Cuticle Resistance Research Articles

The impact of agrochemical pollutant mixtures on the selection of insecticide resistance in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae: insights from experimental evolution and transcriptomics

BackgroundThere are several indications that pesticides used in agriculture contribute to the emergence and spread of resistance of mosquitoes to vector control insecticides. However, the impact of such an indirect selection pressure has rarely been quantified and the molecular mechanisms involved are still poorly characterized. In this context, experimental selection with different agrochemical mixtures was conducted in Anopheles gambiae. The multi-generational impact of agrochemicals on insecticide resistance was evaluated by phenotypic and molecular approaches.MethodsMosquito larvae were selected for 30 generations with three different agrochemical mixtures containing (i) insecticides, (ii) non-insecticides compounds, and (iii) both insecticide and non-insecticide compounds. Every five generations, the resistance of adults to deltamethrin and bendiocarb was monitored using bioassays. The frequencies of the kdr (L995F) and ace1 (G119S) target-site mutations were monitored every 10 generations. RNAseq was performed on all lines at generation 30 in order to identify gene transcription level variations and polymorphisms associated with each selection regime.ResultsLarval selection with agrochemical mixtures did not affect bendiocarb resistance and did not select for ace1 mutation. Contrastingly, an increased deltamethrin resistance was observed in the three selected lines. Such increased resistance was not majorly associated with the presence of kdr L995F mutation in selected lines. RNA-seq identified 63 candidate resistance genes over-transcribed in at least one selected line. These include genes coding for detoxification enzymes or cuticular proteins previously associated with insecticide resistance, and other genes potentially associated with chemical stress response. Combining an allele frequency filtering with a Bayesian FST-based genome scan allowed to identify genes under selection across multiple genomic loci, supporting a multigenic adaptive response to agrochemical mixtures.ConclusionThis study supports the role of agrochemical contaminants as a significant larval selection pressure favouring insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. Such selection pressures likely impact kdr mutations and detoxification enzymes, but also more generalist mechanisms such as cuticle resistance, which could potentially lead to cross-tolerance to unrelated insecticide compounds. Such indirect effect of global landscape pollution on mosquito resistance to public health insecticides deserves further attention since it can affect the nature and dynamics of resistance alleles circulating in malaria vectors and impact the efficacy of control vector strategies.

DDT Resistance in Anopheles pharoensis from Northern Cameroon Associated with High Cuticular Hydrocarbon Production.

Despite the contribution of secondary vectors to malaria transmission, there is still not enough information on their susceptibility status to insecticides. The present study assesses the resistance profile of Anopheles pharoensis to DDT. WHO tube tests were used to screen mosquito populations collected from the far-north region of Cameroon for susceptibility to 4% DDT. High DDT resistance in An. pharoensis populations from Maga, Simatou and Yangah with mortality rates ranging from 62.79% to 80% was recorded. Direct sequencing (Sanger) of the VGSC gene was undertaken to search for kdr L1014F/S mutations. However, no kdr allele was detected in the resistant samples. We then looked for cuticle alterations and CHC identification and quantitation were undertaken using GC-MS and GC-FID. High production of cuticular hydrocarbon was recorded in the populations of Yangah and Simatou, with 2420.9 ± 265 and 2372.5 ± 225 ng CHCs/mg dry weight, respectively. The present findings are the first ever describing the development of cuticle resistance in An. pharoensis. The data suggest the need to expand surveillance activities on other vector species.

The PoLACS4 Gene May Participate in Drought Stress Resistance in Tree Peony (Paeonia ostii 'Feng Dan Bai').

