Stomatal oscillations in orange trees under natural climatic conditions.
OBJECTIVE
Stomatal oscillations have been reported in many plant species, but they are usually induced by sudden step changes in the environment when plants are grown under constant conditions. This study shows that in navel orange trees (Citrus sinensis) pronounced stomatal oscillations occur and persist under natural climatic conditions.


METHODS
Oscillations in stomatal conductance were measured, and related to simultaneous measurements of leaf water potential, and flow rate of sap in the stems of young, potted plants. Cycling was also observed in soil-grown, mature orchard trees, as indicated by sap flow in stem and branches.


RESULTS
Oscillations in stomatal conductance were caused by the rapid propagation and synchronization of changes in xylem water potential throughout the tree, without rapid changes in atmospheric conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show marked stomatal oscillations persisting under natural climatic conditions and underscore the need to discover why this phenomenon is so pronounced in orange trees.
Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. kathy.steppe@UGent.be
Kathy
K
Steppe
Sebinasi
S
Dzikiti
Raoul
R
Lemeur
James R
JR
Milford
D001683:Biological Clocks; D002957:Citrus / Q000502:physiology*; D008834:Microclimate; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000502:physiology*; D014867:Water / Q000502:physiology
D014867:Water