PLANT TRICHOMES

The aerial surfaces of many plant species are covered in hairs (trichomes). The morphology of these structures can vary greatly between species, and in addition to simple hairs, more complex multicellular structures commonly occur. The latter are often involved in secretion of phytochemicals, many of which (e.g., the essential oils used in flavourings and fragrances) are familiar. Their utility as model systems to understand cell-to-cell movement and cell differentiation, as well as their potential utility in biotechnology, has generated renewed interest in these structures. In this volume, plant scientists from diverse backgrounds present reviews which summarise our current understanding of these structures. Their ultrastructure, biochemistry, differentiation and development, as well as their physiological and ecological roles, are discussed. The volume will thus be of interest to researchers from a variety of fields.