The external force method for measuring hydraulic conductivity and elastic coefficients in higher plant cells: application to multilayer tissue sections and further theoretical development

Abstract

The external force method for measuring hydraulic conductivity and elastic coefficients in higher plants cells (Ferrier and Dainty, 1977, Can. J. Bot. 55: 858–866) is applied to multilayer tissue sections, and the theoretical analysis further developed. Measurements on storage tissue cells of red beet (Beta vulgaris) and artichoke (Helianthus tuberosis) give values for the water potential equilibration time constant (τ) of between 1 and 2 min, and values for cell membrane hydraulic conductivity (Lp) between 2 × 10−7 and 4 × 10−6 cm s−1 bar−1. Measurements on leaves of the aquatic plant Potamogeton lucens give similar values for τ, and lower values for Lp. Some limitations of the external force method are discussed.