Summary
The relations between leaf conductance (gl) transpiration rate and root permeability to water (Rp) of three sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars grown in a controlled environment cabinet are described.
No differences in transpiration rates were found but it was shown that plants with low values of Rp have active stomatal closure with favourable consequences for water use efficiency under water limiting conditions.
Rp was estimated by applying hydrostatic pressure on the root system. Values of Rp per unit root volume ranged from 0.34×10−5 to 16.75×10−5 (s MPa−1). There were significant inter-cultivar differences (P<0.05) in Rp and gl and an inverse correlation between Rp and the maximum values cf gl within cultivars.
Pressure applied on the root system is proposed as a useful tool for the determination of differences in the root permeability to water amongst sunflower cultivars.
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Hernandez, L.F., Orioli, G.A. Relationships between root permeability to water, leaf conductance and transpiration rate in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars. Plant Soil 85, 229–235 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02139627
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02139627