Rapid stomatal responses to humidity

The response of leaf conductance in apple to rapid changes in atmospheric humidity was studied using a continuous flow porometer. Leaf-air vapour pressure difference was changed by adjusting the humidity of the inlet air or by altering the flow rate of the air through the chamber. The time course of the response of leaf conductance to leaf-air vapour pressure difference was monitored for periods up to 10 min using a chart-recorder. There were significant changes in leaf conductance within seconds of changing humidity. These were attributed to alterations in stomatal aperture.Abbreviations E evaporation rate - g leaf conductance - PAR photosynthetically active radiation