Abstract Detail

Ecophysiology

Schulte, Paul J [1], Costa, David G [2].

Water relations of the leaf epidermis – a cellular automata model.

The leaf epidermis, comprised of individual epidermal cells and specialized guard cells forming stomata, is dependent on water uptake from the bulk leaf and loses water through the stomatal pore (ignoring cuticular water loss). A simulation of this tissue was created as a cellular automata model whereby each cell would be assessed for water exchange based on the difference between its water status and that of its neighbors (cells treated as hexagonal with 6 neighbors). Water is taken up from underlying leaf cells and water is lost from cells designated as stomata. Parameters can be set to control the hydraulic conductance between epidermal cells and other epidermal cells and also with the underlying bulk leaf. The stomata have a water loss described as a function of cell water status simulating closure due to low water potential. The numbers and distribution of stomata could be varied: stomata could be distributed randomly or in an ordered, spaced manner. Results suggest that the pattern of leaf water potential and stomatal opening is quite sensitive to stomatal distribution. A surprisingly slight clustering of stomata leads to regions with lower water potential and reduced stomatal opening. Therefore a patchy nature of leaf water status and stomatal opening is likely to arise depending on the distribution of stomata.

1 - University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, Life Sciences, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4004, USA
2 - University of Nevada, Mathematical Sciences, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA

Keywords:
water relations
Leaf physiology
Stomata
cellular automata.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Ecophysiology Poster Session
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEP009
Abstract ID:589
Candidate for Awards:None