This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of epicuticular wax and to characterize leaf surface in the sugarcane cultivars RB85113 (sensitive to trifloxysulfuron-sodium + ametryn), SP80 1842, SP80 1816, clone RB957689 (with medium sensitivity to trifloxysulfuron-sodium + ametryn) and the cultivar RB867515 (tolerant). Epicuticular wax was extracted and quantified, and its contents submitted to gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Samples of foliar slides were collected and submitted to electron scanning microscopy to characterize adaxial and abaxial sides, and to determine the chemical composition. This analysis showed the presence of hydrocarbon, steroids, fatty esters, alcohols and aldehyde. The cultivar RB85113 presented wax with lower chemical composition, predominance of fatty esters and low ratio of hydrocarbon. In SP80 1842 and RB867515, the wax presented higher hydrocarbon and steroid ratio. Wax polarity was intermediate in RB85113 but higher in RB867515. In relation to leaf micro-morphology, no relevant differences were found.
chemical composition; Saccharum spp.; leaf micro-morphology; gas chromatography
