I have observed what appears to be glandular trichomes on the coastal sand dune shrub Iva imbricata. I hypothesize that these trichomes function to exudate salt that may enter the leaves through mechanical injury and salt spray. I'm looking for a method to (a) isolate the trichomes and (2) determine if the exudate is indeed salty.
Thanks!
A simple way of isolating trichomes from the leaf is "Clear-tape impression" for the purpose of observation, if possible for counting in a determined area of the leaf.
You may able to see it OR count it. Then you may able to proceed to estimate.
You can use Laser Microdissection Microscope (see http://www.leica-microsystems.com/products/light-microscopes/life-science-research/laser-microdissection/ or http://www.olympusamerica.com/seg_section/product.asp?product=1111&p=410&sub=2&c=0 or http://www.zeiss.com/microscopy/en_de/products/laser-microdissection.html) for single cell isolation.
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