The tree peony (Paeonia ostii ‘Feng Dan Bai’) has excellent drought tolerance. Although it has already been reported that the cuticle is an essential barrier against drought stress, the critical genes for cuticle resistance to drought remain unclear. However, the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (LACS) family of genes may be significant for the synthesis of cuticle wax. To test whether the LACS gene family is involved in cuticle response to drought stress in tree peony, we measure the thickness of cuticle stems and leaves alongside LACS enzyme activity. It is found that the cuticle thickens and the LACS enzyme increases with the maturation of stems and leaves, and there is a positive correlation between them. The LACS enzyme increases within 12 h under drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG). The transcriptome sequencing result (BioProject accession number PRJNA317164) is searched for, and a LACS gene with high expression is cloned. This gene has high homology and similarity with LACS4 from Arabidopsis thaliana. The gene is named PoLACS4. It is show to be highly expressed in mature leaves and peaks within 1 h under drought and salt stresses. All these results suggest that the LACS family of genes may be involved in cuticle response to drought stress and that PoLACS4 is a crucial gene which responds rapidly to drought in the tree peony.

Bendiocarb and Malathion Resistance in Two Major Malaria Vector Populations in Cameroon Is Associated with High Frequency of the G119S Mutation (Ace-1) and Overexpression of Detoxification Genes.

The spread of pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors is a major threat affecting the performance of current control measures. However, there is still not enough information on the resistance profile of mosquitoes to carbamates and organophosphates which could be used as alternatives. The present study assessed the resistance profile of Anopheles gambiae s.l. to bendiocarb and malathion, at the phenotypic and molecular levels, in different eco-epidemiological settings in Cameroon. Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes were collected from four eco-epidemiological settings across the country and their susceptibility level to bendiocarb and malathion was determined using WHO tubes bioassays. The ace-1 target site G119S mutation was screened by PCR. Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR 3-plex TaqMan assays were used to quantify the level of expression of eight genes associated with metabolic resistance. Resistance to malathion and/or bendiocarb was recorded in all study sites except in mosquitoes collected in Kaélé and Njombé. The Ace-1 (G119S) mutation was detected in high frequencies (>40%) in Kékem and Santchou. Both An. gambiae and An. coluzzii were detected carrying this mutation. The cytochrome P450s gene Cyp6p3 associated with carbamate resistance and the glutathione S-transferase gene Gste2 associated with organophosphate resistance were found to be overexpressed. Genes associated with pyrethroid (Cyp6m2, Cyp9k1, Cyp6p3) and organochlorine (Gste2, Cyp6z1, Cyp6m2) and cuticle resistance (Cyp4g16) were also overexpressed. The rapid spread of resistance to organophosphates and carbamates could seriously compromise future control strategies based on IRS. It is therefore becoming important to assess the magnitude of bendiocarb and malathion resistance countrywide.

Tweedle proteins form extracellular two-dimensional structures defining body and cell shape in Drosophila melanogaster.

Tissue function and shape rely on the organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by the respective cells. Our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is limited. Here, we show that extracellular Tweedle (Twdl) proteins in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster form two adjacent two-dimensional sheets underneath the cuticle surface and above a distinct layer of dityrosinylated and probably elastic proteins enwrapping the whole body. Dominant mutations in twdl genes cause ectopic spherical aggregation of Twdl proteins that recruit dityrosinylated proteins at their periphery within lower cuticle regions. These aggregates perturb parallel ridges at the surface of epidermal cells that have been demonstrated to be crucial for body shaping. In one scenario, hence, this disorientation of epidermal ridges may explain the squatty phenotype of Twdl mutant larvae. In an alternative scenario, this phenotype may be due to the depletion of the dityrosinylated and elastic layer, and the consequent weakening of cuticle resistance against the internal hydrostatic pressure. According to Barlow's formula describing the distribution of internal pressure forces in pipes in dependence of pipe wall material properties, it follows that this reduction in turn causes lateral expansion at the expense of the antero-posterior elongation of the body.

