Plant surface properties in chemical ecology

Abstract

The surface of the primary aerial parts of terrestrial plants is covered by a cuticle, which has crucial autecological functions, but also serves as an important interface in trophic interactions. The chemical and physical properties of this layer contribute to these functions. The cuticle is composed of the cuticular layer and the cuticle proper, which is covered by epicuticular waxes. Whereas the cutin fraction is a polyester-type biopolymer composed of hydroxyl and hydroxyepoxy fatty acids, the cuticular waxes are a complex mixture of long-chain aliphatic and cyclic compounds. These highly lipophilic compounds determine the hydrophobic quality of the plant surface and, together with the microstructure of the waxes, vary in a species-specific manner. The physicochemical characteristics contribute to certain optical features, limit transpiration, and influence adhesion of particles and organisms. In chemical ecology, where interactions between organisms and the underlying (allelo-) chemical principles are studied, it is important to determine what is present at this interface between the plant and the environment. Several useful equations can allow estimation of the dissolution of a given organic molecule in the cuticle and its transport properties. The implementation of these equations is exemplified by examining glucosinolates, which play an important role in interactions of plants with other organisms. An accurate characterization of physicochemical properties of the plant surface is needed to understand its ecological significance. Here, we summarize current knowledge about the physical and chemical properties of plant cuticles and their role in interactions with microorganisms, phytophagous insects, and their antagonists.