Leaf physiological properties of pepper and potato crops

Abstract

This study examines the physiological properties of pepper and potato leaves, including leaf thickness and number of stomata per 1 mm². Soil temperature at depths of 10 and 20 cm, air temperature and mean values of transpiration (Tr) for the period 5 July 2008 – 15 September 2008 were also monitored.

The obtained results suggest the following:

Leaf thickness was far greater in potato (171.82 µm) than in pepper (140.0 µm). The number of stomata per 1 mm² was also considerably greater in potato (241.6) than in pepper (184.1).

The highest mean daily transpiration rates of 10.92 mg g^-1 min^-1 in pepper and 11.23 mg g^-1 min^-1 in potato were recorded on 3 August 2008 and 23 August 2008, respectively, indicating a high intensity of transpiration.