Leaf stiffness of two Moraceae species based on leaf tensity determined by compressing different external gripping forces under dehydration stress

[摘要] Leaf water status determination based on mechanical and electrophysiological properties helps determine the inherent as well as instantaneous leaf dehydration tolerance synchronously. The leaf water potential (Ψ L ), physiological capacitance (CP) and gripping force ( F ) were determined with leaves of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. and Morus alba L. Real-time leaf stiffness (LCS rt ) and maximum leaf stiffness (LCS max ) were investigated by compressing a leaf with external gripping force. Results indicated that LT displayed good correlation with F . Compared to M. alba , a better instantaneous dehydration tolerance or pressure resistance in B. papyrifera was correlated to its persistent stronger LCS rt or LCS max , respectively. B. papyrifera showed better flexibility and tolerance to wider range of pressure than M. alba . The higher leaf mechanical strength helped to maintain a higher outward pulling force of cell walls; thus, the subsequent negative pressure effectively inhibited cellular water loss. B. papyrifera exhibited better drought resistance than M. alba .

[学科分类] 纳米科学和纳米技术

[关键词] Leaf stiffness;leaf tensity;pressure resistance;cellular water loss;drought resistance