Influence of stomatal distribution on transpiration in low‐wind environments

Abstract

Abstract According to computer energy balance simulations of horizontal thin leaves, the quantitative effects of stomatal distribution patterns (top vs. bottom surfaces) on transpiration (E) were maximal for sunlit leaves with high stomatal conductances (g_s) and experiencing low windspeeds (free or mixed convection regimes). E of these leaves decreased at windspeeds > 50 cm s⁻¹, despite increases in the leaf‐to‐air vapour density deficit. At 50 cm s⁻¹ wind‐speed, rapidly transpiring leaves had greater E when one‐half of the stomata were on each leaf surface (amphistomaty; 10.16 mmol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹) than when all stomata were on either the top (hyperstomaty; 9.34 mmol m⁻²s⁻¹) or bottom (hypostomaty; 7.02 mmol m⁻²s⁻¹) surface because water loss occurred in parallel from both surfaces. Hyperstomatous leaves had larger E than hypostomatous leaves because free convection was greater on the top than on the bottom surface. Transpiration of leaves with large g, was greatest at windspeeds near zero when ∼60–75% of the stomata were on the top surface, while at high windspeeds E was greatest with, 50% of the stomata on top. For leaves with low g_s, stomatal distribution exerted little influence on simulated E values. Laboratory measurements of water loss from simulated hypo‐, hyper‐, and amphistomatous leaf models qualitatively supported these predictions.