Pesticide contamination drives adaptive genetic variation in the endemic mayfly Andesiops torrens within a semi-arid agricultural watershed of Chile

Agrichemical contamination can provoke evolutionary responses in freshwater populations. It is a particularly relevant issue in semi-arid regions due to the sensitivity of endemic species to pollutants and to interactions with temperature stress. This paper investigates the presence of pesticides in rivers within a semi-arid agricultural watershed of Chile, testing for their effects on population genetic characteristics of the endemic mayfly Andesiops torrens (Insecta, Ephemeroptera). Pesticides were detected in sediment samples in ten out of the 30 sites analyzed throughout the upper part of the Limarí watershed. To study the evolutionary impact of such contamination on A. torrens, we used a genome-wide approach and analyzed 2056 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) loci in 551 individuals from all sites. Genetic differentiation was weak between populations, suggesting high gene flow across the study area. While we did not find evidence of pesticide effects on genetic diversity nor on population differentiation, the allele frequency of three outlier SNP loci correlated significantly with pesticide occurrence. Interrogation of genomic resources indicates that two of these SNPs are located within functional genes that encode for the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 and Dumpy, both potentially involved in insect cuticle resistance processes. Such genomic signatures of local adaptation are indicative of past adverse effects of pesticide exposure on the locally adapted populations. Our results reveal that A. torrens is sensitive to pesticide exposure, but that a high gene flow may confer resilience to contamination. This research supports the contention that A. torrens is an ideal model organism to study evolutionary responses induced by pesticides on non-target, endemic species.

Culex pipiens pallens cuticular protein CPLCG5 participates in pyrethroid resistance by forming a rigid matrix

BackgroundChemical insecticides have hugely reduced the prevalence of vector-borne diseases around the world, but resistance threatens their continued effectiveness. Despite its importance, cuticle resistance is an under-studied area, and exploring the detailed molecular basis of resistance is critical for implementing suitable resistance management strategies.MethodsWe performed western blotting of cuticular protein CPLCG5 in deltamethrin-susceptible (DS) and laboratory-produced deltamethrin-resistant (DR) strains of Culex pipiens pallens. Immunofluorescence assays using a polyclonal antibody to locate cuticular CPLCG5 in mosquitoes. EM immunohistochemical analysis of the femur segment was used to compare the cuticle in control and CPLCG5-deficient siRNA experimental groups.ResultsThe gene CPLCG5 encodes a cuticle protein that plays an important role in pyrethroid resistance. Based on a prior study, we found that expression of CPLCG5 was higher in the resistant (DR) strain than the susceptible (DS) strain. CPLCG5 transcripts were abundant in white pupae and 1-day-old adults, but expression was dramatically decreased in 3-day-old adults, then remained stable thereafter. Western blotting revealed that the CPLCG5 protein was ~2.2-fold higher in the legs of the DR strain than the DS strain. Immunofluorescence assays revealed CPLCG5 expression in the head, thorax, abdomen, wing, and leg, and expression most abundant in the leg and wing. EM immunohistochemical analysis suggested that the exocuticle thickness of the femur was significantly thinner in the CPLCG5-deficient siCPLCG5 strain (0.717 ± 0.110 μm) than the siNC strain (0.946 ± 0.126 μm). Depletion of CPLCG5 by RNA interference resulted in unorganised laminae and a thinner cuticle.ConclusionsThe results suggest CPLCG5 participates in pyrethroid resistance by forming a rigid matrix and increasing the thickness of the cuticle.

EFFECT OF SUB -LETHAL DOSE OF SOME INSECT GROWTH INHIBITORS ON SOME PHYSICAL FEATURES OF WINGS CUTICLE OF AMERCINCA COCKROACH PERIPLANETA AMERICANA

The results of treating the last nymphal instar of periplaneta americana by sub-lethal dose (o.1 ml of 0.2%) of Azadirachtin . Lufenuron and Methoxyfenozide . on some physical features of adults wings produced from treated nymphs. The results revealed asignificant variation in wings cuticle resistance to electrical current between treatment and control. The control treatment showed a highest degree of electrical resistance in front and hind wings of right and left direction and reached 157.89 . 170.89 . 134.33 . and 170.89 omh/m respectively. The electrical resistance of wings cuticle in treatments were varied according to the kinds of insect growth in hibitors . The same treatment also exhibited a varied degree of wings absovption to ultra violet and infrared rays at different wave length according to the kind of IGR and wave length in comparison with control treatment . these results confirmed that IGR changed the texture and components of the treated wings with IGR.

