Abstract

For an "in situ" thermocouple hygrometer to be of value it must give reasonable estimates of plant-water potential and must respond rapidly to plant-water potential changes. Leaf thermocouple hygrometers (Wescor) and specially fabricated stem thermocouple hygrometers were evaluated on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plants under well-watered and drought conditions in a growth chamber. When soil-water stress was low and plant-water movement was near steady state, the two sensors gave similar water potential values. When soil-water stresses were imposed or when plant process varied cyclically (eg., photosynthesis, transpiration), stem hygrometers sensed dynamic changes in the plant's water potential more consistently than did leaf hygrometers placed on leaves with intact cuticles. It appears that both the stem and leaf hygrometers hold promise for sensing plant water potential changes of peanut in the field.

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Keywords: Arachis hypogaea L, Correlation, Fruit Yield, leaf hygrometer

How to Cite:

Pallas, J. & Michel, B., (1978) “Comparison of Leaf and Stem Hygrometers for Measuring Changes in Peanut Plant Water Potential¹”, Peanut Science 5(2), p.65-67. doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-5-2-2

Author Notes

¹Contribution from Southern Piedmont Conservation Research Center, Watkinsville, GA 30677, Science and Education Administration, USDA, in cooperation with The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.

³Trade names and company names are given for the benefit of the reader and do not imply preferential endorsement by the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture over similar products or firms.