Biodiversity in Leaf Chemistry (Pigments, Epicuticular Wax and Leaf Nutrients) in Woody Plant Species in North-eastern Mexico, a Synthesis

Abstract

The leaves of trees and shrubs possess various chemical components such as leaf pigments, epicuticular wax and various macro and micronutrients. These components influence the growth, development and productivity and adaptation of the species to environments. The results of studies undertaken on the more than 30 woody species in North-eastern Mexico results reveal that there exist large variations in pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids), epicuticular wax and macro and micro nutrients Several species have been selected with high values of the pigments, epicuticular wax and various macro and micronutrients. For example, species with high Chlorophyll a were: Ebenopsis ebano (1.755), Cercidium suveoleon (0.589), Amyrys texana (1.66), and those with high chlorophyll b were Ebenopsis ebano (0.398), Amyrys texana (1.66) and species with high Chlorophyll total (Chl a + b) were: Ebenopsis ebano (2.253), Leucaena leucocephala (1.687). Species with high carptenoids were: Berberis chococo (0.585), Diospyros palmeri (0.433. The species showing high epicuticular wax load are Forestiera angustifolia (702.04 μg/cm2), Diospyros texana (607.65 μg/cm2), Bernardia myricifolia (437.53 μg/cm2). There is a here is a need to conform the efficiency of these selected species for productivity and adaptation of the species to environment.