Studies on Energy Status and Transpiration of Wheat Plants as Influenced by Aerial Environment, Soil Water Potential and Texture

Transpiration rate (E_a/E_p), leaf water potential (ψ₁) and relative water content (RWC) of wheat plants as influenced by soil water potential (ψ_s) were studied at two aerial environments (21° C, 52% R.H. and 31° C, 48% R.H.) grown in three different textured soils and sand. The transpiration rate remained nearly constant at high soil moisture contents, above the thresh-hold soil water potentials, -1.0, -0-5 and -0,1 bars for clay loam, sandy loam soils and sand respectively. Relatively at low ψ_s’* the transpiration of wheat was higher in clay loam than in other loam soils, presumably due to the higher hydraulic conductivity of the former. The leaf water potential of wheat leaves declined exponentially with decreasing soil water potential. The effect of environment on the leaf water potential values was conspicuous when the wheat was grown under stress conditions. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between RWC and leaf water potential in wheat plants. The leaf water potential, relative water content and transpiration were affected by aerial environment and soil texture.