Spatial D/H Heterogeneity of Leaf Water

Abstract

The mean δD value of petiole water of Pterocarpus indicus Willd (δD = −9.0 ± 2.5‰, n = 3) was not significantly different from the mean value of stem water (−8.3 ± 2.8‰, n = 3). δD values of main vein water ranged from −11.1 to + 12.0‰ (n = 14) and increased along the main vein from petiole to the tip of leaves. Mesophyll water was highly enriched in deuterium (mean δD = +32.0 ± 2.0‰, n = 19) when compared with stem, petiole, and vein water. δD values of mesophyll water for different areas of the lamina, however, were not homogenous and could differ by as much as 20‰.