylem vessels in main vein had increased, the stomatal opening became smaller and the stomatal density had increased in winter- spring drought period under water-limited conditions. The plasticity of above traits could be regarded as the important indicators for detecting the responses of P. tunicoides populations to water-limited conditions. Meanwhile, variation amplitudes of these indicators were different among populations. Leaf anatomical structure and stomatal characteristics in Lijiang Axi population under water-limited conditions varied significantly, which might cause the stronger adaptability of this population to drought conditions. [Conclusion] This research provided a reference for the selection of drought-resistant P. tunicoides germplasm and exploration of the adaptive differentia- tion of P. tunicoides populations under natural drought conditions.

Influence of Shape and Size of Threshing Frame and Tobacco Grade on Leaf Strip Structure

This paper focused on the influence of the shape and size of threshing frames as well as the grades of tobacco leaves on the structure of threshed leaves.The testing tobacco leaves all came from the hilly ecological region of Nanling and belonged to burnt sweet,alcoholic sweet and scent category.The comprehensive evaluating value S was taken as the test index.Results showed that,without considering the influence of tobacco grade on leaf structure,the shapes of first-stage thresher five-link frames were all hexagons,and the combination with the sizes of 3.5,3.0,3.5,3.0,3.0 inches had the highest evaluating value S of 2.49.For tobacco grade C2FH,the shapes of first-stage thresher five-link frames were also hexagons,and the evaluating value S reached the highest value of 3.40 with sizes of 3.5,3.0,3.5,3.0,3.0 inches.Comprehensive analysis showed that:3.0 inch frame performed better in controlling the percentage of large-sized strips than 3.5 inch frame did;rhombic frames were better than hexagon frames in reducing the breakage rate of tobacco leaves;different shapes or sizes of nonadjacent two-link frames can help to improve the threshing quality.

Response of Leaf Tissue Structure to PP333 in Korla Fragrant Pear

[Objective] This study was performed to explore the effect of different concentrations of PP333 on leaf tissue structure of Korla fragrant pear and to lay the foundation for the cultivation and regulation of Korla fragrant pear. [Method] The leaf tissues treated with different concentrations of PP333 were dehydrated with al- cohol, embedded in paraffin and sliced into 10-μm slices. The thicknesses of leaf blade, upper epidermis, lower epidermis, palisade tissue and sponge tissue were measured, and the ratio of palisade to spongy layer thickness, cell tightness （CT） and cell looseness （CL） were calculated. [Result] The thickness of leaf blade, the ratio of palisade to sponge layer thickness and the thickness of palisade layer were all significantly increased after treatment with PP333. Treatment with 2 500 mg/L PP333 showed no obvious effect on the thickness of leaf epidermis, but increased the thicknesses of leaf blade and palisade tissue. Leaf CL was the highest in the treatment of 1 500 mg/L PP333. [Conclusion] PP333 can increase the leaf thickness, palisade tissue thickness and CT, reduce spongy tissue thickness and CL of Korla fragrant pear. Additionally, 1 500 mg/L was the optimal concentration for the application of PP333 to improve the cold resistance of Koda fragrant pear.

Response of Leaf Tissue Structure to Exogenous ABA in Korla Fragrant Pear

To study the effects of different concentrations of Abscisic Acid(ABA) on leaf tissue structure of Korla fragrant pear and lay the foundation for the cultivation and regulation of Korla fragrant pear. Using the paraffin section method, the leaf thickness, the epidermis thickness, the palisade tissue thickness and the sponge tissue thickness were measured; palisade spongy ratio, Cell Tightness(CT) and Cell Looseness(CL) were examined after treatments with exogenous ABA. Leaf thickness, leaf palisade spongy ratio and palisade tissue thickness increased significantly after exogenous ABA treatment compared with CK, while the effect on leaf epidermis was not obvious. The leaf thickness and palisade tissue thickness increased evidently after 70 mg · LABA treatment by 24.89% and 41.10%, respectively. The tissue structures of leaves were more compact, while CL was lower after 70 and 90 mg · LABA treatments. The effects of different concentrations of exogenous ABA could increase the leaf thickness, palisade tissue thickness of Korla fragrant pear and CT, reduced the thickness of spongy tissue and CL. Among those concentrations of exogenous ABA, the effect of spraying 70 mg · Lexogenous ABA was suitable for improving cold resistance of Korla fragrant pear.

Effects of Salt Stress on Anatomical Structure of Leaves of Malus sieversii and Malus robusta

[Objective] This study was conducted to compare leaf anatomical structure of Malus sieversii and M. robusta under different salt concentration levels to determine their tolerance to salt and thus to provide rootstock materials for apple production in salinized soil in Southern Xinjiang. [Method] The experiment was conducted with M. sieversii and M. robusta as test materials. Salt stress was simulated using 8 g/L of NaCI solution, and Hoagland nutrient solution was used instead of NaCI solution as control group （CK）. Samples were collected on the 20^th d of treatment, sliced through paraffin processing. The prepared paraffin sections of M. sieversii and M. robusta were then observed under a light microscope for anatomical structures of leaf, upper epidermis, lower epidermis, palisade tissue and spongy tissue. [Result] Compared with the control, the leaf, upper epidermis, lower epidermis and spongy tissue of M. sieversii and M. robusta under salt stress were thickened at different degrees, while the thickness of the palisade tissue was decreased. Moreover, high salt concentration caused severer damage to the cell structure of M. sieversii than to that of M. robusta, as M. robusta cells maintained better structural integrity. [Conclusion] M. robusta has higher adaptability to salt stress than M. sieversii.

