The effect of chilling temperatures on the water relation of leaf epidermal cells of Rhoeo discolor

Abstract

Cell turgor pressure, volumetric elastic modulus (ϵ) and hydraulic conductivity (Lp) of the lower epidermal cells of the chill sensitive plant Rhoeo discolor (Commelinaceae) were measured at different temperatures between 7 and 24°C with a micro pressure-probe. Chilling at a rate of 1°C/2 min caused a small, gradual decrease in cell turgor, but turgor rapidly increased to the control level after 90 min at 8°C. In addition, chilling caused a decrease in Lp but did not influence ϵ. In cells chilled at 7°C there was an increase of relaxation half time which corresponded to a decreasing Lp.