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Microscopic Observations on Cuticle from Trichomeless. tr, and Normal, tr, Pearl Millet¹

Leaves of trichomed (Tr) and trichomeless (tr) pearl millet were studied with both electron and light micm scopy to determine morphological differences that may account for the differences in transpiration rate, pest resistance, and penetration of rumen microbes through the leaf surface between the two lines. Slight differences were observed in cuticle thickness. Encrustation of epidermal cell walls in tr cuticle indicate chemical differences between tr and Tr cuticle. The cuticle of Tr plants had 3X and 1.3X as many cracks of the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, respectifely, as that of tr plants. This helps to explain why tr leaves transpire less water than Tr leaves and why there is more penetration of rumen microbes through the surface of Tr leaves as compared to tr leaves.

Key Words: Electron microscopy • Pennisetum americanum L. • Leeke • Light microscopy • Mutation

² Research geneticist, SEA-FR-USDA and the Univ. of Georgia, Coastal Plain Station, Tifton, GA 31794: and microbiolocultural Research Center, SEA-FR-USDA, Athens, G4 30604. gist, Field Crops Research Laboratory, Richard B. Russell Agri-

Received for publication March 9, 1978.