Water Relations of Laticifers in Nerium oleander

Abstract

The water relations of laticifers in N. oleander were examined for plants growing in Death Valley, California, USA. Osmotic potential of laticifers in well watered plants paralleled the daily changes in leaf water potential. The turgor pressure of laticifers was usually less than bulk leaf turgor. Laticifer turgor was maintained in the absence of positive leaf turgor in severely water stressed plants (Ψw ͭ6 -7.0 MPa) and latex exuded when leaves were cut. The recovery in water status of leaves and laticifers following watering of the plants is described. Laboratory measurements confirmed that laticifer turgor differed from bulk leaf turgor and that it was maintained over a range of water potentials. These observations may have relevance for some of the latex-bearing plants currently being considered as future hydrocarbon sources.