Stomatal Pore Area Research Articles

Response of photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence to acute ozone stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.)

The crop sensitivity to ozone (O3) is affected by the timing of the O3 exposure, by the O3 concentration, and by the crop age. To determine the physiological response to the acute ozone stress, tomato plants were exposed to O3 at two growth stages. In Experiment I (Exp. I), O3 (500 μg m−3) was applied to 30-d-old plants (PL30). In Experiment II (Exp. II), three O3 concentrations (200, 350, and 500 μg m−3) were applied to 51-d-old plants (PL51). The time of the treatment was 4 h (7:30–11:30 h). Photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were done 4 times (before the exposure; 20 min, 20 h, and 2–3 weeks after the end of the treatment) using a LI-COR 6400 photosynthesis meter. The stomatal pore area and stomatal conductance were reduced as the O3 concentration increased. Ozone induced the decrease in the photosynthetic parameters of tomato regardless of the plant age. Both the photosystem (PS) II operating efficiency and the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry declined under the ozone stress suggesting that the PSII activity was inhibited by O3. The impaired PSII contributed to the reduced photosynthetic rate. The greater decline of photosynthetic parameters was found in the PL30 compared with the PL51. It proved the age-dependent ozone sensitivity of tomato, where the younger plants were more vulnerable. Ozone caused the degradation of photosynthetic apparatus, which affected the photosynthesis of tomato plants depending on the growth stage and the O3 concentration.

Interactive Effects of Elevated [CO<sub>2</sub>] and Soil Water Stress on Leaf Morphological and Anatomical Characteristic of Paper Birch Populations

The leaf morphological and stomatal characteristics of four paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh) populations, grown at four treatment conditions of carbon dioxide [CO2] and soil water levels were investigated to determine whether future increases in atmospheric [CO2] and water deficit affected the leaf characteristics. The populations from Cussion Lake, Little Oliver, Skimikin and Wayerton were grown for 12 weeks under ambient (360 ppm) and elevated (720 ppm) [CO2] at both high and low water levels. The populations significantly differed in leaf area and stomatal characteristics due to the interaction effects of [CO2], water levels and population differences. Most leaf morphological characteristics and stomatal density varied due to the effects of [CO2] and/or populations, but not due to the effect of water levels. Although elevated [CO2] alone barely affected stomatal area of the birch populations, simultaneous elevated [CO2] at both water levels had stimulated stomatal characteristics within and among the populations. Overall, elevated [CO2] reduced leaf area and increased stomatal density; and low water level resulted in smaller stomatal area, pore area and guard cell width. However, the populations responded differently to an increase in [CO2] and water levels. All populations showed plastic responses with respect to [CO2] and water levels either by decreasing stomatal area under low water level or by increasing stomatal density under elevated [CO2]. Hence, integration between and within leaf characteristics had helped paper birch populations maintain balance between [CO2] gain and water loss.

Heterogeneity of anatomical structure in giant leaves of <italic>Musa balbisiana</italic>

Leaves are the site of photosynthesis in higher plants. Leaf size is one of the factors that determine energy capture and carbon acquisition; however, previous studies have considered leaves to be homogeneous in both structure and physiology. Consequently, little is known about how these parameters may vary in different parts of a leaf, especially in giant leaves. To test the hypothesis that very large leaves have a high level of within-leaf heterogeneity, we examined the anatomical structure of the giant leaves of Musa balbisiana Colla (Musaceae). We also calculated the stomatal pore area index (SPI) based on the anatomical data. We found that, from the leaf base to the tip along the midrib, vessel diameter in the midrib, leaf thickness, and guard cell length decreased sharply, while leaf mass per unit area (LMA) decreased in distal half of the leaf. Conversely, the ratio of palisade tissue to spongy tissue (P/S ratio), stomatal density, and SPI increased along this axis. However, neither chlorophyll content nor minor vein density varied from the basal to apical parts of the leaf. From the midrib to the lateral leaf margins, leaf thickness, LMA, chlorophyll content, guard cell length, stomatal density, and SPI decreased, while the P/S ratio and minor vein density increased. Our results indicated a remarkable level of structural heterogeneity within the giant leaves of M. balbisiana . The apical region of its leaves is likely limited by water supply, while the leaf lateral margins probably suffer mainly from heat stress due to reduced transpirational cooling. These constraints at the edges of the leaves could restrict size in large leaves.

