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Stomatal heterogeneity in responses to humidity and temperature: Testing a mechanistic model
Kathryn J Sweet1, David Peak1, Keith A Mott2
1Department of Physics, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|August 5, 2017
Summary
Stomatal conductance (gs) responses to water vapor differences (Δw) were similar across leaf areas, despite heterogeneity. A new vapor-phase mechanism accurately predicts these responses, with leaf anatomy parameters remaining constant.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Stomatal conductance (gs) regulates gas exchange in plants.
- Understanding stomatal responses to environmental factors like humidity and temperature is crucial for plant function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of stomatal heterogeneity in plant responses to water vapor differences (Δw).
- To test a new vapor-phase mechanism for stomatal responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized thermography and gas exchange measurements on three plant species.
- Manipulated air humidity and leaf temperature to alter Δw.
- Analyzed gs in small leaf areas and compared to average values.
Main Results:
- Stomatal conductance (gs) showed similar responses to water vapor difference (Δw) across different leaf areas, despite significant heterogeneity.
- A proposed vapor-phase mechanism accurately predicted the observed gs responses.
- Leaf anatomical parameters (Θ and Z) were consistent within species, with variations mainly in maximum conductance.
Conclusions:
- Stomatal heterogeneity does not alter the fundamental response of stomatal conductance to water vapor differences.
- The vapor-phase mechanism provides a robust framework for understanding stomatal behavior under varying environmental conditions.
- Leaf anatomy influences maximum conductance but not the underlying response mechanism.
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