Xylem Cell Walls Research Articles

Raman Imaging of Plant Cell Walls in Sections of Cucumis sativus.

Raman microspectra combine information on chemical composition of plant tissues with spatial information. The contributions from the building blocks of the cell walls in the Raman spectra of plant tissues can vary in the microscopic sub-structures of the tissue. Here, we discuss the analysis of 55 Raman maps of root, stem, and leaf tissues of Cucumis sativus, using different spectral contributions from cellulose and lignin in both univariate and multivariate imaging methods. Imaging based on hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) indicates different substructures in the xylem cell walls of the different tissues. Using specific signals from the cell wall spectra, analysis of the whole set of different tissue sections based on the Raman images reveals differences in xylem tissue morphology. Due to the specifics of excitation of the Raman spectra in the visible wavelength range (532 nm), which is, e.g., in resonance with carotenoid species, effects of photobleaching and the possibility of exploiting depletion difference spectra for molecular characterization in Raman imaging of plants are discussed. The reported results provide both, specific information on the molecular composition of cucumber tissue Raman spectra, and general directions for future imaging studies in plant tissues.

Dynamic Changes of Pectin Epitopes in Cell Walls during the Development of the Procambium-Cambium Continuum in Poplar.

The change of pectin epitopes during procambium–cambium continuum development was investigated by immunolocalization in poplar. The monoclonal antibody JIM5 labels homogalacturonan (HGA) with a low degree of esterification, and the monoclonal antibody JIM7 labels HGA with a high degree of methyl-esterification. Arabinan, rather than galactan, and HGA with low degree of esterification were located in the cell walls of procambial, while HGA with a low degree of esterification was located in the tangential walls, and galactan was located in both the tangential and radial walls of procambial, yet nearly no arabinan was located in the tangential walls of the cambial cells. The changes in pectin distribution took place when periclinal divisions appeared within a procambial trace. The distribution difference of pectin epitopes was also present in procambium–cambium derivatives. The arabinan existed in all cell walls of primary xylem, but was absent from the tangential walls of secondary xylem cells. The galactan existed only in mature primary phloem. Furthermore, 19 pectin methylesterases (PMEs) genes were identified by RNA sequencing, six genes presented highly differentially and were supposed to be involved in the cell wall esterification process. The results provide direct evidence of the dynamic changes of pectin epitopes during the development of the procambium–cambium continuum in poplar.

Long cold exposure induces transcriptional and biochemical remodelling of xylem secondary cell wall in Eucalyptus.

Although eucalypts are the most planted hardwood trees worldwide, the majority of them are frost sensitive. The recent creation of frost-tolerant hybrids such as Eucalyptus gundal plants (E. gunnii × E. dalrympleana hybrids), now enables the development of industrial plantations in northern countries. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of cold on the wood structure and composition of these hybrids, and on the biosynthetic and regulatory processes controlling their secondary cell-wall (SCW) formation. We used an integrated approach combining histology, biochemical characterization and transcriptomic profiling as well as gene co-expression analyses to investigate xylem tissues from Eucalyptus hybrids exposed to cold conditions. Chilling temperatures triggered the deposition of thicker and more lignified xylem cell walls as well as regulation at the transcriptional level of SCW genes. Most genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, except those specifically dedicated to syringyl unit biosynthesis, were up-regulated. The construction of a co-expression network enabled the identification of both known and potential new SCW transcription factors, induced by cold stress. These regulators at the crossroads between cold signalling and SCW formation are promising candidates for functional studies since they may contribute to the tolerance of E. gunnii × E. dalrympleana hybrids to cold.

Immunogold scanning electron microscopy can reveal the polysaccharide architecture of xylem cell walls.

Immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM) and immunogold transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are the two main techniques commonly used to detect polysaccharides in plant cell walls. Both are important in localizing cell wall polysaccharides, but both have major limitations, such as low resolution in IFM and restricted sample size for immunogold TEM. In this study, we have developed a robust technique that combines immunocytochemistry with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study cell wall polysaccharide architecture in xylem cells at high resolution over large areas of sample. Using multiple cell wall monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), this immunogold SEM technique reliably localized groups of hemicellulosic and pectic polysaccharides in the cell walls of five different xylem structures (vessel elements, fibers, axial and ray parenchyma cells, and tyloses). This demonstrates its important advantages over the other two methods for studying cell wall polysaccharide composition and distribution in these structures. In addition, it can show the three-dimensional distribution of a polysaccharide group in the vessel lateral wall and the polysaccharide components in the cell wall of developing tyloses. This technique, therefore, should be valuable for understanding the cell wall polysaccharide composition, architecture and functions of diverse cell types.

