Effect of soil matric potential on leaf water potential, diffusive resistance, growth and development ofGmelina arborea L. seedlings

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Abstract
Gmelina arborea L. seedling growth and diurnal stomatal opening (as measured by stomatal resistance) were studied at soil matric potential 0, -0.1 and -0.72 × 10−5 Pa. Leaf area, leaf number, plant height and dry weights of the vegetative parts were significantly reduced as soil matric potential decreased from 0 to -0.72 × 10−5 Pa. The growth responses followed the same trend as net assimilation rate and relative growth rate. The highest moisture stress induced leaf senescence and leaf fall. Leaf water potential decreased from - 2 × 10−5 Pa to - 20 × 10−5 Pa with increasing soil moisture stress. Results indicate that the diurnal stomatal opening is controlled by photon flux density when this species is grown at soil matrio potential 0 Pa. However, with decreasing soil matrio potential (- 0.10 and -0.72 × 10−5 Pa) the internal plant water deficit appears to oontrol the stomatal opening.