HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -The waxy covering on plant leaves, young stems, and fruit is called the “cuticle". It is composed of cutin, a wax-like material produced by the plant that is chemically a hydroxy fatty acid. The purpose of this covering is to help the plant retain water.

Detailed explanation-2: -The cuticle is a barrier coating the outer surface of epidermal cells of organs of the aerial parts of the plants. It protects against water loss, various abiotic and biotic stress.

Detailed explanation-3: -In land plants the cuticle is the outermost layer interacting with the environment. This lipophilic layer comprises the polyester cutin embedded in cuticular wax; and it forms a physical barrier to protect plants from desiccation as well as from diverse biotic and abiotic stresses.