Researchers in the fields of plant breeding, irrigation, soil and climate are often interested in leaf transpiration and want to establish the values for individual leaves. Although it cannot be measured directly, it can be calculated using a simple formula. Labcell has therefore published a fully illustrated guide to measuring leaf transpiration which provides a step-by-step method for calculating the evaporation from a leaf.
The guide presents the relevant equations and explains the instrumentation needed for measuring the various parameters. While the equation for leaf transpiration is simple, several of the parameters are derived from other parameters – hence the methodology. However, as the guide explains, all the researcher requires is a leaf porometer to measure stomatal conductance, an infrared thermometer to measure leaf temperature, instruments for measuring air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed (all of which can be achieved with a single weather station), and a small ruler for measuring the leaf. In addition, the plant’s altitude must be entered in one of the equations, and this can be readily found with an internet search. In conclusion, only two specialist instruments are necessary – a leaf porometer and weather station – after which leaf transpiration can be readily calculated using the formulae shown in the guide.
Labcell has published the guide on its website as well as providing a downloadable PDF version (download it here). For researchers interested in calculating leaf transpiration, Labcell offers the METER Group’s SC-1 leaf porometer, ATMOS 41 weather station and IRT infrared thermometer, details of which can be found on the Labcell website.
Labcell is the UK distributor for the METER range of instrumentation. Download detailed data sheets directly from Labcell’s website at www.labcell.com or contact the company with specific enquiries or to request a demonstration by telephone on +44 (0)1420 568150 or email mail@labcell.com.