Comparison of silicon nanoparticles and silicate treatments in fenugreek

Silicon (Si) fertilization improves crop cultivation and is commonly added in the form of soluble silicates. However, most natural plant-available Si originates from plant formed amorphous SiO2 particles, phytoliths, similar to SiO2-nanoparticles (SiNP). In this work we, therefore, compared the effect by sodium silicate and that of SiNP on Si accumulation, activity of antioxidative stress enzymes catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, lignification of xylem cell walls and activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) as well as expression of genes for the putative silicon transporter (PST), defensive (Tfgd 1) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and protein in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) grown in hydroponics. The results showed that Si was taken up from both silicate and SiNP treatments and increasing sodium silicate addition increased the translocation of Si to the shoot, while this was not shown with increasing SiNP addition. The silicon transporter PST was upregulated at a greater level when sodium silicate was added compared with SiNP addition. There were no differences in effects between sodium silicate and SiNP treatments on the other parameters measured. Both treatments increased the uptake and accumulation of Si, xylem cell wall lignification, cell wall thickness, PAL activity and protein concentration in seedlings, while there was no effect on antioxidative enzyme activity. Tfgd 1 expression was strongly downregulated in leaves at Si addition. The similarity in effects by silicate and SiNP would be due to that SiNP releases silicate, which may be taken up, shown by a decrease in SiNP particle size with time in the medium.

Natural acetylation impacts carbohydrate recovery during deconstruction of Populus trichocarpa wood

BackgroundSignificant variation in the inherent degree of acetylation naturally exists in the xylem cell walls of Populus trichocarpa. During pretreatment, endogenous acetate hydrolyzes to acetic acid that can subsequently catalyze the breakdown of poplar wood, increasing the efficiency of biomass pretreatment.ResultsPoplar genotypes varying in cell wall composition were pretreated in 0.3% H2SO4 in non-isothermal batch reactors. Acetic acid released from the wood was positively related to sugar release during pretreatment (R ≥ 0.9), and inversely proportional to the lignin content of the poplar wood (R = 0.6).ConclusionThere is significant variation in wood chemistry among P. trichocarpa genotypes. This study elucidated patterns of cell wall deconstruction and clearly links carbohydrate solubilization to acetate release. Tailoring biomass feedstocks for acetate release could enhance pretreatment efficiencies.

Analysis of Lignin Composition and Distribution Using Fluorescence Laser Confocal Microspectroscopy.

Lignin is a polyphenolic polymer specifically accumulating in the cell walls of xylem cells in higher vascular plants. Far from being homogeneous, the lignification of xylem cell walls varies in deposition site, quantity, composition and macromolecular conformation depending on the cell wall compartment, cell type, cell developmental stage and plant species. Here, we describe how confocal microspectroscopy methods using lignin autofluorescence can be used to evaluate the relative lignin amounts, its spatial distribution and composition at the cellular and sub-cellular levels in both isolated cells and histological cross-sections of plant tissues.

Xylem Characterization Using Improved Pseudo-Schiff Propidium Iodide Staining of Whole Mount Samples and Confocal Laser-Scanning Microscopy.

An improved pseudo-Schiff propidium iodide staining technique well suited for, but not limited to, the visualization of xylem cell walls in whole mount samples is presented. The pseudo-Schiff reaction results in covalent binding of the fluorescent dye propidium iodide to cell walls. This stable linkage permits the use of clearing agents after staining, which is itself improved following pretreatment of the plant tissue. A subsequent acid alcohol washing step eliminates unbound propidium iodide to reduce background fluorescence. The method can be used for characterizing xylem cell structure in different organs and species without the need for tissue sectioning.

