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Resistance to Water Flow in Vigna sinensis L. (Endl.) at High Rates of Transpiration 1
Author(s) -
Hailey James L.,
Hiler Edward A.,
Jordan Wayne R.,
van Bavel C. H. M.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1973.0011183x001300020034x
Subject(s) - transpiration , vigna , biology , ohm , botany , range (aeronautics) , water flow , horticulture , physics , environmental science , photosynthesis , soil science , materials science , quantum mechanics , composite material
Recent studies support conflicting views concerning the validity of using an Ohm's Law analogy to describe liquid water flow through plants during transpiration. The results of these studies are compared with a common base; however, complete interpretation is difficult because most of the data are in a range of transpiration rates less than could be expected in a normal field environment. Results of experiments with southern peas [ Vigna sinensis L. (Endl.)] are presented in which high rates of transpiration were attained. Plants were studied in both the vegetative and the reproductive stages. In all experiments a linear relation between leaf water potential and transpiration rate was evident. This implies that the plant resistance to flow was constant, and hence, that an Ohm's Law analogy is valid for the transpiration rate range studied. Effects of plant age on the resistance to flow are discussed.