The plant cuticle: old challenges, new perspectives

As the interface between plant and environment, the plant cuticle plays a significant number of roles many of which relate to protection - against dehydration, UV and other abiotic stresses such as heavy wind and rain, and moreover against the array of insects, fungi and other organisms which would do significant harm. The cuticle is thus important in terms of basic research, but also in crop protection and quality improvement. Its unique properties have also led to novel developments such as bioplastics. This special issue provides an overview of recent progress in this field, an interdisciplinary view of the cuticle that will stimulate future research.