Differential Occurrence of Epicuticular wax and its Role in Leaf Tissues of Three Edible Aroids Hails from North Eastern Hill Region of India

Localization of epicuticular wax (EW) content in leaf tissues and its interaction on leaf protective mechanisms of three edible aroids, Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma were assessed. Scanning electron microscopy depicted the occurrence of EW in leaf tissues which was higher in Colocasia (10.61 mg dm-2) and Xanthosoma (11.36 mg dm-2) than in Alocasia (1.36 mg dm-2). The result highlighted the interface of EW between the leaves and its internal and external environments. EW acted as a protecting barrier against deleterious solar radiation in term of sun protecting factor (SPF). Occurrence of EW also effectively managed leaf pigmentation, moisture retention, cellular membrane integrity against the invaders. Colocasia exhibited superhydrophobic properties with higher static contact angle (CA) >150o than hydrophobic Xanthosoma and Alocasia with CA ranged between 99.0o to 128.7o. Colocasia EW highly influenced the qualitative and protective mechanisms of leaf. Aroids are the cheapest sources of edible EW among the terrestrial plants could be used in food, agricultural and industrial applications.