Premature losses of leaf area in response to drought and insect herbivory through a leaf lifespan gradient

Implications of the differences in leaf life span are still subject to debate in the field of ecophysiology.Since leaf traits associated with these differences may be decisive for determining the distribution of tree species,this topic is particularly relevant in the context of climate change.This study analyzes the effects of the differences in leaf life span on premature losses of leaf area owing to insect herbivory and to abiotic stress.Loss of leaf area may be an important determinant of total leaf carbon assimilation.Seven Mediterranean tree species,distributed on four sites with different climates were studied.The species exhibited strong differences in leaf life span and in leaf traits,especially leaf mass per unit area.Premature leaf area losses were estimated in response to insect herbivory and summer drought over two years.The results revealed that,despite having older leaf cohorts with more damage,species with longer leaf duration had lower area lost to herbivores and less damage due to accelerated senescence during the summer drought.With respect to the predicted increase in water stress,deciduous species are at a disadvantage due to their high premature loss of leaf area and thus loss of photosynthetic capacity.

Anatomy, Histochemistry and Phytochemistry of Leaves in Aloe vera var. chinensis

A multidisciplinary approach-anatomy, histochemistry and phytochemistry-was used to investigate the leaf structure, the content and the storage location of barbaloin in the leaves of Aloe vera L. var. chinensis (Haw.) Berg. Xeromorphic characteristics including secondary thickened epidermal cell walls, thicker cuticle, ambiguous differentiation of spongy and palisade tissues in the chlorenchyma, and well-developed aquiferous tissue could be seen in the leaves. Several large parenchymatous cells were observed at the phloem pole of the first ring of vascular bundles. The secondary ring of vascular bundles in the leaf base and the stomata, which are surrounded by five cells, have some classification significance in this species. The density of vascular bundles, the content of barbaloin and the intensity of histochemical reaction differed among leaf numbers Ll (annual leaf), L2 (biennial leaf), L3 (triennial leaf) and L4 (quadrennial leaf), and in different parts of the leaf. These three factors were highest in the youngest leaf, Ll, and top parts of all the leaves and lowest in the basal parts and the oldest leaf, L4. The density of vascular bundles had a positive correlation to the content of barbaloin. The histochemical results revealed that the small sheath cells that surrounded the bundles might be the location of barbaloin synthesis and the large parenchymatous cells beneath the sheath might be the storage places of this metabolite.

Dust Retention Ability of Plants as a Factor Improving Environment Air

It is well known that air in industrial cities contains a significant amount of dust particles, smoke, and toxic gases. The increased number of vehicles has a direct impact on air quality resulting in the emission of exhaust gases, and the increase of dust concentration in air. In this article, we are describing the dust retention ability of plants depending on their leaf structure. Plant species were classified into three groups according to their dust-holding capacities. Dust retaining ability of plant species in conditions of high, average and low dust conditions described.

Effects of multiple but low pesticide loads on aquatic fungal communities colonizing leaf litter

In the first tier risk assessment（RA） of pesticides, risk for aquatic communities is estimated by using results from standard laboratory tests with algae, daphnids and fish for single pesticides such as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. However, fungi as key organisms for nutrient cycling in ecosystems as well as multiple pesticide applications are not considered in the RA. In this study, the effects of multiple low pesticide pulses using regulatory acceptable concentrations（RACs） on the dynamics of non-target aquatic fungi were investigated in a study using pond mesocosm. For that, fungi colonizing black alder（Alnus glutinosa） leaves were exposed to multiple, low pulses of 11 different pesticides over a period of 60 days using a real farmer＇s pesticide application protocol for apple cropping.Four pond mesocosms served as treatments and 4 as controls. The composition of fungal communities colonizing the litter material was analyzed using a molecular fingerprinting approach based on the terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism（t-RFLP） of the fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer（ITS） region of the ribonucleic acid（RNA） gene（s）. Our data indicated a clear fluctuation of fungal communities based on the degree of leaf litter degradation. However significant effects of the applied spraying sequence were not observed. Consequently also degradation rates of the litter material were not affected by the treatments. Our results indicate that the nutrient rich environment of the leaf litter material gave fungal communities the possibility to express genes that induce tolerance against the applied pesticides. Thus our data may not be transferred to other fresh water habitats with lower nutrient availability.

Biomimetic hydrophilic foam with micro/nano-scale porous hydrophobic surface for highly efficient solar-driven vapor generation

Solar-driven vapor generation by localized solar heating of a photothermal material is an environmentally friendly approach for seawater desalination and wastewater purification.In this work,inspired by the leaf transpiration in nature,we designed a novel bionic leaf to realize highly efficient solar vapor generation.The leaf-inspired three-dimensional(3D)material structure had a hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)foam layer(equivalence to the mesophyll tissue layer in a leaf)with high porosity and low thermal conductivity,a photothermal polypyrrole(PPy)layer(equivalence to the chlorophyll layer in a leaf)coated on the PVA foam,and a micro/nano-scale porous hydrophobic surface layer(equivalence to the stomal layer in a leaf).The PVA network had microchannels for water transportation and reducing water evaporation enthalpy,the PPy layer absorbed and converted solar energy to heat water locally,and the hydrophobic porous surface layer enhanced the rate of vapor escape.The asfabricated vapor generator based on the bionic-leaf structure achieved an impressive high evaporation rate of 3.09 kg m^(−2) h^(−1) under one sun irradiation(1 kW m^(−2)).The prototype vapor generator desalinated and purified brine and seawater successfully under natural sunlight.Such solar vapor generator based on the biomimetic structure provides a potential low-cost and highly efficient water purification technology to help mitigate the global water crisis using sustainable energy.