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Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Relating Stomatal Conductance to Leaf Functional Traits
Published on: October 12, 2015
Retain or repel? Droplet volume does matter when measuring leaf wetness traits
Ilaíne S Matos1, Bruno H P Rosado2
1Department of Ecology, IBRAG, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, PHLC, sala 220, 20550900, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ilaine.matos@gmail.com.
Leaf wetness traits like leaf water retention and hydrophobicity are influenced by droplet volume. Standardizing measurement methods is crucial for accurate ecological interpretation and understanding plant water relations.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Ecology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Leaf wetness is key to plant water management.
- Leaf water retention (LWR) and hydrophobicity (LWH) may involve a trade-off.
- The ecological significance and measurement of these traits are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the influence of droplet volume on LWR and LWH measurements.
- Determine the relationship between leaf wetness traits and leaf water uptake (LWU).
- Validate LWR and LWH as ecological proxies.
Main Methods:
- Measured LWR and LWH in 14 species using 5–50 μL droplets.
- Assessed LWU via leaf submergence.
- Analyzed droplet volume effects on trait values, species ranking, and trait-LWU relationships.
Main Results:
- Droplet volume significantly altered LWR and LWH values and rankings.
- No negative correlation was found between LWR and LWH.
- Leaf wetness traits did not validate as proxies for LWU.
Conclusions:
- Droplet volume is a critical factor in measuring leaf wetness.
- Standardized methods are needed: 5 μL for LWH, 50 μL for LWR.
- Further validation is required before using these traits in functional ecology.
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