Time-scale dynamics of proteome and transcriptome of the white-rot fungus Phlebia radiata: growth on spruce wood and decay effect on lignocellulose

BackgroundThe white-rot Agaricomycetes species Phlebia radiata is an efficient wood-decaying fungus degrading all wood components, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. We cultivated P. radiata in solid state cultures on spruce wood, and extended the experiment to 6 weeks to gain more knowledge on the time-scale dynamics of protein expression upon growth and wood decay. Total proteome and transcriptome of P. radiata were analyzed by peptide LC–MS/MS and RNA sequencing at specific time points to study the enzymatic machinery on the fungus’ natural growth substrate.ResultsAccording to proteomics analyses, several CAZy oxidoreductase class-II peroxidases with glyoxal and alcohol oxidases were the most abundant proteins produced on wood together with enzymes important for cellulose utilization, such as GH7 and GH6 cellobiohydrolases. Transcriptome additionally displayed expression of multiple AA9 lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases indicative of oxidative cleavage of wood carbohydrate polymers. Large differences were observed for individual protein quantities at specific time points, with a tendency of enhanced production of specific peroxidases on the first 2 weeks of growth on wood. Among the 10 class-II peroxidases, new MnP1-long, characterized MnP2-long and LiP3 were produced in high protein abundances, while LiP2 and LiP1 were upregulated at highest level as transcripts on wood together with the oxidases and one acetyl xylan esterase, implying their necessity as primary enzymes to function against coniferous wood lignin to gain carbohydrate accessibility and fungal growth. Majority of the CAZy encoding transcripts upregulated on spruce wood represented activities against plant cell wall and were identified in the proteome, comprising main activities of white-rot decay.ConclusionsOur data indicate significant changes in carbohydrate-active enzyme expression during the six-week surveillance of P. radiata growing on wood. Response to wood substrate is seen already during the first weeks. The immediate oxidative enzyme action on lignin and wood cell walls is supported by detected lignin substructure sidechain cleavages, release of phenolic units, and visual changes in xylem cell wall ultrastructure. This study contributes to increasing knowledge on fungal genetics and lignocellulose bioconversion pathways, allowing us to head for systems biology, development of biofuel production, and industrial applications on plant biomass utilizing wood-decay fungi.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13068-016-0608-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Eucalyptus linker histone variant EgH1.3 cooperates with the transcription factor EgMYB1 to control lignin biosynthesis during wood formation.

Wood, also called secondary xylem, is a specialized vascular tissue constituted by different cell types that undergo a differentiation process involving deposition of thick, lignified secondary cell walls. The mechanisms needed to control the extent of lignin deposition depending on the cell type and the differentiation stage are far from being fully understood. We found that the Eucalyptus transcription factor EgMYB1, which is known to repress lignin biosynthesis, interacts specifically with a linker histone variant, EgH1.3. This interaction enhances the repression of EgMYB1's target genes, strongly limiting the amount of lignin deposited in xylem cell walls. The expression profiles of EgMYB1 and EgH1.3 overlap in xylem cells at early stages of their differentiation as well as in mature parenchymatous xylem cells, which have no or only thin lignified secondary cell walls. This suggests that a complex between EgMYB1 and EgH1.3 integrates developmental signals to prevent premature or inappropriate lignification of secondary cell walls, providing a mechanism to fine-tune the differentiation of xylem cells in time and space. We also demonstrate a role for a linker histone variant in the regulation of a specific developmental process through interaction with a transcription factor, illustrating that plant linker histones have other functions beyond chromatin organization.

Eucalyptus Cell Wall Architecture: Clues for Lignocellulosic Biomass Deconstruction

The architecture, composition, and chemical properties of wood cell walls have a direct influence on the process that occurs prior to fermentation in second-generation biofuel production. The understanding of the construction patterns of cell wall types is the key to the new era of second-generation biofuels. Eucalyptus species are great candidates for this purpose since these species are among the fastest growing hardwood trees in the world and they have been improved for biomass production. We applied the glycome profiling and other combined techniques to study xylem cell walls of three economically important species (Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus grandis, and Eucalyptus urophylla). Glycome profiling analyses revealed that species differ in the same key aspects of cell wall polymer linkages, with E. globulus and E. urophylla presenting contrasting phenotypes, and E. grandis with intermediate characteristics. E. urophylla is known for high recalcitrance, that is probably determined by the strong associations between lignin and cell wall polymers, and also lignin content. On the other hand, E. globulus cell wall polymers are loosely linked, so its cell wall can be easily deconstructed. We have shown in this work that the composition of cell walls differs in quantity and quality among the Eucalyptus species and such variations in composition influence the process of lignocellulosic feedstock assessment. However, the greatest influence relies on the amount and type of associations between cell wall polymers. A high yield of cellulose, from any biomass source, directly depends on the cell wall architecture.

