Formation and function of plant cuticular triterpenoids

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Plants and animals alike have to cope with stress imposed by their environment, for example through climatic extremes. However, unlike animals, plants cannot evade adverse conditions by simply moving away, but have to withstand them where they grow. Land plants have evolved a fascinating repertoire of protective devices, including a skin that protects their huge surface against insects and pathogens, against dirt and rain, as well as against sunburns and desiccation. How do plants achieve all these goals using a single, extremely versatile, durable and lightweight material? It has been known for some time that all these properties are due to a wax coating that covers the plant skin. However, it is currently not clear how this material is formed and how exactly it determines the surface properties. Consequently, it is not possible to harness our crops against adverse conditions that are limiting harvests in many parts of Canada and against conditions that are expected to dramatically deteriorate in the future due to climate change.