The influence of atmospheric humidity on leaf expansion in Beta vulgaris L.

Humidity effects on leaf expansion in sugar beets (Beta vulgaris L.) were explored using linear variable differential transducers. In continuous light, an increase in relative humidity (RH) from 35 to 61 or 75% resulted in a rapid increase in leaf extension which was maintained for 10-15 min before slowing down. Increasing RH from 35 to 85% increased leaf-extension rate (LER) in light and in dark and substantially diminished the ratio of dark LER to light LER, showing that high humidity can offset the reduction in LER which occurs on illumination. Episodes of irradiance with visible or infrared radiation resulted in diminished LER, indicating that increases in transpiration may reduce the flux of water available for leaf cell expansion. The hypothesis that leaf area expansion in sugarbeet may be controlled by the expansion of the leaf epidermis is discussed.