Repeated Mechanical Stress from Leaf Cuvette Influences Leaf Gas Exchange

Abstract

Long-term effects on stomatal conductance of mechanical stress from repeated clamping of a porometer leaf cuvette to laminae of avocado (Persea americana Miller), carambola (Averrhoa carambolu L.), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), and sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) plants were determined under glasshouse conditions. Following 10 weeks of applying the mechanical stimulus seven times during every 4th day to mature leaves, stomatal conductance was lower than for untreated leaves of all species except mango. Similarly, following 10.5 weeks of applying the stimulus one time every 4th day to expanding leaves of avocado, carambola, hibiscus, and sugar apple, stomatal conductance was lower than for untreated leaves of the same age in all species except hibiscus. Carambola and sugar apple were more sensitive to the mechanical stress than the other species. Thus, the indirect effect of leaf chamber clamping on gas exchange should be known before any conclusions are formulated regarding environmental, cultural, or genetic effects on gas exchange. Random leaf samples from a canopy instead of measurements on a fixed set of leaves may be more appropriate for repeated determinations of leaf gas exchange on a set of plants.