Flood tolerance of Glyceria fluitans: the importance of cuticle hydrophobicity, permeability and leaf gas films for underwater gas exchange.

Floating sweet-grass ( Glyceria fluitans ) can form aerial as well as floating leaves, and these both possess superhydrophobic cuticles, so that gas films are retained when submerged. However, only the adaxial side of the floating leaves is superhydrophobic, so the abaxial side is directly in contact with the water. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of these different gas films on underwater net photosynthesis ( P N ) and dark respiration ( R D ). Evolution of O 2 was used to measure underwater P N in relation to dissolved CO 2 on leaf segments with or without gas films, and O 2 microelectrodes were used to assess cuticle resistance of floating leaves to O 2 uptake in the dark. The adaxial side of aerial leaves was more hydrophobic than the abaxial side and also initially retained a thicker gas film when submerged. Underwater P N vs. dissolved CO 2 of aerial leaf segments with gas films had a K m of 172 mmol CO 2 m -3 and a P max of 7·1 μmol O 2 m -2 s -1 , and the leaf gas films reduced the apparent resistance to CO 2 uptake 12-fold. Underwater P N of floating leaves measured at 700 mmol CO 2 m -3 was 1·5-fold higher than P N of aerial leaves. The floating leaves had significantly lower cuticle resistance to dark O 2 uptake on the wettable abaxial side compared with the superhydrophobic adaxial side. Glyceria fluitans showed high rates of underwater P N and these were obtained at environmentally relevant CO 2 concentrations. It appears that the floating leaves possess both aquatic and terrestrial properties and thus have 'the best of both worlds' so that floating leaves are particularly adapted to situations where the plant is partially submerged and occasionally experiences complete submergence.

Age-dependent damage of hair cuticle: contribution of S100A3 protein and its citrullination.

There are two types of damage pattern of human hair cuticle: type L, where the cell membrane complex is split and the cuticle lifts up, and type E, where the fragile substructure of the cuticle cell (endocuticle) is broken. In our previous paper, it was reported that the dominant damage pattern shifts from type L to E with the subjects' age around the 40s. Loss of the cuticle due to daily grooming stresses increases with the subjects' age and is related to the level of type E damage. It is supposed that deterioration of endocuticle advances the loss of cuticle. S100A3 protein, located at the endocuticle, was found to be citrullinated and transformed into tetramer to improve its Ca(2+) -binding ability. It is postulated that this biochemical property affects the maturation of cuticle and contributes to its reinforcement. This study aims to elucidate the role that S100A3 plays in age-dependent cuticle damage. Hair fibers collected from Japanese females were evaluated for the content and citrullination rate of S100A3, incidence of type E damage, and resistance of cuticle. In the aged hair, the content of S100A3 was positively correlated with the level of type E damage and low resistance to stress. Hair fibers in which S100A3 is highly citrullinated, however, showed low levels of type E damage and high resistance of cuticle, even in the aged hair as well as at younger ages. S100A3 and its citrullination process are related to rigidity of endocuticle of aged hair.

Growth Dynamics and Water Potential Components of Three Summer Squash (<i>Cucurbita pepo</i> L.) Cultivars

Summer squash fruit is a horticultural crop that possesses a very short postharvest life due to its high rates of metabolism and transpirationalong with a low cuticle resistance exhibited mainly when the fruit is harvested at horticultural maturity. This research was realized following thefruit growth of the summer squash cultivars: ‘Enterprise’, ‘Pascola’ and ‘Hurakan F1’, whose seeds were germinated in polystyrene trays and theirseedlings were subsequently transferred to pots for optimum growth under greenhouse conditions. Fruits were sampled at 3, 5, 7 and 9 days afteranthesis (DAA). Physical (weight, diameter, and length of fruit), chemical (pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids), hydric status (water,osmotic and pressure potentials), and histological analysis were done. The highest number of fruits having marketing quality were shown in both‘Pascola’ and ‘Hurakan F1’ cultivars at 7 DAA, whereas, in ‘Enterprise’ was shown at 9 DAA. Marketing quality fruits from the three cultivarsshowed similarities on pH (about 6.6), titratable acidity (TA) decreases in ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Hurakan F1’, whereas total soluble solids (TSS)decreases in ‘Pascola’ and ‘Hurakan F1’ (pJ 0.5). From 3 to 9 DAA, in all cultivars, the water potential was close to -1.0 MPa, the osmoticpotential showed an increasing pattern ranging between -1.59 and -1.15 MPa, and the pressure potential remained in the positive range. Tissuewater stability was histologically related to a well-defined parenchyma tissue showing thin-walled, polygonal, intact and turgid cells during fruitgrowth.

