Leaf Patterns Research Articles

Hydraulic strategy defines contrasting responses to an abrupt precipitation during a successive lethal drought

BackgroundAs precipitation patterns are predicted to become more erratic, it’s vital to understand how abrupt climate events will affect woody seedlings that develop different hydraulic strategies. We cultivated anisohydric Robinia pseudoacacia L. and isohydric Quercus acutissima Carr. in a greenhouse, and subjected an abrupt precipitation event during a successive drought. Patterns of leaf and root gas exchange, leaf and stem hydraulics, seedlings growth, and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) patterns were determined.ResultsWe found that as an anisohydric species, R. pseudoacacia seedlings adopted a strategy of sacrificing leaves in response to stress, resulting in the lowered photosynthesis and ultimately leading to a decrease in NSC accumulation. In contrast, isohydric Q. acutissima maintained the integrity of leaves by reducing respiratory consumption in response to drought stress, thereby ensured the stability of NSC pool.ConclusionR. pseudoacacia exhibited an extravagant strategy with efficient water transport, photosynthetic assimilation, and growth capabilities, but its resistance to embolism was relatively weak, while Q. acutissima adopted a resource-saving strategy with higher hydraulic safety. We also found that Q. acutissima seedlings were prone to allocate carbohydrates to maintain growth, while R. pseudoacacia preferred to sacrifice growth and aboveground NSC limitation only happened when precipitation was subjected after total stomatal closure. We thus believe that hydraulic strategy could define seedlings responses to drought and recovery, and further may adversely affect their re-sprouting capacity after drought stress relief.

Heteroblasty in Conchocarpus heterophyllus (A.St.-Hil.) Kallunki & Pirani (Rutaceae): An approach of leaf development from the unifoliolate leaves

Heteroblasty is a phenomenon marked by abrupt changes in the development of organs of certain species. In our research on Conchocarpus heterophyllus, a shrub with palmately arranged leaflets ranging from 3(4) to 5(–7), we observed significant variations in leaf patterns between seedlings, young plants, and plants in the reproductive phase, indicating transition events during plant development. The focus of this study is to thoroughly investigate these events of heteroblasty and heterophylly in C. heterophyllus, with new evidence of the unifoliolate condition in Rutaceae. Morphological and anatomical observations were conducted from mature leaves of individuals at different stages of development. The results show that the heteroblasty in C. heterophyllus is marked by changes in leaf patterns across three stages. In stage 1, seedlings exclusively produce unifoliolate leaves from the first foliage leaf. After the eighth to tenth node from the cotyledons, heterophylly becomes evident with the emergence of leaves containing 2–3 leaflets, in addition to unifoliolate leaves, characterizing the second stage. The third stage is defined by the onset of the reproductive phase, marked by the presence of inflorescences. In this stage, the leaf complexity varies, with the number of leaflets ranging from 2 to 5, and unifoliolate leaves are lacking. Furthermore, our study identified the occurrence of vascular traces of leaflets in the swollen region located at the apex of the petiole of all unifoliolate leaves, occurring in stages 1 and 2. These vascular traces are interpreted as remnants of the lost lateral leaflets in unifoliolate leaves and represent novel evidence of this special condition in compound leaves. Heteroblasty in C. heterophyllus is a genetically controlled phenomenon, and consequently, prospective investigations involving microRNAs, particularly microRNAs 156 and 172, have the potential to provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the transition between different phases.

Morphological characteristics of Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) in Timor-Leste and their correlation with the climatic conditions

Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) is native to the forests of Timor-Leste, with cultivation starting in 2017. This study examined the morphological characteristics and nutrient content of porang from six gardens across Timor-Leste, assessing relationships with climatic factors. Various morphological traits and climate variables, including elevation, were measured. Nutrient analysis of porang tubers utilized chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques, while principal component analysis helped identify links between morphology, nutrient content, and abiotic factors. Despite some qualitative similarities, such as colour and leaf patterns, significant differences were noted in measurable traits. Findings indicated that environmental conditions significantly influenced porang growth. For instance, higher air humidity in the Bobonaro District positively affected plant height and canopy width. In contrast, elevated temperatures and soil conductivity in the Liquiça District influenced leaf venation. The Aileu District exhibited the highest bulbil abundance, while larger tubers were found in the Ermera District, which is at a higher elevation. The Manufahi District had rich organic carbon content, and porang in Manatuto, with higher soil pH, produced more bulbils. However, drought conditions in Manatuto led to moisture loss and partial tuber decay. The highest glucomannan concentration was found in tubers from Bobonaro (10.25%), followed by Liquiça (9.87%) and Ermera (9.81%). Overall, environmental factors like elevation, soil temperature, and humidity significantly impacted porang characteristics and yield.

