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Fernández V, Almonte L, Bahamonde HA, Galindo-Bernabeu A, Sáenz-Arce G, Colchero J. Chemical and structural heterogeneity of olive leaves and their trichomes. Commun Biol 2024; 7:352. [PMID: 38519601 PMCID: PMC10960044 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Many biological surfaces have hairs, known as trichomes in plants. Here, the wettability and macro- and micro-scale features of olive leaves are analyzed. The upper leaf side has few trichomes, while the lower side has a high trichome density. By combining different techniques including electron and atomic force microscopy, trichome surfaces are found to be chemically (hydrophilic-hydrophobic) heterogeneous at the nano-scale. Both olive leaf surfaces are wettable by water, having a high water contact angle hysteresis and great drop adhesion. The ultra-structural pattern observed for epidermal pavement cells differs from the reticulate cuticle structure of trichomes which shows that leaf surface areas may be substantially different despite being located nearby. Our study provides evidence for the nano-scale chemical heterogeneity of a trichome which may influence the functional properties of biological surfaces, such as water and solute permeability or water capture as discussed here for plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Fernández
- Department of Systems and Natural Resources, School of Forest Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/ José Antonio Nováis, 10, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro para la Conservación de la Biodiversidad y el Desarrollo Sostenible, E.T.S.I. Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Lisa Almonte
- Centro de Investigación en Óptica y Nanofísica, Departamento de Física, Campus Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Applied Physics Department, Universidad de Alicante, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - Héctor Alejandro Bahamonde
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Diagonal 113 No 469, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ana Galindo-Bernabeu
- Centro de Investigación en Óptica y Nanofísica, Departamento de Física, Campus Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN), Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Giovanni Sáenz-Arce
- Centro de Investigación en Óptica y Nanofísica, Departamento de Física, Campus Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Jaime Colchero
- Centro de Investigación en Óptica y Nanofísica, Departamento de Física, Campus Espinardo, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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Pimentel C, Pina CM, Müller N, Lara LA, Melo Rodriguez G, Orlando F, Schoelkopf J, Fernández V. Mineral Particles in Foliar Fertilizer Formulations Can Improve the Rate of Foliar Uptake. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:71. [PMID: 38202379 PMCID: PMC10780703 DOI: 10.3390/plants13010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The application of foliar sprays of suspensions of relatively insoluble essential element salts is gradually becoming common, chiefly with the introduction of nano-technology approaches in agriculture. However, there is controversy about the effectiveness of such sparingly soluble nutrient sources as foliar fertilizers. In this work, we focussed on analysing the effect of adding Ca-carbonate (calcite, CaCO3) micro- and nano-particles as model sparingly soluble mineral compounds to foliar fertilizer formulations in terms of increasing the rate of foliar absorption. For these purposes, we carried out short-term foliar application experiments by treating leaves of species with variable surface features and wettability rates. The leaf absorption efficacy of foliar formulations containing a surfactant and model soluble nutrient sources, namely Ca-chloride (CaCl2), magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), potassium nitrate (KNO3), or zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), was evaluated alone or after addition of calcite particles. In general, the combination of the Ca-carbonate particles with an essential element salt had a synergistic effect and improved the absorption of Ca and the nutrient element provided. In light of the positive effects of using calcite particles as foliar formulation adjuvants, dolomite nano- and micro-particles were also tested as foliar formulation additives, and the results were also positive in terms of increasing foliar uptake. The observed nutrient element foliar absorption efficacy can be partially explained by geochemical modelling, which enabled us to predict how these formulations will perform at least in chemical terms. Our results show the major potential of adding mineral particles as foliar formulation additives, but the associated mechanisms of action and possible additional benefits to plants should be characterised in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pimentel
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, IRD, Université Gustave Eiffel, ISTerre, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Carlos M. Pina
- Departamento de Mineralogía y Petrología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Geociencias (UCM-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nora Müller
- New Applications Research Group, Research and Development Services, Omya International AG, 4622 Egerkingen, Switzerland; (N.M.); (G.M.R.); (F.O.); (J.S.)
| | - Luis Adrián Lara
- Systems and Natural Resources Department, School of Forest Engineering, Polytechnic University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gabriela Melo Rodriguez
- New Applications Research Group, Research and Development Services, Omya International AG, 4622 Egerkingen, Switzerland; (N.M.); (G.M.R.); (F.O.); (J.S.)
| | - Fabrizio Orlando
- New Applications Research Group, Research and Development Services, Omya International AG, 4622 Egerkingen, Switzerland; (N.M.); (G.M.R.); (F.O.); (J.S.)
| | - Joachim Schoelkopf
- New Applications Research Group, Research and Development Services, Omya International AG, 4622 Egerkingen, Switzerland; (N.M.); (G.M.R.); (F.O.); (J.S.)
