Stomatal Behaviour of Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Relation to Environment

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Measurements of stomatal conductance made with an automatic diffusion porometer were consistent with measurements of stomatal aperture made with silicone rubber impressions. Except for the 2-3 mo. annual dry season, stomatal conductance was principally determined by incident irradiance; it was independent of shoot water potential, vapor pressure deficit and photosynthesis rate. Within the dry season, conductance remained unaffected by shoot water potential and vapor pressure deficit, but became more closely related to photosynthesis rate. A factor, associated with climatic change at the beginning and end of the dry season, apparently alters the sensitivity of the stomata towards 1 of the 2 principle mechanisms by which they respond to light. Two anomalous forms of stomatal behavior were observed: a transient opening in the middle of the day and a temporary closure in the middle of the morning. The different diurnal patterns in the wet and dry seasons and the anomalous stomatal movements illustrate the diversity of stomatal response which can occur in a woody perennial species.