Stomatal and Cuticular Water Loss from Apple, Cherry, and Sweetgum Plants After Removal from in Vitro Culture

Abstract

Abstract The relative contributions of stomatal and cuticular water loss to desiccation of tissue-cultured apple ( Malus domestica Borkh), cherry ( Prunus avium × P. pseudocerasus ), and sweetgum ( Liquidambar styraciflua L.) leaves after removal from culture were studied. Conductance from both abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces was measured on plants immediately after removal from culture, after acclimatization, and after being subjected to water stress. In all species, stomatal conductance decreased significantly after acclimatization. Cuticular conductance was significant under some conditions and may have been due to damage resulting from tissue dehydration. The three species had quite different responses to imposed water stress. Responses appeared to be related to differences in stomatal functioning, cuticular integrity, and degree of acclimatization.