| | - Victoria Fernández
- Systems and Natural Resources Department, School of Forest Engineering, Polytechnic University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro para la Conservación de la Biodiversidad y el Desarrollo Sostenible, School of Forest Engineering, Polytechnic University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Henningsen JN, Görlach BM, Quintero JM, Garrido RR, Mühling KH, Fernández V. Leaf wettability is the main driver for foliar P uptake in P-deficient maize. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 205:108170. [PMID: 38008008 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Foliar fertilisation is an alternative form of nutrient application, which is of particular interest for phosphorus (P), where the efficiency of soil fertilisation is low. However, the uptake of foliar-applied nutrients is insufficiently characterised. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and combined significance of wettability, foliar fertiliser properties and surfactant on foliar P uptake in P-deficient maize (Zea mays L.). Sorption and desorption properties of two P salts used as foliar fertilisers (KH2PO4, K2HPO4) were determined with dynamic vapor sorption isotherms. Leaf surfaces and foliar spray depositions of two differently wettable maize cultivars were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurement. Phosphorus uptake was then linked to leaf and fertiliser solution properties and its effect on cell ultrastructure was characterised by transmission electron microscopy. Wettability was the key factor for P absorption, as all foliar fertilisers were taken up reaching a tissue-P level of adequately nourished plants. For unwettable leaves, only solutions with surfactant, especially the combination of surfactant and hygroscopic P salt (K2HPO4) were taken up. This study provides novel insights into the significance of leaf surface and fertiliser properties, which can thus contribute to an improvement of P fertilisation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Niklas Henningsen
- Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Kiel University, Hermann-Rodewald-Straße 2, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Bruno Maximilian Görlach
- Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Kiel University, Hermann-Rodewald-Straße 2, 24118, Kiel, Germany; German Agricultural Society e.V., 60489, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - José Manuel Quintero
- Departamento de Agronomía, ETSIA, Universidad de Sevilla, Ctra. de Utrera, km 1, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Ramiro Recena Garrido
- Departamento de Agronomía, ETSIA, Universidad de Sevilla, Ctra. de Utrera, km 1, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Karl Hermann Mühling
- Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Kiel University, Hermann-Rodewald-Straße 2, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Victoria Fernández
- Systems and Natural Resources Department, School of Forest Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Henningsen JN, Venturas MD, Quintero JM, Garrido RR, Mühling KH, Fernández V. Leaf surface features of maize cultivars and response to foliar phosphorus application: effect of leaf stage and plant phosphorus status. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2023; 175:e14093. [PMID: 38148186 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Soil phosphorus (P) application is the most common fertilisation technique but may involve constraints due to chemical fixation and microbial immobilisation. Furthermore, excessive P fertilisation leads to P runoff into water bodies, threatening ecosystems, so targeted foliar P fertilisation is an interesting alternative. This study aimed to determine the importance of leaf surface characteristics for foliar P uptake in P-deficient maize (Zea mays L.). The leaf surface of four maize cultivars was characterised by electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. Uptake of foliar-applied P by maize cultivars was estimated, measuring also leaf photosynthetic rates after foliar P spraying. Plants of cultivar P7948 were found to be wettable from the 4th leaf in acropetal direction, whereas other cultivars were unwettable until the 6th leaf had developed. Minor variations in stomatal number and cuticle composition were recorded, but no differences in foliar P absorption were observed between cultivars. Nevertheless, cultivars showed variation in the improvement of photosynthetic capacity following foliar P application. Phosphorus deficiency resulted in ultrastructural disorganisation of mesophyll cells and chloroplasts, which impaired photosynthetic performance, yet there was no effect on stomatal frequency and leaf wettability. This study provides new insights into the influence of P deficiency and cultivar on leaf surface characteristics, foliar P uptake and its effect on physiological processes. Understanding the relationships between leaf characteristics and P uptake allows a more targeted evaluation of foliar P fertilisation as an application technique and contributes to the understanding of foliar uptake mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin David Venturas
- Systems and Natural Resources Department, School of Forest Engineering, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Victoria Fernández
- Systems and Natural Resources Department, School of Forest Engineering, Madrid, Spain
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Barlas NT, Bahamonde HA, Pimentel C, Domínguez-Huidobro P, Pina CM, Fernández V. Evaluating Leaf Wettability and Salt Hygroscopicity as Drivers for Foliar Absorption. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2357. [PMID: 37375982 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of foliar absorption of magnesium (Mg) salts with different deliquescence and efflorescence relative humidity values (DRH and ERH, also known as point of deliquescence (POD) and point of efflorescence (POE), respectively) when supplied to leaves of model plants with different wettability properties. For this purpose, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with lettuce (very wettable), broccoli (highly unwettable) and leek (highly unwettable). Foliar sprays contained 0.1% surfactant plus 100 mM Mg supplied as MgCl2·6H2O, Mg(NO3)2·6H2O or MgSO4·7H2O. Leaf Mg concentrations were determined 1 and 7 days after foliar application. Anion concentrations were also measured in lettuce where a significant foliar Mg absorption was detected. Leaf wettability, leaf surface free energy and fertilizer drop deposit appearance onto the foliage were assessed. It is concluded that despite including a surfactant in the spray formulation, leaf wettability plays a major role in foliar Mg absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neriman Tuba Barlas
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Héctor Alejandro Bahamonde
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Diagonal 113 No. 469, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Carlos Pimentel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, IRD, Univ. Gustave Eiffel, ISTerre, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Pedro Domínguez-Huidobro
- Departamento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, CC/José Antonio Novais 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos M Pina
- Departamento de Mineralogía y Petrología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais, 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Geociencias IGEO (UCM-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Fernández
- Departamento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, CC/José Antonio Novais 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro para la Conservación de la Biodiversidad y el Desarrollo Sostenible, E.T.S.I. Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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