Growth Dynamics and Water Potential Components of Three Summer Squash (<i>Cucurbita pepo</i> L.) Cultivars

Summer squash fruit is a horticultural crop that possesses a very short postharvest life due to its high rates of metabolism and transpirationalong with a low cuticle resistance exhibited mainly when the fruit is harvested at horticultural maturity. This research was realized following thefruit growth of the summer squash cultivars: ‘Enterprise’, ‘Pascola’ and ‘Hurakan F1’, whose seeds were germinated in polystyrene trays and theirseedlings were subsequently transferred to pots for optimum growth under greenhouse conditions. Fruits were sampled at 3, 5, 7 and 9 days afteranthesis (DAA). Physical (weight, diameter, and length of fruit), chemical (pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids), hydric status (water,osmotic and pressure potentials), and histological analysis were done. The highest number of fruits having marketing quality were shown in both‘Pascola’ and ‘Hurakan F1’ cultivars at 7 DAA, whereas, in ‘Enterprise’ was shown at 9 DAA. Marketing quality fruits from the three cultivarsshowed similarities on pH (about 6.6), titratable acidity (TA) decreases in ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Hurakan F1’, whereas total soluble solids (TSS)decreases in ‘Pascola’ and ‘Hurakan F1’ (pJ 0.5). From 3 to 9 DAA, in all cultivars, the water potential was close to -1.0 MPa, the osmoticpotential showed an increasing pattern ranging between -1.59 and -1.15 MPa, and the pressure potential remained in the positive range. Tissuewater stability was histologically related to a well-defined parenchyma tissue showing thin-walled, polygonal, intact and turgid cells during fruitgrowth.

Age-dependent changes in damage processes of hair cuticle.

Human hair cuticle is always exposed to various stresses and then gradually lost in daily life. There are two typical patterns of cuticle damage: type L, where the cell membrane complex, the structure located between cuticle cells, is split and the cuticle lifts up, and type E, where the fragile substructure of the cuticle cell (endocuticle) is damaged so that its rugged residue is exposed. We previously reported that type L damage preferentially occurs in the case of Japanese females in their 20s to 40s. This study aims to elucidate the age-dependent change of cuticle and its effect on hair properties. Hair fibers collected from Japanese females (ranging from 10 to 70years old) were evaluated in the aspects of inclination for each type of damage, resistance of cuticle against grooming stresses and content of fatty acid 18-MEA on hair surface. It was revealed that the dominant damage pattern shifts from type L to E with aging. Furthermore, the cuticle becomes gradually less resistant to daily grooming stress. The dominance of type E damage accelerates cuticle loss. Reduction of 18-MEA on weathered hair is accelerated with aging on elder hair. It has been reported that various age-dependent changes of whole hair shaft, such as diameter, density, elasticity, etc., occur in the age range of 40s and 50s. In this study, it was revealed that cuticle becomes more fragile and the hair surface properties deteriorate in the same age range.