The role of meta-topolins on the photosynthetic pigment profiles and foliar structures of micropropagated ‘Williams’ bananas

The effect of five topolins (meta-Topolin=mT; meta-Topolin riboside=mTR; meta-Methoxy topolin=MemT; meta-Methoxy topolin riboside=MemTR and 6-(meta-methoxy)-9-(tetrahydropyran-2-yl)-topolin=MemTTHP) on the photosynthetic pigments and leaf structures of micropropagated ‘Williams’ bananas was compared with the commonly used benzyladenine (BA). Surface-decontaminated explants were cultured for 70 d on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium and supplemented with 10, 20 or 30μM cytokinins (CKs). At 10 d intervals, the photosynthetic pigments were quantified via spectrophotometric methods for 7 cycles. Generally, the maximum pigment content was attained between 40 and 50 d. The control plantlets had the highest pigment content (1150μg/g FW). Among the CKs, 10μM MemTTHP generally had the best pigment stimulatory effect at the same period. After 40 d, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the foliar surface showed that the stomata density was highest in 10μM MemTTHP-treated and lowest in 10μM MemTR-treated plantlets. The stomatal structure and pore area also varied with the type and concentration of CK added. Generally, prolonging culture duration as well as increasing CK concentrations reduced the pigment content. However, the drastic breakdown in chlorophyll pigments beyond 50 d was slightly inhibited by the presence of mT, mTR, MemTTHP and BA compared to the control. The CK-treated plantlets at equimolar concentration had comparable chlorophyll a/b and total chlorophyll/carotenoid ratios after 10 d; probably as an adaptive measure. At the end of the current study, 10μM mT and mTR plantlets remained green as reflected by the higher total chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio as well as by the visual observations. A well-developed photosynthetic apparatus enhances the survival of in vitro plantlets during the acclimatization stage. Current findings provide some insight into the role of meta-topolins on photosynthetic parameters in vitro, which inevitably partly contributed to the better acclimatization capability of meta-topolin-regenerants.

RESPONSE OF RHAMNUS ALATERNUS TO FIVE SHADING LEVELS

ISHS XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Greenhouse 2010 and Soilless Cultivation RESPONSE OF RHAMNUS ALATERNUS TO FIVE SHADING LEVELS

Ecophysiological Traits of Leaves of Three Marsilea Species Distributed in Different Geographical Regions

Marsilea, an amphibian fern genus (containing ca. 80 species) characterized by their unusual leaves and reproductive structures, is distributed over the five continents. To investigate the adaptation traits of three Marsilea species (M. crenata, M. quadrifolia, and M. schelpiana), distributed in different geographic regions, to terrestrial conditions, we compared morphological features, optical properties and photosynthetic performance of leaflets of the three species grown in terrestrial environment. The results showed that leaflets of the three species had significant differences in some of the ecophysiogical traits. Among the three species, M. quadrifolia (distributed in temperate region where receiving low precipitation) had the highest trichome density on its leaflet surface and the highest water use efficiency, M. schelpiana (mainly in southern Africa where accepting high level of solar irradiance) had the tallest petiole and the highest leaf dissection index, total stomatal pore area index, PSII electron transport rate and photosaturated photosynthetic rate, M. crenata (mainly in southeastern Asia region where receiving high precipitation and with high humidity) had the lowest leaf dissection index and water use efficiency. Accordingly, leaf characteristics of the three Marsilea species reflect the climate pattern of their habitats. The results also suggest that water availability and light intensity are two of the important factors contributing to the geographic distribution of the three species.