Approaches for Genetic Analysis of Chickpea Genotypes under Late Sown Condition

Investigation of the genetic potential of chickpeas is crucial in order to achieve durable and high-yielding genotypes. The goal of this study is to identify the genetic potential and personality traits associated. Evaluation of thirty-six desi genotypes of chickpea under late sown condition revealed that substantial degree of variation was present, while three traits viz., Leaf pattern, flower colour, seed shape and plant pigmentation were found monomorphic, whereas foliage colour, seed surface were dimorphic,polymorphic traits were noted in leaflet size, plant growth habit, plant height, seed colouring, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. Magnitude of genotypic coefficient ofvariations, high heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean recorded forharvest index, number of seeds per plant, number of pods per plant and number of effective pods per plant.Correlation and path analysis revealed biological yield, 100 seed weight, seed per plant, harvest Index and plant height are the mostimportant characters,while imparting selection as these exhibited strong association and maximum positive direct effects on seed yield per plant.Intra cluster D2 values showed that most diverse genotypes were Phule G13110 and PG 0104, hybridization program between these genotypes may generate desirable sergeants for various yield attributing traits. Genotypes GL 12021, PG 158, PG 0104, JG 24, H 12-62, IPC 2010-134, GNG 2261, GL29098, BG 3067, IPC 2012-98, Phule G13110 and RVSSG 38 were present in more than one PCs hence contributed maximum towards yield and can be used in various breeding programmes for yield improvement under late sown condition.

Image-Based Quantitative Analysis of Epidermal Morphology in Wild Potato Leaves.

The epidermal leaf patterns of plants exhibit remarkable diversity in cell shapes, sizes, and arrangements, driven by environmental interactions that lead to significant adaptive changes even among closely related species. The Solanaceae family, known for its high diversity of adaptive epidermal structures, has traditionally been studied using qualitative phenotypic descriptions. To advance this, we developed a workflow combining multi-scale computer vision, image processing, and data analysis to extract digital descriptors for leaf epidermal cell morphology. Applied to nine wild potato species, this workflow quantified key morphological parameters, identifying descriptors for trichomes, stomata, and pavement cells, and revealing interdependencies among these traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted two main axes, accounting for 45% and 21% of variance, corresponding to features such as guard cell shape, trichome length, stomatal density, and trichome density. These axes aligned well with the historical and geographical origins of the species, separating southern from Central American species, and forming distinct clusters for monophyletic groups. This workflow thus establishes a quantitative foundation for investigating leaf epidermal cell morphology within phylogenetic and geographic contexts.

Systematic profiling and analysis of growth and development responsive DE-lncRNAs in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial role in regulating genes involved in various processes including growth & development, flowering, and stress response in plants. The study aims to identify and characterize tissue-specific, growth & development and floral responsive differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) in cluster bean from a high-throughput RNA sequencing data. We have identified 3309 DE-lncRNAs, with an average length of 818 bp. Merely, around 4 % of DE-lncRNAs across the tissues were found to be conserved as rate of evolution of lncRNAs is high. Among the identified DE-lncRNAs, 204 were common in leaf vs. shoot, leaf vs. flower and flower vs. shoot. A total of 60 DE-lncRNAs targeted 10 protein-coding genes involved in flower development and initiation processes. We investigated 179 tissue-specific DE-lncRNAs based on tissue specificity index. Three DE-lncRNAs: Cb_lnc_0820, Cb_lnc_0430, Cb_lnc_0260 and their target genes show their involvement in floral development and stress mechanisms, which were validated by Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The identified DE-lncRNAs were expressed higher in flower bud than in leaf and similar expression pattern was observed in both RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analyses. Notably, 362 DE-lncRNAs were predicted as eTM-lncRNAs with the participation of 84 miRNAs. Whereas 46 DE-lncRNAs were predicted to possess the internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES) and can encode for small peptides. The regulatory networks established between DE-lncRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs have provided an insight into their association with plant growth & development, flowering, and stress mechanisms. Comprehensively, the characterization of DE-lncRNAs in various tissues of cluster bean shed a light on interactions among lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs and help understand their involvement in growth & development and floral initiation processes. The information retrieved from the analyses was shared in the public domain in the form of a database: Cb-DElncRNAdb, and made available at http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/Cb-DElncRNA/index.php, which may be useful for the scientific community engaged cluster bean research.

