Existence of micropores on the tiller surface of Schoenoplectus subalatus:the probable port for methane emission

To find the ports for methane exit in Schoenoplectus subalatus, a known emi tter of this gas, the tiller surface in different segments was examined und er a scanning electron microscope, and the methane concentration was simult aneously analysed. The methane concentration dropped to one-third immediate ly in the third segment above the water surface where there was an aggregat ion of slit-like micropores. Above this segment, the frequency of micropore s declined to half. This suggests that the micropores are exit ports for me thane gas. The micropores were located on the papillae, were irregular in s hape, and appeared to have resulted from the rupture of the cuticle, possib ly under high gas pressure. (C)2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv ed.