Alterations of Leaf Epicuticular Wax of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) by Applications of Herbicides and Adjuvants¹

Leaf surface morphology of untreated peanut leaves and peanut leaves treated with herbicides and adjuvants were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Electron micrographs revealed that the adaxial surface of untreated peanut leaves was covered with crystalline wax platelets above an amorphous layer of wax. Electron micrographs revealed that peanut leaves treated with acifluorfen plus nonionic surfactant, bentazon and lactofen with crop oil concentrate, and 2,4-DB, altered the leaf surface morphology when compared to nontreated peanut leaves. Alterations in the leaf epicuticular wax structures appeared amorphous-like rather than normal plate-like structures. Nonionic surfactant and crop oil concentrate applied alone to peanut leaves altered the epicuticular wax structures similarly to that of herbicides plus adjuvants.