Rhamnus alaternus growth under four simulated shade environments: Morphological, anatomical and physiological responses

Light management and species light plasticity are critical factors for proper crop production in nurseries. So, to assess the light necessities of Rhamnus alaternus, which is a promising native evergreen Mediterranean shrub of ornamental and ecological interest, it was exposed to five shade levels (0%, 32%, 48%, 84% and 93%) for one year (0% of shade received annual mean maximum photosynthetic photon flux density [PPFD] of 1293 ± 415 μmol m −2 s −1 with a summer mean maximum PPFD of 1541 ± 225 μmol m −2 s −1 [mean ± s.d.]). The treatments providing 84% and 94% shading produced less compact plants, with greater height and less stem diameter, greater specific leaf area and higher shoot/root index. In general, the shading produced dark green leaves except the 94% treatment, in which the leaves were lighter because the relative chlorophyll content was reduced. Leaf thickness was reduced in all the shading treatments compared with the control. The stomatal density and pore area were reduced with the 84% and 93% shading treatments, as was photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and the leaf soluble sugar content (falling to 60% of the control level); in contrast, non-photochemical quenching increased. The 93% treatment caused irreversible damages in PSII because dark-adapted PSII efficiency was reduced. The results show that solar radiation can be used as a tool to improve plant quality during the nursery period. We conclude that shading screens providing more than 84% shade are not recommendable in terms of photochemical activity, soluble sugar content and overall plant quality. Shading screens of 32% and 48% improve R. alaternus quality in spring and summer, respectively. As regards its interest as an understory species for reforestation programs, we also conclude that this shrub can be adapted to a wide range of shade intensities, although its proper development would be compromised in very strong shading conditions.

Fossil evidence for low gas exchange capacities for Early Cretaceous angiosperm leaves

The photosynthetic gas exchange capacities of early angiosperms remain enigmatic. Nevertheless, many hypotheses about the causes of early angiosperm success and how angiosperms influenced Mesozoic ecosystem function hinge on understanding the maximum capacity for early angiosperm metabolism. We applied structure-functional analyses of leaf veins and stomatal pore geometry to determine the hydraulic and diffusive gas exchange capacities of Early Cretaceous fossil leaves. All of the late Aptian—early Albian angiosperms measured possessed low vein density and low maximal stomatal pore area, indicating low leaf gas exchange capacities in comparison to modern ecologically dominant angiosperms. Gas exchange capacities for Early Cretaceous angiosperms were equivalent or lower than ferns and gymnosperms. Fossil leaf taxa from Aptian to Paleocene sediments previously identified as putative stem-lineages to Austrobaileyales and Chloranthales had the same gas exchange capacities and possibly leaf water relations of their living relatives. Our results provide fossil evidence for the hypothesis that high leaf gas exchange capacity is a derived feature of later angiosperm evolution. In addition, the leaf gas exchange functions of austrobaileyoid and chloranthoid fossils support the hypothesis that comparative research on the biology of living basal angiosperm lineages reveals genuine signals of Early Cretaceous angiosperm ecophysiology.

Hydraulic efficiency and coordination with xylem resistance to cavitation, leaf function, and growth performance among eight unrelated Populus deltoides×Populus nigra hybrids