Addressing the ability of a land biosphere model to predict key biophysical vegetation characterisation parameters with Global Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity Analysis (SA) of the SimSphere Soil Vegetation Atmosphere Transfer (SVAT) model has been performed in this study using a cutting edge and robust Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) approach, based on the use of the Gaussian Emulation Machine for Sensitivity Analysis (GEM-SA) tool. The sensitivity of the following model outputs was evaluated: the ambient CO2 concentration, the rate of CO2 uptake by the plant, the ambient O3 concentration, the flux of O3 from the air to the plant/soil boundary and the flux of O3 taken up by the plant alone. The most sensitive model inputs for the majority of outputs were: The Leaf Area Index (LAI), Fractional Vegetation Cover (Fr), Cuticle Resistance (CR) and Vegetation Height (VH). The influence of the external CO2 on the leaf and O3 concentration in the air as input parameters was also significant. Our study provides an important step forward in the global efforts towards SimSphere verification given the increasing interest in its use as an independent modelling or educational tool. Results of this study are also timely given the ongoing global efforts focused on deriving, at an operational level, spatio-temporal estimates of energy fluxes and soil moisture content using SimSphere synergistically with Earth Observation (EO) data.

Underwater photosynthesis and respiration in leaves of submerged wetland plants: gas films improve CO2 and O2 exchange

Many wetland plants have gas films on submerged leaf surfaces. We tested the hypotheses that leaf gas films enhance CO(2) uptake for net photosynthesis (P(N)) during light periods, and enhance O(2) uptake for respiration during dark periods. Leaves of four wetland species that form gas films, and two species that do not, were used. Gas films were also experimentally removed by brushing with 0.05% (v/v) Triton X. Net O(2) production in light, or O(2) consumption in darkness, was measured at various CO(2) and O(2) concentrations. When gas films were removed, O(2) uptake in darkness was already diffusion-limited at 20.6 kPa (critical O(2) pressure for respiration, COP(R)>/= 284 mmol O(2) m(-3)), whereas for some leaves with gas films, O(2) uptake declined only at approx. 4 kPa (COP(R) 54 mmol O(2) m(-3)). Gas films also improved CO(2) uptake so that, during light periods, underwater P(N) was enhanced up to sixfold. Gas films on submerged leaves enable continued gas exchange via stomata and thus bypassing of cuticle resistance, enhancing exchange of O(2) and CO(2) with the surrounding water, and therefore underwater P(N) and respiration.

Cuticular permeance in relation to wax and cutin development along the growing barley (Hordeum vulgare) leaf

The developing leaf three of barley provides an excellent model system for the direct determination of relationships between amounts of waxes and cutin and cuticular permeance. Permeance of the cuticle was assessed via the time-course of uptake of either toluidine blue or (14)C-labelled benzoic acid ([(14)C] BA) along the length of the developing leaf. Toluidine blue uptake only occurred within the region 0-25 mm from the point of leaf insertion (POLI). Resistance--the inverse of permeance--to uptake of [(14)C] BA was determined for four leaf regions and was lowest in the region 10-20 mm above POLI. At 20-30 and 50-60 mm above POLI, it increased by factors of 6 and a further 32, respectively. Above the point of emergence of leaf three from the sheath of leaf two, which was 76-80 mm above POLI, resistance was as high as at 50-60 mm above POLI. GC-FID/MS analyses of wax and cutin showed that: (1) the initial seven fold increase in cuticular resistance coincided with increase in cutin coverage and appearance of waxes; (2) the second, larger and final increase in cuticle resistance was accompanied by an increase in wax coverage, whereas cutin coverage remained unchanged; (3) cutin deposition in barley leaf epidermis occurred in parallel with cell elongation, whereas deposition of significant amounts of wax commenced as cells ceased to elongate.

A revised parameterization for gaseous dry deposition in air-quality models

Abstract. A parameterization scheme for calculating gaseous dry deposition velocities in air-quality models is revised based on recent study results on non-stomatal uptake of O3 and SO2 over 5 different vegetation types. Non-stomatal resistance, which includes in-canopy aerodynamic, soil and cuticle resistances, for SO2 and O3 is parameterized as a function of friction velocity, relative humidity, leaf area index, and canopy wetness. Non-stomatal resistance for other chemical species is scaled to those of SO2 and O3 based on their chemical and physical characteristics. Stomatal resistance is calculated using a two-big-leaf stomatal resistance sub-model for all gaseous species of interest. The improvements in the present model compared to its earlier version include a newly developed non-stomatal resistance formulation, a realistic treatment of cuticle and ground resistance in winter, and the handling of seasonally-dependent input parameters. Model evaluation shows that the revised parameterization can provide more realistic deposition velocities for both O3 and SO2, especially for wet canopies. Example model output shows that the parameterization provides reasonable estimates of dry deposition velocities for different gaseous species, land types and diurnal and seasonal variations. Maximum deposition velocities from model output are close to reported measurement values for different land types. The current parameterization can be easily adopted into different air-quality models that require inclusion of dry deposition processes.

