Non-Glandular Trichome Cell Walls Are Compositionally Unique in Upland Cotton

Cotton leaf trichomes were examined on small leaves (approx., 5 mm) of DP5690 and pilose lines.  These leaves were fixed and embedded in LR white, sectioned and subjected to immunolocalization using a battery of monoclonal antibodies for various complex carbohydrate groups specific for cell wall components.  Interestingly, anti xylan antibodies labeled many of the non-glandular trichomes of these young leaves.  This would make these trichomes very rigid and slightly woody.