The Effects of Leaf Position and Water Vapour Density Deficit on the Transpiration Rate of Detached Leaves

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Abstract
The drying of detached leaves may be measured by the loss of weight taking place over a period of time, and expressed by leaf conductance kl as a function of relative water content RWC. A parameter is defined which is proportional to the tendency of the leaf to dry, and expresses high conductance, low final RWC, or both combined. Observations have been made on Zea mays and on three species of Solanum with the intention of exploring the possibility of using this technique for comparative physiology. The position of the leaves on the parent shoot has been found to affect the drying characteristics of the leaves, and the early values of leaf conductance are reduced when evaporation is brought about by higher values of water vapour density deficit. Both leaf sampling and the evaporative conditions must be standardized if the method is to yield useful results for comparative purposes.

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