A portable system for simultaneous measurement of transpiration and CO2 exchange.

A portable field system for simultaneous measurement of transpiration and CO2 exchange from leaves of fruit trees is described. CO2 concentration is measured by means of infra-red gas analysis, using small gas samples collected in syringes. Methods for analysing small gas samples are compared. The leaf chamber described can also be used in a conventional laboratory open gas-exchange system, its small volume permitting measurement of very rapid changes in gas exchange in response to experimental stimuli.