Studies in Stomatal Behaviour

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Abstract
It is shown that a dry external atmosphere exerts the following effects on stomatal movement: A striking accelaration of closure in darkness. A slight acceleration of opening in light. If the water-supply to the leaf is impaired, an inability to maintain full opening in the light. These results are considered to support La Rue's contention that the epidermal water-supply is drawn solely by lateral movement from the main veins, and not from the underlying mesophyll. The stomatal phenomena themselves do not appear capable of any simple explanation based on current knowledge of guard-cell physiology. The biological significance of these results is discussed, with particular reference to the problem of xeromorphic structures, for which a new interpretation is suggested.