Effects of prescribed burning on ecophysiological, anatomical and stem hydraulic properties in Pinus pinea L.

Prescribed burning (PB) is a widespread management technique for wildfire hazard abatement. Understanding PB effects on tree ecophysiology is key to defining burn prescriptions aimed at reducing fire hazard in Mediterranean pine plantations, such as Pinus pinea L. stands. We assessed physiological responses of adult P. pinea trees to PB using a combination of dendroecological, anatomical, hydraulic and isotopic analyses. Tree-ring widths, xylem cell wall thickness, lumen area, hydraulic diameter and tree-ring δ(13)C and δ(18)O were measured in trees on burned and control sites. Vulnerability curves were elaborated to assess tree hydraulic efficiency or safety. Despite the relatively intense thermal treatment (the residence time of temperatures above 50 °C at the stem surface ranged between 242 and 2239 s), burned trees did not suffer mechanical damage to stems, nor significant reduction in radial growth. Moreover, the PB did not affect xylem structure and tree hydraulics. No variations in (13)C-derived water use efficiency were recorded. This confirmed the high resistance of P. pinea to surface fire at the stem base. However, burned trees showed consistently lower δ(18)O values in the PB year, as a likely consequence of reduced competition for water and nutrients due to the understory burning, which increased both photosynthetic activity and stomatal conductance. Our multi-approach analysis offers new perspectives on post-fire survival strategies of P. pinea in an environment where fires are predicted to increase in frequency and severity during the 21st century.

Anatomical and Physiological Responses of Citrus Trees to Varying Boron Availability Are Dependent on Rootstock.

In Citrus, water, nutrient transport and thereby fruit production, are influenced among other factors, by the interaction between rootstock and boron (B) nutrition. This study aimed to investigate how B affects the anatomical structure of roots and leaves as well as leaf gas exchange in sweet orange trees grafted on two contrasting rootstocks in response to B supply. Plants grafted on Swingle citrumelo or Sunki mandarin were grown in a nutrient solution of varying B concentration (deficient, adequate, and excessive). Those grafted on Swingle were more tolerant to both B deficiency and toxicity than those on Sunki, as revealed by higher shoot and root growth. In addition, plants grafted on Sunki exhibited more severe anatomical and physiological damages under B deficiency, showing thickening of xylem cell walls and impairments in whole-plant leaf-specific hydraulic conductance and leaf CO2 assimilation. Our data revealed that trees grafted on Swingle sustain better growth under low B availablitlity in the root medium and still respond positively to increased B levels by combining higher B absorption and root growth as well as better organization of xylem vessels. Taken together, those traits improved water and B transport to the plant canopy. Under B toxicity, Swingle rootstock would also favor plant growth by reducing anatomical and ultrastructural damage to leaf tissue and improving water transport compared with plants grafted on Sunki. From a practical point of view, our results highlight that B management in citrus orchards shall take into account rootstock varieties, of which the Swingle rootstock was characterized by its performance on regulating anatomical and ultrastructural damages, improving water transport and limiting negative impacts of B stress conditions on plant growth.

Climatic forcing of xylem formation in Qilian juniper on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau

Cambial activity of ~100-year-old Qilian juniper trees initiated before the middle of May at an elevation of 3200 m a.s.l.; June and July were the main stem radial increment period. Around the middle of August, all xylem cell differentiation periods are completed. Precipitation or relative humidity is the main limiting factor for tree radial growth on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Previous studies have found that annual tree-ring width series of Qilian juniper (Sabina przewalskii Kom.) in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) are mostly moisture controlled, irrespective of site elevation. Knowing precisely the cambial growth dynamics during a vegetation period can lead to a better understanding of the climatic factors driving regional tree growth patterns. We observed wood formation with micro-cores taken at weekly intervals from late April to early October 2013, and monitored daily stem radial changes with high-resolution electronic point dendrometers in 30-min intervals. Dormant cambium contained 5–6 cell layers in the cambium zone. Cambial activity initiated before the middle of May in all the monitored trees. About three quarters of the total cell production or radial growth formed during June and July. Lignification of secondary walls of new xylem cells continued from end of May to middle of August. After the middle of August, the cambium entered into the inactive period. Dendrometer measurements confirmed that June and July were the main stem radial increment period. Nonparametric Kendall’s Tau correlations indicate that daily relative humidity and precipitation significantly influence stem growth in May. No obvious relationships were detected in June. In July, significant negative influences of maximum temperature and positive effects of relative humidity prevailed. Overall, growing season precipitation or associated relative humidity is the limiting factor for tree stem radial increments on the intra-annual scale. Our results present a thorough understanding of Qilian juniper xylogenesis and its climate forcing within the whole growing season on the northeastern TP.

