J. Chris Stiegler1, Mike Richardson2, Doug Karcher3, Derrick Oosterhuis4, Brad Murphy3, and Sandy Goeke5. (1) University of Arkansas, 316 Plant Sciences Bldg., University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, (2) 316 Plant Sciences Building, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas, Department of Horticulture, Fayetteville, AR 72701, (3) Horticulture, University of Arkansas, 316 Plant Science Bldg., Fayetteville, AR 72701, (4) 1366 W Altheimer Dr., University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas, Dept. Crop Soil & Env. Sciences, Fayetteville, AR 72704, (5) Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, 217 Plant Sciences Bldg., Fayetteville, AR 72701
The leaf cuticle is a thin (~30µm), waxy protective layer that envelops the outermost portion of a leaf, enabling plants to avoid uncontrolled evaporative water loss and leaching of nutrients during irrigation or rainfall. It also serves to shield plant leaves from insect, fungal, and foreign chemical penetration. From a crop management perspective, the cuticle is also the initial point of contact for foliar-applied chemicals and fertilizers and it has a significant effect on the absorption of sprayed solutions. Previous research has shown that the plant cuticle is dynamic and responds to leaf age, environmental changes, and varies among plant species. However, little is known about the nature of the leaf cuticle layer in turfgrasses or the factors that may affect it. A study was conducted to comprehensively analyze the turfgrass leaf cuticle of a cool-season (Agrostis stolonifera var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. cv. ‘Penn A1') and warm-season (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy cv. ‘Tifeagle') turfgrass species. Leaf tissue samples were examined for the following parameters: thickness of the cuticle, leaf cuticle surface morphology, total wax content of leaf surfaces, and cuticular wax composition. Data were obtained using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, hexane wax extraction, and gas chromatography of cuticle components. Results indicate that the cuticle of turfgrass species is affected by grass species and is likely affected by environmental changes. The information obtained from these studies will be useful in the development and efficacy of foliar-applied chemicals and fertilizers in high-maintenance turfgrass areas.