Use of non-intrusive laser exfoliation to improve substance uptake into citrus leaves

Background: Despite the presence of stomata in leaves, foliar application of agrochemicals can be extremely inefficient due to the low permeability of leaf cuticular surfaces to polar compounds. Methods: This study introduced a laser-based “wax exfoliation” method to facilitate the penetration of substances into the leaf and, together with enhancing their uptake into the phloem and subsequent transport across tissue. This investigation demonstrated the effectiveness and non-invasive properties of laser exfoliation to improve the penetration of foliar-applied substances into citrus leaves. Results: This work presents the use of laser energy to exfoliate the cuticle of a leaf, with the highest energy density of 0.76 J/ cm2 resulting in 85-90% exfoliation across the entire laser-spot area. The infrared wavelength of the erbium laser is specifically chosen to target the wax cuticle without causing damage to the underlying epidermal cells. This selective ablation allows for increased penetration of therapeutic compounds into the leaf and transportation throughout the plant's vasculature. This is demonstrated using a fluorescent glucose analog applied to the laser treated leaves, showing increased penetration and transport throughout the leaf. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the use of laser technology for the foliar application of agrochemicals provides significant advantages, including improved foliage uptake of therapeutic compounds. The method of cuticle exfoliation presented in this study is highly effective and non-intrusive, limiting its effects to the cuticle only. Future work should focus on the development of prototypes for in-field applications, including testing at longer distances as the Er:YAG laser does not require a lens for this application.