Effects of acid fog on cuticular permeability and cation leaching in holly (Ilex aquifolium)

M. G. Barker*, T. W. Ashenden

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Young holly plants were exposed for up to 9 months to simulated acid fog at a chemical composition, pH range and deposition pattern consistent with those reported for an elevated site in northwest England. Plants were exposed to acid fog at pH 5.6 (control), pH 4.5, pH 3.5 and pH 2.5. Water permeability was higher in enzyme-isolated cuticles from low-pH leaves. Foliar leaching amounts of Mg2+, Ca2+ were higher in leaves exposed to lower pH acid fog. Similar effects for K+ leaching rates were not significant. Increases in cuticular permeability and cation leaching were not accompanied by any observable changes in surface structure, as revealed by studies with wettability and extractable wax. It is suggested that any changes in cuticular functioning were the result of alterations to the intracuticular rather than epicuticular structure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)291-306
Number of pages16
JournalAgriculture, Ecosystems and Environment
Volume42
Issue number3-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 1992

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We are grateful for the valuable help provided by Leena Rapponen (AAS analysis), Phil Smith (transpiration chamber construction), Ray Rafarel and Sam Bell (acid fog facilities ). Acknowledgement is made of the valuable discussions with Professor T.A. Mansfield, Dr. K. Lendzian, Dr. G. Kerstiens and Dr. J. Wolfenden. Financial support for one author (MB) was provided by a NERC CASE award.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of acid fog on cuticular permeability and cation leaching in holly (Ilex aquifolium)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this