Abstract
Sap pressure of cut tomato stems was monitored using a real time data acquisition system to assess changes in the root zone environment. Hydroponically-grown tomato plants were cut and a gas-free connection made to a temperature-compensated pressure transducer. When plants were bathed in nutrient solution under isothermal conditions, pressure increased to a maximum within 10 to 75 min; maxima varied in the range of 20 kPa to 150 kPa. A fatigue phenomenon occurred with all plants, exhibited by decreases in pressure maxima over time. When root zone aeration was stopped or a nitrogen atmosphere was used, pressure dropped following a lag of about 30 min. This decrease in pressure was partially reversible when aeration was resupplied. Near instantaneous changes in sap pressure occurred when the root zone was manipulated by imposing a temperature gradient or by increasing the osmolarity of the solution. The technique reported may be useful for continuous monitoring of changes in the root zone environment and in assessing plant health.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