Tests were carried out to determine whether variations in the hydraulic architecture of eight Populus deltoides×Populus nigra genotypes could be related to variations in leaf function and growth performance. Measurements were performed in a coppice plantation on 1-year-old shoots under optimal irrigation. Hydraulic architecture was characterized through estimates of hydraulic efficiency (the ratio of conducting sapwood area to leaf area, A(X):A(L); leaf- and xylem-specific hydraulic conductance of defoliated shoots, k(SL) and k(SS), respectively; apparent whole-plant leaf-specific hydraulic conductance, k(plant)) and xylem safety (water potential inducing 50% loss in hydraulic conductance). The eight genotypes spanned a significant range of k(SL) from 2.63 kg s(-1) m(-2) MPa(-1) to 4.18 kg s(-1) m(-2) MPa(-1), variations being mostly driven by k(SS) rather than A(X):A(L). There was a strong trade-off between hydraulic efficiency and xylem safety. Values of k(SL) correlated positively with k(plant), indicating that high-pressure flowmeter (HPFM) measurements of stem hydraulic efficiency accurately reflected whole-plant water transport efficiency of field-grown plants at maximum transpiration rate. No clear relationship could be found between hydraulic efficiency and either net CO(2) assimilation rates, water-use efficiency estimates (intrinsic water-use efficiency and carbon isotope discrimination against (13)C), or stomatal characteristics (stomatal density and stomatal pore area index). Estimates of hydraulic efficiency were negatively associated with relative growth rate. This unusual pattern, combined with the trade-off observed between hydraulic efficiency and xylem safety, provides the rationale for the positive link already reported between relative growth rate and xylem safety among the same eight P. deltoides×P. nigra genotypes.

Turning over a new ‘leaf’: multiple functional significances of leaves versus phyllodes in Hawaiian Acacia koa

Hawaiian endemic tree Acacia koa is a model for heteroblasty with bipinnately compound leaves and phyllodes. Previous studies suggested three hypotheses for their functional differentiation: an advantage of leaves for early growth or shade tolerance, and an advantage of phyllodes for drought tolerance. We tested the ability of these hypotheses to explain differences between leaf types for potted plants in 104 physiological and morphological traits, including gas exchange, structure and composition, hydraulic conductance, and responses to varying light, intercellular CO(2) , vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and drought. Leaf types were similar in numerous traits including stomatal pore area per leaf area, leaf area-based gas exchange rates and cuticular conductance. Each hypothesis was directly supported by key differences in function. Leaves had higher mass-based gas exchange rates, while the water storage tissue in phyllodes contributed to greater capacitance per area; phyllodes also showed stronger stomatal closure at high VPD, and higher maximum hydraulic conductance per area, with stronger decline during desiccation and recovery with rehydration. While no single hypothesis completely explained the differences between leaf types, together the three hypotheses explained 91% of differences. These findings indicate that the heteroblasty confers multiple benefits, realized across different developmental stages and environmental contexts.

Estimates and relationships between aboveground and belowground resource exchange surface areas in a Sitka spruce managed forest

Our knowledge of the nature of belowground competition for moisture and nutrients is limited. In this study, we used an earth impedance method to determine the root absorbing area of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) trees, making measurements in stands of differing density (2-, 4- and 6-m inter-tree spacing). We compared absorbing root area index (RAI(absorbing); based on the impedance measure) with fine root area index (RAI(fine); based on estimates of total surface area of fine roots) and related these results to investment in conductive roots. Root absorbing area was a near-linear function of tree stem diameter at 1.3 m height. At the stand level, RAI(absorbing), which is analogous to and scaled with transpiring leaf area index (maximum stomatal pore area per unit ground area; LAI(transpiring)), increased proportionally with basal area across the three stands. In contrast, RAI(fine) was inversely propotional to basal area. The ratio of RAI(absorbing) to LAI(transpiring) ranged from 7.7 to 17.1, giving an estimate of the relative aboveground versus belowground resource exchange areas. RAI(absorbing) provides a way of characterizing ecosystem functioning as a physiologically meaningful index of belowground absorbing area.

Leaf Serration in Seedlings of Heteroblastic Woody Species Enhance Plasticity and Performance in Gaps But Not in the Understory

Leaf heteroblasty refers to dramatic ontogenetic changes in leaf size and shape, in contrast to homoblasty that exhibits little change, between seedling and adult stages. This study examined whether the plasticity in leaf morphology of heteroblastic species would be an advantage for their survival and growth over homoblastic congeners to changes in light. Two congeneric pairs of homoblastic (Hoheria lyallii, Aristotelia serrata) and heteroblastic species (H. sexstylosa, A. fruticosa) were grown for 18 months in canopy gap and forest understory sites in a temperate rainforest in New Zealand. Heteroblastic species that initially had serrated leaves reduced leaf serration in the understory, but increased in the gaps. Heteroblastic species also produced thicker leaves and had higher stomatal pore area (density×aperturelength), maximum photosynthetic rate, survival, and greater biomass allocation to shoots than homoblastic relatives in the gaps. Findings indicate that increased leaf serration in heteroblastic species is an advantage over homoblastic congeners in high light.

