Effect of water deficits on transpiration, photosynthesis and leaf conductance in cassava

Abstract

Transpiration, net photosynthesis and leaf conductance decreased when leaf water potential dropped below ‐0.30 MPa. Both transpiration and net photosynthesis rates were considerably reduced before the leaves were visibly wilted at ‐0.95 MPa. Consequently, visual symptoms are unlikely to provide a useful index for characterizing water deficits in cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz cv. Llanera). Decreases in net photosynthesis closely followed decreases in transpiration and this suggests that stomatal closure controls both processes.