The Effects of Auxin Transport Inhibition on the Formation of Various Leaf and Vein Patterns.

Polar auxin transport (PAT) is a known component controlling leaf complexity and venation patterns in some model plant species. Evidence indicates that PAT generates auxin converge points (CPs) that in turn lead to local leaf formation and internally into major vein formation. However, the role of PAT in more diverse leaf arrangements and vein patterns is largely unknown. We used the pharmacological inhibition of PAT in developing pinnate tomato, trifoliate clover, palmate lupin, and bipinnate carrot leaves and observed dosage-dependent reduction to simple leaves in these eudicots. Leaf venation patterns changed from craspedodromous (clover, carrot), semi-craspedodromous (tomato), and brochidodromous (lupin) to more parallel patterning with PAT inhibition. The visualization of auxin responses in transgenic tomato plants showed that discrete and separate CPs in control plants were replaced by diffuse convergence areas near the margin. These effects indicate that PAT plays a universal role in the formation of different leaf and vein patterns in eudicot species via a mechanism that depends on the generation as well as the separation of auxin CPs. Computer simulations indicate that variations in PAT can alter the number of CPs, corresponding leaf lobe formation, and the position of major leaf veins along the leaf margin in support of experimental results.

CNN driven nutrient deficiency detection in plants using real-world leaf images

In agriculture, our farmers currently lack efficient methods to classify and identify plant nutrient deficiencies or diseases, leading to ineffective remedial measures. However, the potential for early detection of plant nutrient deficiencies using colour gradients or leaf patterns, coupled with the advancements in Image Processing, Deep Learning (DL), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), offers a promising future. This paper presents deep learning-based methods to segregate nutrient deficiencies using leaf images, a potential game-changer for the industry. Our research has the potential to revolutionize plant nutrition management, inspiring a new wave of efficient and effective practices in agriculture. We analyzed the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) dataset and applied an image augmentation mechanism to enhance the training process with the available dataset. By utilizing Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and learning algorithms, we minimised loss and improved accuracy. The model, incorporating over 1.5 million parameters, has shown promising results in predicting deficiencies accurately. We propose an SGD-based training mechanism to balance localization and classification tasks, a step towards a more efficient and effective approach to plant nutrition management.

Multi-Dimensional Modelling of Bioinspired Flow Channels Based on Plant Leaves for PEM Electrolyser

The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyser (PEMWE) has gained significant interest among various electrolysis methods due to its ability to produce highly purified, compressed hydrogen. The spatial configuration of bipolar plates and their flow channel patterns play a critical role in the efficiency and longevity of the PEM water electrolyser. Optimally designed flow channels ensure uniform pressure and velocity distribution across the stack, enabling high-pressure operation and facilitating high current densities. This study uses flow channel geometry inspired by authentic vine leaf patterns found in biomass, based on various plant leaves, including Soybean, Victoria Amazonica, Water Lily, Nelumbo Nucifera, Kiwi, and Acalypha Hispida leaves, as a novel channel pattern to design a PEM bipolar plate with a circular cross-section area of 13.85 cm2. The proposed bipolar design is further analysed with COMSOL Multiphysics to integrate the conservation of mass and momentum, molecular diffusion (Maxwell–Stefan), charge transfer equations, and other fabrication factors into a cohesive single-domain model. The simulation results showed that the novel designs have the most uniform velocity profile, lower pressure drop, superior pressure distribution, and heightened mixture homogeneity compared to the traditional serpentine models.

Morphological Traits and Biomass Allocation of Leymus secalinus along Habitat Gradient in a Floodplain Wetland of the Heihe River, China

