Variation in Leaf Cutin Content and Chemical Composition along One Annual Cycle in the Mediterranean Cork Oak (Quercus suber L.)

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) has high economic value given by its sustainable production of cork, and ecological importance in the Mediterranean region. The species is well adapted to dry climate, namely through sclerophyllous nature leaves with a well-developed cuticle, including cutin cuticular waxes that contribute protection against drought. Leaves cork oaks were collected along one annual cycle, starting from young May one-year-old March. Leaf content chemical composition determined transesterification subsequently determination waxes, leaf features, analyzed cycle. Cutin major component representing on average 72.4% waxes. amounted 71.0 g/1000 g leaves, without significant seasonal mass proportion variation, while coverage increased December (429.7 μg/cm2 575.4 μg/cm2, respectively). In contrast, clear seasonality was found wax (18.4 113.5 May, 28.5 235.2 September). glyceridic polyester composed long-chain acids, mainly ω-hydroxyacids, followed fatty acids few ω-diacids alcohols, substantial aromatics. varied time proportional increase ω-hydroxyacids (45.8% May; 50.8% December), decrease aromatics (24.2% 8.5% March). cuticle development contributes protect trees summer conditions.