Diffusion pressure deficit and turgidity relationships of detached leaves of Trifolium repens L.

Abstract

Diffusion pressure deficits (D.P.D.), relative turgidities, and recoverable turgid moisture contents were determined during drying out of laminae and petioles of detached leaves of white clover (Trifolium repens L.).

Relationships varied with the type of wilting treatment. Slow, prolonged wilting, such as occurs during field drying for hay, resulted in higher D.P.D.3 and turgid moisture contents, in the later stages of drying, than rapid, brief wilting. The higher deficits account, in part, for the slowness of drying in the later stages of field drying of the species.

The changes of deficit and hygroscopicity were not directly related. Possible causes of each are considered.