Plant organ biomass allocation and morphological characteristics are important functional traits. The responses of plant root, stem, and leaf traits to heterogeneous habitats in floodplain wetlands are highly important for understanding the ecological adaptation strategies of riparian plants. However, the patterns of these responses remain unclear. In a floodplain wetland in the middle reaches of the Heihe River, we studied the responses of the root, stem, and leaf morphological traits and biomass allocation of Leymus secalinus to varying habitat conditions. We measured these traits in three sample plots, delineated based on distance from the riverbank: plot I (near the riparian zone, 50–150 m from the riverbank), plot II (middle riparian zone, 200–300 m from the riverbank), and plot III (far riparian zone, 350–450 m from the riverbank). The results showed that in plot I, L. secalinus tended to have slender roots and stems and small leaves, with a biomass allocation strategy that maximized the root–shoot ratio (RSR). In plot II, L. secalinus had thick stems and moderate leaf and root patterns, and the RSR values were between those of plot I and plot III. In plot III, L. secalinus had thin and short stems and large leaves; furthermore, among the root morphological structures, plot III had the shortest Rhizome length (RL) and longest Rhizome diameter (RD), and the RSR was the lowest. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between organ biomass and leaf thickness, stem length, RD, and RL in the three habitats (p < 0.05). By balancing the biomass allocation among organs, wetland plants in floodplains balance changes in root, stem, and leaf morphological characteristics to improve their environmental adaptation.

Global leaf sulfur stoichiometry and the relationships with nitrogen and phosphorus: phylogeny, growth form and environmental controls.

Sulfur (S) is an essential bioelement with vital roles in serving regulatory and catalytic functions and tightly coupled with N and P in plants. However, globally stoichiometric patterns of leaf S and its relationships to leaf N and P are less well studied. We compiled 31 939 records of leaf-based data for 2600 plant species across 6652 sites worldwide. All plant species were divided into different phylogenetic taxa and growth forms. Standard major axis analysis was employed to fit the bivariate element relationships. A phylogenetic linear mixed-effect model and a multiple-regression model were used to partition the variations of bioelements into phylogeny and environments, and then to estimate the importance of environmental variables. Global geometric mean leaf S, N and P concentrations were 1.44, 15.70 and 1.27 mg g-1, respectively, with significant differences among plant groups. Leaf S-N-P positively correlated with each other, ignoring plant groups. The scaling exponents of LN-LS, LP-LS and LN-LP were 0.64, 0.76 and 0.79, respectively, for all species, but differed among plant groups. Both phylogeny and environments regulated the bioelements. The variability, rather than mean temperature, controlled the bioelements. Phylogeny explained more for the concentrations of all the three bioelements than environments, of which S was the one most affected by phylogenetic taxa.

Environmental versus phylogenetic controls on leaf nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations in vascular plants

Global patterns of leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry have been interpreted as reflecting phenotypic plasticity in response to the environment, or as an overriding effect of the distribution of species growing in their biogeochemical niches. Here, we balance these contrasting views. We compile a global dataset of 36,413 paired observations of leaf N and P concentrations, taxonomy and 45 environmental covariates, covering 7,549 sites and 3,700 species, to investigate how species identity and environmental variables control variations in mass-based leaf N and P concentrations, and the N:P ratio. We find within-species variation contributes around half of the total variation, with 29%, 31%, and 22% of leaf N, P, and N:P variation, respectively, explained by environmental variables. Within-species plasticity along environmental gradients varies across species and is highest for leaf N:P and lowest for leaf N. We identified effects of environmental variables on within-species variation using random forest models, whereas effects were largely missed by widely used linear mixed-effect models. Our analysis demonstrates a substantial influence of the environment in driving plastic responses of leaf N, P, and N:P within species, which challenges reports of a fixed biogeochemical niche and the overriding importance of species distributions in shaping global patterns of leaf N and P.

Recognition of Medicinal Plant Leaf Patterns Using Morphology-Based and GLCM Feature Extraction

Recognition of Medicinal Plant Leaf Patterns Using Morphology-Based and GLCM Feature Extraction

High nutrient utilization and resorption efficiency promote bamboo expansion and invasion

Bamboos are fast-growing, aggressively-spreading, and invasive woody clonal species that often encroach upon adjacent tree plantations, forming bamboo–tree mixed plantations. However, the effects of bamboo invasion on leaf carbon (C) assimilation, and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) utilization characteristics remains unclear. We selected four different stands of Pleioblastus amarus invading Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations to investigate the concentrations, stoichiometry, and allometric growth relationships of mature and withered leaves of young and old bamboos, analyzing N and P utilization and resorption patterns. The stand type, bamboo age, and their interaction affected the concentrations, stoichiometry and allometric growth patterns of leaf C, N, and P in both old and young bamboos, as well as the N and P resorption efficiency. Bamboo invasion into Chinese fir plantations decreased leaf C, N, and P concentrations, C:N and C:P ratios, N and P resorption efficiency, and allometric growth exponents among leaf C, N, and P, while it only slightly altered N:P ratios. PLS-PM analysis revealed that bamboo invasion negatively impacted leaf C, N, and P concentrations, as well as N and P utilization and resorption. The results indicate that high N and P utilization and resorption efficiency, along with the mutual sharing of C, N, and P among bamboos in interface zones, promote continuous bamboo expansion and invasion. Collectively, these findings highlight the significance of N and P utilization and resorption in bamboo expansion and invasion and provide valuable guidance for the establishment of mixed stands and the ecological management of bamboo forests.

