Differences between tree species in hydraulic press calibration of leaf water potential are correlated with specific leaf area

Abstract To determine the usefulness of the J-14 Hydraulic Press (Campbell Scientific, Inc., Logan, Utah, U.S.A.) in estimating leaf water potential, we calibrated the J-14 Press against a Scholander-type pressure chamber for leaves of various tree species. The species tested were: Acer saccharum, Acer negundo, Acer rubrum. Populus tremuloides, Populus grandidentata, Quercus rubra, and Brassaia actinophylla (Schefflera). The regression calibrations were linear with standard errors about the regression less than 0.1 MPa. The regression equations for the four genera were significantly different, with the y- intercept increasing and the slope decreasing in order of decreasing specific leaf area (SLA). There were no significant differences between species of the calibration lines within the genera Acer and Populus. These data may indicate that leaves with lower SLA resist mechanical compression by the hydraulic press, causing the J-14 Press to be less sensitive to differences of leaf water potential. Therefore the J-14 Press is only a relative measure of leaf water status and does not measure leaf water potential.