Is distribution of hydraulic constraints within tree crowns reflected in photosynthetic water‐use efficiency? An example of Betula pendula

AbstractSpatial and daily variation in photosynthetic water‐use efficiency was examined in leaves of Betula pendula Roth with respect to distribution of hydraulic conductance within the crown, morphological properties of stomata, and water availability. Intrinsic water‐use efficiency (An/gs) was determined from gas‐exchange measurements performed both in situ in a natural forest stand and on detached shoots under laboratory conditions. In intact foliage, sun leaves demonstrated significantly higher (P < 0.001) An/gs than shade leaves, as photosynthesis in the lower canopy was chronically limited by low light availability. However, this difference reversed in the mid‐day period under sufficient irradiance (I > 800 µmol m−2 s−1): An/gs averaged 28.8 and 24.0 µmol mol−1 (P < 0.01) for shade and sun leaves, respectively. This last finding coincided with the data obtained in laboratory conditions: under equivalent leaf water supply and light, An/gs in shade foliage was greater (P < 0.001) than in sun foliage across a wide range of irradiance. Thus, shade foliage of B. pendula is characterized by inherently higher An/gs than sun foliage, associated with more conservative stomatal behavior, and lower soil‐to‐leaf (KT) and leaf hydraulic conductances. Under unlimited light conditions, a within‐crown trade‐off between An/gs and KT becomes apparent. Differences in stomatal conductance between the detached shoots from sunlit and shaded canopy layers were largely attributable to the variation in stomatal morphology; significant relationships were established with characteristics combining stomatal size and density (relative stomatal surface, stomatal pore area index). Stomatal morphology is very likely involved in long‐term adjustment of photosynthetic WUE.

Leaf Trait Diversification and Design in Seven Rare Taxa of the HawaiianPlantagoRadiation

Linkages among leaf traits and environment have most often been tested across communities but infrequently within lineages. We studied seven endemic Hawaiian Plantago taxa radiated across elevations, climates, and habitats. We grew plants of six taxa in controlled conditions for 1–2 yr and collected leaves from a seventh in the field. For all taxa, we measured 46 leaf traits and tested hypotheses for trait-environment and trait-trait associations. Because of the rarity of the study plants, our study included low replication within taxa and multiple growth locations; despite these limitations, given reasonable assumptions, our analyses pointed to genetic differentiation among taxa. The leaves of bog taxa were smaller and thicker than those of woodland taxa, with higher leaf mass per area (LMA), stomatal pore area per leaf area, and carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C). Taxa from higher elevations had thicker leaves and higher LMA, as well as lower nitrogen per mass and higher adaxial stomatal distribution....

How strong is intracanopy leaf plasticity in temperate deciduous trees?

Intracanopy plasticity in tree leaf form is a major determinant of whole-plant function and potentially of forest understory ecology. However, there exists little systematic information for the full extent of intracanopy plasticity, whether it is linked with height and exposure, or its variation across species. For arboretum-grown trees of six temperate deciduous species averaging 13-18 m in height, we quantified intracanopy plasticity for 11 leaf traits across three canopy locations (basal-interior, basal-exterior, and top). Plasticity was pronounced across the canopy, and maximum likelihood analyses indicated that plasticity was primarily linked with irradiance, regardless of height. Intracanopy plasticity (the quotient of values for top and basal-interior leaves) was often similar across species and statistically indistinguishable across species for several key traits. At canopy tops, the area of individual leaves was on average 0.5-0.6 times that at basal-interior, stomatal density 1.1-1.5 times higher, sapwood cross-sectional area up to 1.7 times higher, and leaf mass per area 1.5-2.2 times higher; guard cell and stomatal pore lengths were invariant across the canopy. Species differed in intracanopy plasticity for the mass of individual leaves, leaf margin dissection, ratio of leaf to sapwood areas, and stomatal pore area per leaf area; plasticity quotients ranged only up to ≈2. Across the six species, trait plasticities were uncorrelated and independent of the magnitude of the canopy gradient in irradiance or height and of the species' light requirements for regeneration. This convergence across species indicates general optimization or constraints in development, resulting in a bounded plasticity that improves canopy performance.