Consumer Satisfaction Regarding Anthurium Ornamental Plants (A case study conducted in Nglurah Village, Tawangmangu District, Karanganya Regency)

Ornamental plants encompass a wide array of plant species cultivated for their aesthetic beauty, resulting in diverse variations. Anthurium, known for its varied leaf patterns, presents an advantage in facilitating the creation of new hybrids. This study aims to identify and examine the characteristics of Anthurium ornamental plant consumers and analyze their satisfaction levels in Dusun Nglurah, Tawangmangu District, Karanganyar Regency. Employing a qualitative research method, this study utilized accidental sampling for data collection, incorporating both primary and secondary data sources through questionnaires and interviews. Findings reveal that the highest percentage of consumer satisfaction with Anthurium ornamental plants falls within the 20-30 age group (31%), predominantly comprising high school graduates (69%) employed as shop assistants, private sector employees, civil servants, farmers, or banking professionals (40%). Furthermore, 73% of consumers visit ornamental plant centers, with 67% citing plant variety as their primary purchase motivation. The majority of consumers (72%) purchase fewer than three plants, preferring a maximum price range of 0-5 million Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) (85%). Anthurium is the preferred plant species among consumers (53%), typically displayed in pots (WS = 0.84). Attributes such as rarity, uniqueness, variety, and price of the plants also scored a WS value of 0.84. Overall consumer satisfaction with Anthurium ornamental plants at the Ornamental Plant Center falls within the "satisfied" category, with a CSI value of 83.80%.

GRAS transcription factor PINNATE-LIKE PENTAFOLIATA2 controls compound leaf morphogenesis in Medicago truncatula.

The milestone of compound leaf development is the generation of separate leaflet primordia during the early stages, which involves two linked but distinct morphogenetic events: leaflet initiation and boundary establishment for leaflet separation. Although some progress in understanding the regulatory pathways for each event have been made, it is unclear how they are intrinsically coordinated. Here, we identify the PINNATE-LIKE PENTAFOLIATA2 (PINNA2) gene encoding a newly identified GRAS transcription factor in Medicago truncatula. PINNA2 transcripts are preferentially detected at organ boundaries. Its loss-of-function mutations convert trifoliate leaves into a pinnate pentafoliate pattern. PINNA2 directly binds to the promoter region of the LEAFY orthologue SINGLE LEAFLET1 (SGL1), which encodes a key positive regulator of leaflet initiation, and downregulates its expression. Further analysis revealed that PINNA2 synergizes with two other repressors of SGL1 expression, the BEL1-like homeodomain protein PINNA1 and the C2H2 zinc finger protein PALMATE-LIKE PENTAFOLIATA1 (PALM1), to precisely define the spatiotemporal expression of SGL1 in compound leaf primordia, thereby maintaining a proper pattern of leaflet initiation. Moreover, we showed that the enriched expression of PINNA2 at the leaflet-to-leaflet boundaries is positively regulated by the boundary-specific gene MtNAM, which is essential for leaflet boundary formation. Together, these results unveil a pivotal role of the boundary-expressed transcription factor PINNA2 in regulating leaflet initiation, providing molecular insights into the coordination of intricate developmental processes underlying compound leaf pattern formation.

Patterns of Leaf and Fruit Morphological Variation in Marginal Populations of Acer tataricum L. subsp. tataricum.

Marginal populations are usually smaller and more isolated and grow in less favourable conditions than those at the distribution centre. The variability of these populations is of high importance, as it can support the adaptations needed for the conditions that they grow in. In this research, the morphological variability of eight Tatar maple (Acer tataricum L. subsp. tataricum) populations was analysed. Tatar maple is an insect-pollinated and wind-dispersed shrub/tree, whose northwestern distribution edge is in southeastern Europe. Morphometric methods were used to analyse the variability of the populations using leaf and fruit morphology. The research revealed significant differences between and within populations. Furthermore, differences in the distribution of the total variability were noted, which suggest that different evolutionarily factors affect different plant traits. Correlation analysis confirmed a weak dependency between the vegetative and generative traits. In addition, no evidence was found for the presence of isolation by environment (IBE). However, the Mantel test for isolation by distance (IBD) was significant for the leaf morphometric traits and non-significant for the fruit morphometric traits. Being the marginal leading-edge populations, they are younger and were less likely to have had time for adaptation to local environments, which would have resulted in the development of IBE. Overall, edge populations of Tatar maple were characterised by great morphological variability, which helps these populations in their response to the intensive selective pressures they face in their environment.

