Allelopathic and Water Conserving Functions of Leaf Epicuticular Exudates in the Mediterranean Shrub Dittrichia viscosa

Abstract

The possible ecophysiological roles of the water soluble, epicuticular material accumulated on the leaves of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) W.Greuter (syn. Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton) (Asteraceae), were investigated in laboratory experiments. It was found that: (a) the material reduced cuticular transpiration; (b) it had a strong absorbance in the ultraviolet, apparently offering the leaves an ultraviolet-B radiation screen; (c) removal of this material, however, and exposure of the leaves to visible light supplemented with ultraviolet-B radiation had no effects on photosystem II photochemical efficiency or stomatal functions and caused no epidermal browning; and (d) the material was strongly inhibitory against germination of lettuce seeds and caused considerable decrease in the radicle length of Phlomis fruticosa L., a species often occupying the same habitat as D. viscosa. We infer from the above that D. viscosa leaves may be resistant to ultraviolet-B radiation damage and, accordingly, the water conservation and allelopathic functions of the epicuticular material may predominate over its potential to protect against ultraviolet-B radiation.