
%0 Journal Article
%A Bernardi, A. L. 
%T Branch water potential; a useful indicator of plant water potential in comparison to leaf water potential in canola
%J Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture
%D 2000/08/30
%V 40
%N 5
%P 687-692
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/EA99128
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/EA99128 
%X The water potentials of canola branches and leaves were compared using a pressure chamber to determine whether they produced similar results. This study also investigated the magnitude of errors in the water status of canola resulting from re-cutting the branches, and the effects of delaying readings. The use of branches containing pods or pods and flowers/buds gave very good correlation with leaves. As this is the area of greatest photosynthesis and transpiration from mid-flowering, it provides an easily obtainable source material close to the main growth areas to measure plant water potential. Storage of both leaves and stems before measurement is an acceptable procedure if a large number of samples are required to be completed or portable equipment is not available provided precautions are taken to prevent moisture loss. Re-cutting the branch leads to lower water potential and should be avoided. 
