Histological effects of aqueous acids and gaseous hydrogen chloride on bean leaves

Journal Article · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1981 · Am. J. Bot.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/2442840· OSTI ID:6914510

Swiecki, T J; Endress, A G; Taylor, O C

Primary leaves of Phaseoulus vulgaris L. (pinto bean), 9 or 12 days from sowing, were exposed to aqueous acids, chloride salts, or hydrogen chloride gas. Leaves were examined for the presence and severity of resultant visible injury and samples for light and scanning electron microscopy. Exposure to 0.06 N HCl, HNO/sub 3/, H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ or 14.5-19.0 mg m/sup -3/ gaseous HCl for 20 min evoked similar foliar injury including glazing and necrosis of the laminas. This injury appeared to result initially from plasmolysis and collapse of the epidermis and subsequently of the underlying mesophyll. Cellular injury was accompanied by various cytoplasmic alterations. Microscopic symptoms observed in leaves exposed to gaseous HCl or aqueous acids included vesicles and particulates within the larger vacuoles. Similar symptoms were present in leaves exposed to polyethylene glycol 6000. Differential effects included formation of necrotic pits and preferential injury to paravascular tissues in leaves treated with aqueous acids and crystalline chloroplast inclusions in gaseous HCl-treated and water-stressed leaves. The visible and microscopic appearances of leaves exposed to aqueous acids or gaseous HCl were compared and related to injury stemming from acid precipitation and a possible mechanism of action for gaseous HCl phytotoxicity.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Riverside
• OSTI ID: 6914510
• Journal Information: Am. J. Bot.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Bot.; (United States) Vol. 69:1; ISSN AJBOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BEANS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
FOOD
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INJURIES
INORGANIC ACIDS
LEAVES
LEGUMINOSAE
PHASEOLUS
PLANTS
VEGETABLES