A phage display-selected peptide inhibitor of Agrobacterium vitis polygalacturonase.

Agrobacterium vitis, the causal agent of crown gall of grapevine, is a threat to viticulture worldwide. A major virulence factor of this pathogen is polygalacturonase, an enzyme that degrades pectin components of the xylem cell wall. A single gene encodes for the polygalacturonase gene. Disruption of the polygalacturonase gene results in a mutant that is less pathogenic and produces significantly fewer root lesions on grapevines. Thus, the identification of peptides or proteins that could inhibit the activity of polygalacturonase could be part of a strategy for the protection of plants against this pathogen. A phage-displayed combinatorial peptide library was used to isolate peptides with a high binding affinity to A. vitis polygalacturonase. These peptides showed sequence similarity to regions of Oryza sativa (EMS66324, Japonica) and Triticum urartu (NP_001054402, wild wheat) polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs). Furthermore, these panning experiments identified a peptide, SVTIHHLGGGS, which was able to reduce A. vitis polygalacturonase activity by 35% in vitro. Truncation studies showed that the IHHL motif alone is sufficient to inhibit A. vitis polygalacturonase activity.

Cytochemical and immunocytochemical characterization of wood decayed by the white rot fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus II. Degradation of lignin and non-cellulosic polysaccharides in European ash wood

Degradation of lignin and non-cellulosic polysaccharides (pectins and hemicelluloses) by the white rot fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus were investigated in European ash wood (hardwood) using transmission electron microscopy coupled with immunocytochemistry. Lignin was preferentially removed in secondary cell walls of ash xylem cells including fibers, vessel and (ray/axial) parenchyma cells prior to degradation of hemicelluloses (i.e. selective decay). Concomitantly, degradation of cell walls occurred by progressive thinning from the lumen surface outwards similar to simultaneous decay. Preferential degradation of middle lamellae before complete degradation of secondary cell walls (i.e. a typical feature of selective decay) was only observed in bi-/triseriate rays by initial attack from pit regions. Vessel and parenchyma cells showed greater resistance to decay than fibers with narrower decay zone produced. A comparison of decay between ash and spruce wood (Part I, softwood) demonstrated that P. sanguineus produces selective decay in both hard- and softwoods but more typical micromorphological features of selective decay are produced in spruce tracheids than ash fibers. This study highlights that degradation of lignin proceeds hemicelluloses in wood cell walls attacked by the selective white rot fungus P. sanguineus.

Quantitative Evaluation of Hybrid Aspen Xylem and Immunolabeling Patterns Using Image Analysis and Multivariate Statistics

In this study we present a method for quantitative evaluation of hybrid aspen genotypes xylem morphology and immunolabeling microdistribution. The method is based on image analysis and multivariate statistical evaluation of light and immunofluorescence microscopy images of wood xylem cross sections. The selected immunolabeling antibodies targeted five different epitopes present in the aspen xylem cell walls. Twelve down-regulated hybrid aspen genotypes have been included in the method development. The twelve knock-down genotypes were selected based on pre-screening by pyrolysis-IR of global chemical content. The multivariate statistical evaluations successfully identified comparative trends for modifications in the down-regulated genotypes compared to the unmodified control, even when no definitive conclusions could be drawn from individual studied variables alone. Of the twelve genotypes analysed, three genotypes showed significant trends for modification in both morphology and immunolabeling. Six genotypes showed significant trends for modification in either morphology or immunocoverage. The remaining three genotypes did not show any significant trends for modification.