Endometrial pattern predicts pregnancy outcome in single-blastocyst frozen-embryo transfer: An analysis of 1383 cycles.

Several studies investigated endometrial patterns, with respect to pregnancy rates following the transfer of embryos but did not distinguish between single- and multiple-blastocyst procedures. We clarified how the endometrial pattern imaged to transfer a frozen embryo is associated with pregnancy outcomes in single-blastocyst frozen-embryo transfer (sbFET). Patients ≤35 years who underwent sbFET on the hormone replacement protocol. We analyzed endometrial patterns' associations with pregnancy outcomes in relation to blastocyst grade and pregnancy-related factors. Of the 1383 cycles, 483 were Lf, 840 were partial-Lf, and 60 were non-Lf. Leaf pattern (Lf): central echogenic line present and continuous. Overall, decreasing distinctness of the central echogenic line was associated with significantly lower rates of clinical pregnancy (Lf: 70.4%; partial-Lf: 58.1%; non-Lf: 28.3%) and live birth (56.3%, 45.5%, and 15.0%) and a higher miscarriage rate (20.0%, 21.7%, and 47.1%). Logistic regressions showed pregnancy and live birth to be significantly more likely and miscarriage less likely in Lf than non-Lf: OR (95% CI): 6.07 (3.24-11.37), 7.43 (3.47-15.39), and 0.20 (0.07-0.57). Non-Lf presentation was associated with lower rates of pregnancy and live birth, suggesting it signals unsuitable conditions for embryo transfer. We provide information on the pregnancy outcomes of sbFET for endometrial patterns.

A general approach analyzing transient dynamics in plant biomass allocation patterns

Allometric biomass allocation theory and optimal partitioning theory are the most important theoretical frameworks for explaining and predicting plant biomass allocation patterns. But their focus on equilibrium conditions does not advance our understanding of transient allocation patterns. To address this limitation, we develop a heuristic approach with a quantitative metric to theoretically analyze transient patterns of plant allocation of photosynthetic products to different plant organs. The approach is also used to ask how various factors can drive transient patterns. A case study is analyzed, showing how periodic perturbations of transient patterns of plant leaf and stem biomass can decrease or increase in response to plant height, crown diameter, and projected crown area. The predictions are consistent with global data on forest plants. The approach here addresses the limitations of optimal partitioning theory by revealing the variation in plant photosynthetic partitioning over short time scales. Given the central role of plant biomass allocation patterns for both empirical and theoretical studies, there is a large scope for applying this approach to improve estimations of carbon stock, and stabilized yields in forest management.

Nanocasting technique for imprinting a natural leaf pattern on biomimetic polyaniline to yield an artificial hierarchical surface structure for gas sensing

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) posed substantial safety risks in industrial settings due to its odorless and toxic nature and necessitated vigilant detection. With the burgeoning importance of H2S gas sensing applications, this study focused on the synthesis and utilization of a novel biomimetic material aimed at advancing gas sensing capabilities. Biomimetic polyaniline (Bio-PANI) with an artificial hierarchical surface structure was fabricated through the innovative nanocasting technique. This technique involved the replication of the surface pattern of a natural Xanthosoma sagittifolium leaf (XSL) onto a PANI coating, achieved using a negative template. In comparison to PANI, Bio-PANI showcased higher specific surface area (160 m2/g versus 41 m2/g of PANI) and exhibited significantly amplified reversible redox and doping–dedoping capacities. The application of Bio-PANI and PANI coatings on interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) allowed for gas-sensing assessments. These evaluations encompassed as-prepared IDE sensor’s responsivity, selectivity, repeatability, and stability. Notably, the Bio-PANI-coated IDE sensor showed larger response (185% versus 27% of PANI toward a 10 ppm concentration of H2S), a consequence of their substantially larger specific surface area and greater electrochemical performances when contrasted with PANI-coated IDE sensor. In addition, Bio-PANI-coated IDE sensor exhibited better selectivity, repeatability, long-term stability, and moisture resistance.