South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all'Adige, 38098, Italy.
J Exp Bot. 2023 Nov 21;74(21):6468-6486. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erad321.
The above-ground plant surface is a well-adapted tissue layer that acts as an interface between the plant and its surrounding environment. As such, its primary role is to protect against desiccation and maintain the gaseous exchange required for photosynthesis. Further, this surface layer provides a barrier against pathogens and herbivory, while attracting pollinators and agents of seed dispersal. In the context of agriculture, the plant surface is strongly linked to post-harvest crop quality and yield. The epidermal layer contains several unique cell types adapted for these functions, while the non-lignified above-ground plant organs are covered by a hydrophobic cuticular membrane. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying crop cuticle and epidermal cell formation, with focus placed on genetic elements contributing towards quality, yield, drought tolerance, herbivory defence, pathogen resistance, pollinator attraction, and sterility, while highlighting the inter-relatedness of plant surface development and traits. Potential crop improvement strategies utilizing this knowledge are outlined in the context of the recent development of new breeding techniques.
地上植物表面是一层适应良好的组织层，作为植物与其周围环境之间的界面。因此，它的主要作用是防止干燥并维持光合作用所需的气体交换。此外，该表面层还可以防止病原体和草食性动物的侵害，同时吸引传粉媒介和种子散布剂。在农业方面，植物表面与收获后的作物质量和产量密切相关。表皮层包含几种适应这些功能的独特细胞类型，而未木质化的地上植物器官则被疏水的角质膜覆盖。本综述旨在概述最新的作物角质层和表皮细胞形成的分子机制理解，重点介绍有助于提高品质、产量、耐旱性、抗草食性、抗病原体、吸引传粉媒介和不育性的遗传因素，同时强调植物表面发育和性状的相互关联性。本文还概述了利用这些知识的潜在作物改良策略，同时考虑了新的育种技术的最新发展。