Effects of salt Stress on Root Anatomy and Hydraulic Conductivity of Barley Cultivars

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to compare root anatomy and hydraulic conductivity of four barley cultivars including Valfajr, Karoon, Afzal and Zarjo under salt stress conditions. The results showed that under salt stress, the minimum diameter of vessels was observed in the peripheral metaxylem of seminal roots of Valfajr cultivar and in adventitious roots; Karoon with 19±3 µm had maximum diameter of vessels. In all barely cultivars, salt stress affected the diameter of central and peripheral metaxylem vessels more negatively in comparison to the number of the vessels. The mature xylem vessels of the seminal roots of the Valfajr and Zarjo cultivars had the most lignified cell walls. When the plants were exposed to salt stress, the casparian bands could be detected more in the seminal roots as U-shape and not in the adventitious roots. The lowest lignification thickness of cell wall (0.78 µm) was observed in the central metaxylem vessels of adventitious roots of Afzal cultivar under salt stress. Also, Afzal cultivar with highest surface area and lowest thickness of lignified cell walls, had the highest seminal root hydraulic conductivity (5.84×10-9 m s-1 MPa-1), whereas hydraulic conductivity was decreased to 3.21 and 3.17×10-9 m s-1 MPa-1 in Valfajr and Zarjo cultivars, respectively. Overall, Afzal and Karoon cultivars were found to perform better in water uptake at the early stages of growth due to less lignified cell walls of xylem in seminal and adventitious roots under salt stress conditions. Further research on hydraulic conductivity could be recommended.

STRUCTURE AND CHEMISTRY OF THE XYLEM OF ARBORESCENT SPECIES OF BLECHNUM FROM SOUTH AMERICA

The xylem in three arborescent species of Blechnum section Lomariocycas was studied in detail using SEM, TEM, FT-IR spectroscopy and sugar composition analysis. The overall structure of root and rhizome metaxylem tracheids was similar in the three species analyzed, and characterized by mostly scalariform pitting of these multifaceted cells. Pit membrane thickness and porosity varied according to the stage of tracheid maturation. Approximately rounded deposits resembling vestures were observed in the outer pit apertures of some tracheids. Under TEM, thickenings like one-sided tori appeared on the tracheid side of tracheid-to-parenchyma contact walls; some parenchyma cells showed, in addition, features of transfer cells. As the increase in stature creates new constraints in terms of biomechanical support and water transport in plants, the characteristics found in Blechnum xylem might be related to optimization of conductive efficiency and safety. Chemical analyses of roots and rhizomes of B. yungense revealed similar levels of G-type lignin deposited in the xylem cell walls. Such lignin is the most common in ferns, including other arborescent genera. Preliminary analysis of cell wall polysaccharide composition of both root and rhizome xylem, yielded cellulose, xyloglucans and xylans with low amounts of mannans and pectins. The xylem of rhizomes had higher amounts of cellulose than root xylem. Our results are discussed in the context of functional and evolutionary aspects of xylem ferns.

Antibody-based screening of cell wall matrix glycans in ferns reveals taxon, tissue and cell-type specific distribution patterns.

BackgroundWhile it is kno3wn that complex tissues with specialized functions emerged during land plant evolution, it is not clear how cell wall polymers and their structural variants are associated with specific tissues or cell types. Moreover, due to the economic importance of many flowering plants, ferns have been largely neglected in cell wall comparative studies.ResultsTo explore fern cell wall diversity sets of monoclonal antibodies directed to matrix glycans of angiosperm cell walls have been used in glycan microarray and in situ analyses with 76 fern species and four species of lycophytes. All major matrix glycans were present as indicated by epitope detection with some variations in abundance. Pectic HG epitopes were of low abundance in lycophytes and the CCRC-M1 fucosylated xyloglucan epitope was largely absent from the Aspleniaceae. The LM15 XXXG epitope was detected widely across the ferns and specifically associated with phloem cell walls and similarly the LM11 xylan epitope was associated with xylem cell walls. The LM5 galactan and LM6 arabinan epitopes, linked to pectic supramolecules in angiosperms, were associated with vascular structures with only limited detection in ground tissues. Mannan epitopes were found to be associated with the development of mechanical tissues. We provided the first evidence for the presence of MLG in leptosporangiate ferns.ConclusionsThe data sets indicate that cell wall diversity in land plants is multifaceted and that matrix glycan epitopes display complex spatio-temporal and phylogenetic distribution patterns that are likely to relate to the evolution of land plant body plans.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-014-0362-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.