A portable steady-state porometer for measuring the carbon dioxide and water vapour exchanges of leaves under natural conditions.

A portable porometer is described for measuring the steady-state CO2 and H2O exchange rates of leaves under natural conditions. The porometer has an open gas exchange system which monitors the differences in concentrations of CO2 and H2O entering and leaving a cuvette which is clamped on or around leaves. The cuvette is designed to maintain ambient air temperature and humidity around the leaf. This instrument may also be used to determine CO2 response curves in the field. Examples of diurnal courses are presented for attached leaves of different species having high and low rates of CO2 exchange.