Cuticular conductance of adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces and its relation to minimum leaf surface conductance

What is it about?

While absolute values of adaxial and abaxial cuticular conductance vary, we show that the ratio of adaxial/abaxial cuticular conductance is remarkably constant within a plant species. Additionally, we show that minimum conductance is not a reliable approximation of cuticular conductance, so knowledge of the contribution of cuticular conductance is necessary for the correct interpretation of conductance measurements in the dark. Our novel technique for quantifying cuticular conductance is simple enough that it can be applied alongside most standard gas exchange measurements with readily available equipment.

Featured Image