Abstract
Net carbon exchange (NCE) of leaves is generally measured by sealing a chamber around an intact leaf. Most chambers use a flexible gasket around the leaf or petiole to insure an air-tight seal. This paper describes a chamber based on the principle that air provides a simple, effective seal. The chamber consists of three compartments: air-seal, leaf, and reference. The leaf is inserted through an opening in the air-seal compartment and into the leaf compartment. Air is pumped through an air supply tube into the air-seal compartments. It is then drawn through the leaf compartment and simultaneously through a reference compartment. NCE is determined from the difference in CO2 concentration in these two compartments. Enough excess air must be supplied to exhaust through the leaf port and provide an air seal about the leaf. This design allows repeated leaf insertion without injury even when measurements are taken for prolonged periods of time. This air seal is the primary advantage which adds simplicity, rapidity, and flexibility to the system.
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