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Effects of Leaf Orientation on Leaf Resistance to Water Vapor Diffusion in Soybean ( Glycine max L. Merr) Leaves 1
Author(s) -
Stevenson K. R.,
Shaw R. H.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1971.00021962006300020038x
Subject(s) - agronomy , drought resistance , moisture stress , biology , moisture , water stress , glycine , horticulture , water content , botany , chemistry , biochemistry , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , amino acid , engineering
Soybeans ( Glycine max L. Merr) were grown in 75‐liter potometers within an area that could be covered by a movable shed during rainfall periods. Leaves on 3 of 10 plants in each potometer were tied upright, while leaves on the other plants were left naturally exposed. Two soil moisture levels were used. The leaf resistance values for upright leaves were less than those of naturally exposed leaves on 8 of the 9 sunny days and averaged 1.38 sec/cm less. Similarly, leaf temperatures were less for upright leaves. On overcast days, leaf orientation had no effect on leaf resistances or temperatures. These differences were measured on individual plants and not on whole canopies. The data do suggest, however, that less leaf resistance to water vapor diffusion and lower temperatures of leaves would occur in soybean canopies with upright leaves and that this characteristic could be a worthwhile objective in breeding soybean varieties with tolerance to moisture stress.