Changes in leaf morphology and anatomy with tree age and height in the broadleaved evergreen species, Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell

Relatively little is known about changes in leaf attributes over the lifespan of woody plants. Knowledge of such changes may be useful in interpreting physiological changes with age. This study investigated changes in leaf morphology and anatomy with tree age and height in the broadleaved evergreen species, Eucalyptus regnans. Fully expanded leaves were sampled from the upper canopy of tree ages ranging from 6 to 240 years, and tree heights ranging from about 10–80 m. There were significant changes in leaf form with increasing tree age and height. Leaf size and specific leaf area (SLA; leaf area/leaf mass) decreased, leaf thickness increased, and leaves became narrower relative to their length, with increasing tree age and height. Cuticle thickness and leaf waxiness, including wax occlusion of the stomatal antechamber, increased with increasing age and height. By comparison, there were no clear trends in stomatal frequency or stomatal length with tree age, although there were curvilinear relationships between an index of total stomatal pore area per leaf lamina and both tree age and tree height. The results support the hypothesis that leaves of E. regnans become more xeromorphic with tree age and height. The results are discussed in relation to their significance for changes in water relations in the canopy with age.

Leaf hydraulic architecture correlates with regeneration irradiance in tropical rainforest trees

The leaf hydraulic conductance (K(leaf)) is a major determinant of plant water transport capacity. Here, we measured K(leaf), and its basis in the resistances of leaf components, for fully illuminated leaves of five tree species that regenerate in deep shade, and five that regenerate in gaps or clearings, in Panamanian lowland tropical rainforest. We also determined coordination with stomatal characters and leaf mass per area. K(leaf) varied 10-fold across species, and was 3-fold higher in sun- than in shade-establishing species. On average, 12% of leaf hydraulic resistance (= 1/K(leaf)) was located in the petiole, 25% in the major veins, 25% in the minor veins, and 39% outside the xylem. Sun-establishing species had a higher proportion of leaf resistance in the xylem. Across species, component resistances correlated linearly with total leaf resistance. K(leaf) correlated tightly with indices of stomatal pore area, indicating a coordination of liquid- and vapor-phase conductances shifted relative to that of temperate woody species. Leaf hydraulic properties are integrally linked in the complex of traits that define differences in water use and carbon economy across habitats and vegetation zones.

Effects of salt on growth, ion accumulation, photosynthesis and leaf anatomy of the mangrove, Bruguiera parviflora

