Anatomy of leaf apical hydathodes in four monocotyledon plants of economic and academic relevance

Abstract

Hydathode is a plant organ responsible for guttation in vascular plants, i.e. the release of droplets at leaf margin or surface. Because this organ connects the plant vasculature to the external environment, it is also a known entry site for several vascular pathogens. In this study, we present a detailed microscopic examination of leaf apical hydathodes in monocots for three crops (maize, rice and sugarcane) and the model plant Brachypodium distachyon. Our study highlights both similarities and specificities of those epithemal hydathodes. These observations will serve as a foundation for future studies on the physiology and the immunity of hydathodes in monocots.