Changes in leaf hydraulics and stomatal conductance following drought stress and irrigation in Ceratonia siliqua (Carob tree)

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<jats:p>Changes in leaf hydraulic conductance (K) were measured using the vacuum chamber technique during dehydration and rehydration of potted plants of <jats:italic>Ceratonia siliqua</jats:italic>. K of whole, compound leaves as well as that of rachides and leaflets decreased by 20–30% at leaf water potentials (Ψ<jats:sub>L</jats:sub>) of −1.5 and −2.0 MPa, i.e. at Ψ<jats:sub>L</jats:sub> values commonly recorded in field‐growing plants of the species. Higher K losses (up to 50%) were measured for leaves at Ψ<jats:sub>L</jats:sub> of −2.5 and −3.0 MPa, i.e. near or beyond the leaf turgor loss point. Leaves of plants rehydrated while in the dark for 30 min, 90 min and 12 h recovered from K loss with characteristic times and to extents inversely proportional to the initial water stress applied. Leaf conductance to water vapour of plants dehydrated to decreasing Ψ<jats:sub>L</jats:sub> and rehydrated at low transpiration was inversely related to loss of K, thus suggesting that leaf vein embolism and refilling (and related changes in leaf hydraulics) may play a significant role in the stomatal response.</jats:p>

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