The effects of a range of salinity (0, 100, 200 and 400 mM NaCl) on growth, ion accumulation, photosynthesis and anatomical changes of leaves were studied in the mangrove, Bruguiera parviflora of the family Rhizophoraceae under hydroponically cultured conditions. The growth rates measured in terms of plant height, fresh and dry weight and leaf area were maximal in culture treated with 100 mM NaCl and decreased at higher concentrations. A significant increase of Na+ content of leaves from 46.01 mmol m-2 in the absence of NaCl to 140.55 mmol m-2 in plants treated with 400 mM NaCl was recorded. The corresponding Cl- contents were 26.92 mmol m-2 and 97.89 mmol m-2. There was no significant alteration of the endogenous level of K+ and Fe2+ in leaves. A drop of Ca2+ and Mg2+ content of leaves upon salt accumulation suggests increasing membrane stability and decreased chlorophyll content respectively. Total chlorophyll content decreased from 83.44 μg cm-2 in untreated plants to 46.56 μg cm-2 in plants treated with 400 mM NaCl, suggesting that NaCl has a limiting effect on photochemistry that ultimately affects photosynthesis by inhibiting chlorophyll synthesis (ca. 50% loss in chlorophyll). Light-saturated rates of photosynthesis decreased by 22% in plants treated with 400 mM NaCl compared with untreated plants. Both mesophyll and stomatal conductance by CO2 diffusion decreased linearly in leaves with increasing salt concentration. Stomatal and mesophyll conductance decreased by 49% and 52% respectively after 45 days in 400 mM NaCl compared with conductance in the absence of NaCl. Scanning electron microscope study revealed a decreased stomatal pore area (63%) in plants treated with 400 mM NaCl compared with untreated plants, which might be responsible for decreased stomatal conductance. Epidermal and mesophyll thickness and intercellular spaces decreased significantly in leaves after treatment with 400 mM NaCl compared with untreated leaves. These changes in mesophyll anatomy might have accounted for the decreased mesophyll conductance. We conclude that high salinity reduces photosynthesis in leaves of B. parviflora, primarily by reducing diffusion of CO2 to the chloroplast, both by stomatal closure and by changes in mesophyll structure, which decreased the conductance to CO2 within the leaf, as well as by affecting the photochemistry of the leaves.

The ‘hydrology’ of leaves: co‐ordination of structure and function in temperate woody species

ABSTRACTThe hydraulic conductance of the leaf lamina (Klamina) substantially constrains whole‐plant water transport, but little is known of its association with leaf structure and function. Klamina was measured for sun and shade leaves of six woody temperate species growing in moist soil, and tested for correlation with the prevailing leaf irradiance, and with 22 other leaf traits. Klamina varied from 7.40 × 10−5 kg m−2 s−1 MPa−1 for Acer saccharum shade leaves to 2.89 × 10−4 kg m−2 s−1 MPa−1 for Vitis labrusca sun leaves. Tree sun leaves had 15–67% higher Klamina than shade leaves. Klamina was co‐ordinated with traits associated with high water flux, including leaf irradiance, petiole hydraulic conductance, guard cell length, and stomatal pore area per lamina area. Klamina was also co‐ordinated with lamina thickness, water storage capacitance, 1/mesophyll water transfer resistance, and, in five of the six species, with lamina perimeter/area. However, for the six species, Klamina was independent of inter‐related leaf traits including leaf dry mass per area, density, modulus of elasticity, osmotic potential, and cuticular conductance. Klamina was thus co‐ordinated with structural and functional traits relating to liquid‐phase water transport and to maximum rates of gas exchange, but independent of other traits relating to drought tolerance and to aspects of carbon economy.

Spectral Filters Influence Transpirational Water Loss in Chrysanthemum

Transpiration rates of chrysanthemum [Dendranthema ×grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura] plants grown under spectral filters were evaluated as part of an investigation on using light quality to regulate plant growth. The 6% CuSO4·5H2O spectral filter reduced photosynthetic photon flux density in red (R) and far red (FR) wavelengths and increased the R: FR and blue (B): R ratios (B = 400 to 500 nm; R = 600 to 700 nm; FR = 700 to 800 nm) of transmitted light relative to the water (control) filter. After 28 days, cumulative water use of plants grown under CuSO4 filters was ≈37% less than that of control plants. Transpiration rates were similar among plants grown under CuSO4 and control filters when expressed as leaf area, a result suggesting that the reduced cumulative water loss was a result of smaller plant size. Plants grown under CuSO4 filters had slightly lower (10%) stomatal density than control plants. Light transmitted through CuSO4 filters did not alter the size of individual stomata; however, total number of stomata and total stomatal pore area per plant was ≈50% less in plants grown under CuSO4 filters than in those grown under control filters due to less leaf area. The results suggest that altering light quality may help reduce water use and fertilizer demands while controlling growth during greenhouse production.