Seasonal variation in the composition of epicuticular waxes of quevcus robur leaves

Abstract

The epicuticular leaf waxes of Quercus robur were analyzed continuously over a two years vegetation period with preparation every week from April to November. The folded leaflets in buds have waxes quite different in yield and composition from those of mature leaves. They contain homologous series of hydrocarbons, wax esters, primary alcohols, fatty acids and triterpenoids from the beginning, but not aldehydes. After leaf unfolding a dynamic biosynthesis of alcohols, aldehydes and fatty acids is observed in May and June. Wax content is doubled per dry weight or in cm2 leaf surface area and 80-fold per one leaf in that time. During leaf development tetracosanol becomes the dominant epicuticular wax component comprising ca. 40% of the wax. In both years of the study a reactivation of wax ester biosynthesis is observed in October and November. Esters with chain length C36 and C38 increased particularly. From July to November the wax composition remained nearly constant within mean values and their standard deviations. Within the two years studied most values concerning wax composition are reproducible and are therefore genetically determined. In spring the growing processes are influenced by climatic factors. © 1992, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.