HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -The primary function of the cuticle is to prevent evaporation from the leaf surface. Wilting occurs when the rate of loss of water from the plant is greater than the absorption of water in the plant. The process of photosynthesis is not affected by the presence of the cuticle.

Detailed explanation-2: -The plant cuticle is an extracellular hydrophobic layer that covers the aerial epidermis of all land plants, providing protection against desiccation and external environmental stresses.

Detailed explanation-3: -A waxy cuticle is relatively impermeable to water and water vapor and reduces evaporation from the plant surface except via the stomata. A reflective cuticle will reduce solar heating and temperature rise of the leaf, helping to reduce the rate of evaporation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cuticular Transpiration The cuticle is a waxy covering on the surface of the leaves of the plants. About 5-10% of the water from the leaves is lost through cuticular transpiration. During dry conditions when the stomata are closed, more water is transpired through the cuticles.

Detailed explanation-5: -Plant cuticles control the movement of water between two compartments: (1) the outer cell wall of the epidermis and (2) the atmosphere adjacent to the plant. The mechanism of water transport across the cuticle is a simple diffusion process along a gradient of the chemical potential of water.