A multilayer biochemical dry deposition model. 1. Model formulation

A multilayer biochemical dry deposition model has been developed based on the NOAA Multilayer Model (MLM; Meyers et al. [1998]) to study gaseous exchanges between the soil, plants, and the atmosphere. Most of the parameterizations and submodels have been updated or replaced. The numerical integration was improved, and an aerodynamic resistance based on Monin‐Obukhov theory was added. An appropriate parameterization for the leaf boundary layer resistance was chosen. A biochemical stomatal resistance model was chosen based on comparisons of four different existing stomatal resistance schemes. It describes photosynthesis and respiration and their coupling with stomatal resistance for sunlit and shaded leaves separately. Various aspects of the photosynthetic process in both C3 and C4 plants are considered in the model. To drive the photosynthesis model, the canopy radiation scheme has been updated. Leaf area index measurements are adjusted to account for stem area index. A normalized soil water stress factor was applied to potential photosynthesis to account for plant response to both drought and water‐logging stresses. A new cuticle resistance model was derived based on membrane passive transport theory and Fick's first law. It accounts for the effects of diffusivity and solubility of specific gases in the cuticle membrane, as well as the thickness of the cuticle membrane. The model is designed for use in the nationwide dry deposition networks, for example, the Clean Air Status And Trends Network (CASTNet), and mesoscale models, for example, the Community Multiscale Air Quality model (CMAQ) and even the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF).

On ozone dry deposition—with emphasis on non-stomatal uptake and wet canopies

Measurements of O 3 fluxes and concentrations over five different sites were used to study O 3 dry deposition. It was found that high humidity, dew and rain increase O 3 uptake by canopy cuticles. However, the increase by cuticle uptake maybe offset by a decrease in stomatal uptake due to weak solar radiation or stomatal blocking under wet conditions. Thus, during nighttime the overall canopy resistances ( R c) for O 3 uptake under wet conditions was usually smaller than under dry conditions, while in the daytime, R c for wet canopies could be either larger or smaller compared to dry canopies. This will depend on the relative contributions of the decrease in cuticle resistance and the increase in stomatal resistance. The non-stomatal uptake of O 3 was found to be affected by friction velocity, relative humidity, canopy wetness, leaf area index, etc. Parameterizations for non-stomatal resistance for dry and wet canopies were developed based on the five site O 3 flux data. These equations were found to provide reasonable predictions of non-stomatal canopy resistance based upon comparisons with the nighttime and daytime measurements.

Plant—atmosphere exchange of ammonia

The results of recent controlled environment and micrometeorological measurements of NH 3 fluxes are presented to highlight the processes controlling NH 3 plant-atmosphere exchange. The presence of NH +4 in leaf tissues results in the existence of an NH 3 ‘compensation point’ concentration for substomatal tissues (x s ), so that both emission and deposition are possible from stomata. In addition, NH 3 may deposit efficiently on to leaf cuticles, short-circuiting any stomatal emission, so that a ‘canopy compensation point’ (X c ) may be defined that is smaller than X s . Ammonia is generally deposited to nitrogen limited ecosystems, indicating a small X s and small leaf cuticle resistance ( R w ). In contrast, fluxes over croplands are typically bidirectional and may reflect a larger X s as a consequence of greater N supply. The paper discusses the processes defining (humidity, acidic pollutants) and X s (plant phenology, species, N nutrition) and proposes a new resistance approach, which integrates X s and R w into one model. Estimating long term bidirectional NH 3 fluxes is still uncertain, though it is now possible to apply a single model concept to a range of ecosystem types and satisfactorily infer NH 3 fluxes over diurnal time scales.