Abstract

This report involves an investigation of the impact of air motion on plant transpiration rates. The experiment aims to determine whether air movement influences Transpiration and how it affects plant energy loss. Plant cuttings will be exposed to controlled wind conditions, simulating natural air movement. The study hypothesizes that increased air movement will elevate transpiration rates due to the removal of the saturated air layer around leaves. The results will provide insights into the relationship between wind, Transpiration, and plant physiology, contributing to a better understanding of plant-water interactions and agricultural practices.

Introduction

High winds, according to the ecological literature, result in high rates of Transpiration and hence severe water stress. (Singh & Giri, 2021). This is expected to compensate for a variety of events, including the wind shape of trees and the agricultural advantage of the shelter. Nonetheless, using the Penman-Monteith equation (Li & Rong, 2022), a number of academics have disproved this viewpoint. At least two studies have revealed experimentally that wind lowers Transpiration under numerous usual conditions (Zhang & Cornelissen, 2021). According to some reports, the influence of wind on plants is affected by stomatal behavior; stomata may close in reaction to the shock of wind treatment or even open more broadly (Fanourakis & Tsaniklidis, 2020). Other authors have revealed that air movement causes stomatal or cuticular damage, which could result in higher water loss rates (Maylani & Wardhana, 2020).

The primary objective of this report is to investigate the influence of air movement, specifically wind conditions, on the transpiration rates of plants. By examining how wind impacts the energy exchange and transpiration process in leaves, this study aims to uncover the intricate relationship between air movement and the removal of the saturated air layer from leaf surfaces, thereby affecting the overall rate of Transpiration. Through controlled experimentation involving a low-speed fan simulating wind, the report seeks to determine whether increased air movement enhances plant transpiration rates while considering the potential impact of temperature changes on the observed outcomes.

Methods

The experiment was conducted to measure the rate of Transpiration in plant cuttings under different conditions. To set up the apparatus, utility clamps and a ring stand were positioned in accordance with the provided illustration. Plastic tubing with a 2-way valve on one end and no connector on the other was prepared. A marker was used to mark 1 cm below the white plastic connector, and water was drawn using a syringe, which was then attached to the open end of the tubing. By pushing the syringe’s plunger, water was introduced into the tubing, and the 2-way valve was sealed to eliminate air bubbles. The tubing was then shaped into a U shape, and a tubing clamp was inserted. A plant cutting with a stem of equal or larger diameter than the tubing was selected and cut at a 45° angle. The plant was then attached to plastic tubing, ensuring the 2-way valve remained open, and the stem was immersed in water.

Following these preparations, the experimental apparatus was put in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment. To imitate wind blowing, a low-speed fan was turned on. The Graphical Analysis App was set up on a computer and linked to the Go Direct Pressure Sensor. The data-collecting mode was activated, and the starting point was set at the water level in the tubing. To achieve reliable measurements, air bubbles were eliminated during the data collection.

Data was collected while the rate of water uptake by the plant cutting was being monitored. Based on the obtained data, the rate of Transpiration was determined at the end of the experiment. The methods used in this study contributed to a better understanding of plant-water interactions and their environmental implications.

Results

For three experiments with varied fan speeds, transpiration rates were recorded in kilopascals per minute (kPa/Min). Based on the three experiments, the average rate of Transpiration was estimated for each fan speed. The results show that transpiration rates vary with fan speed, implying that air movement has an effect on the plant’s water loss process.