Alteration of Leaf Surface Structures of Poplars under Elevated Air Temperature and Carbon Dioxide Concentration

Abstract

Effects of elevated air temperature and carbon dioxide (<TEX>$CO_2$</TEX>) concentration on the leaf surface structures were investigated in Liriodendron tulipifera (yellow poplar) and Populus tomentiglandulosa (Suwon poplar). Cuttings of the two tree species were exposed to elevated air temperatures at <TEX>$27/22^{\circ}C$</TEX> (day/night) and <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> concentrations at 770/790 ppm for three months. The abaxial leaf surface of yellow poplar under an ambient condition (<TEX>$22/17^{\circ}C$</TEX> and 380/400 ppm) had stomata and epicuticular waxes (transversely ridged rodlets). A prominent increase in the density of epicuticular waxes was found on the leaves under the elevated condition. Meanwhile, the abaxial leaf surface of Suwon poplar under an ambient condition was covered with long trichomes. The leaves under the elevated condition possessed a higher amount of long trichomes than those under the ambient condition. These results suggest that the two poplar species may change their leaf surface structures under the elevated air temperature and <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> concentration condition for acclimation of increased photosynthesis.