FIGURE 5.

Observed transpiration rate measurement and stomata changes during post-excision. (A) Observed transpiration rates during 6 h post-excision. +Ad/Vas, leaf adaxial surface sealed with vaseline; +Ab/Vas, leaf abaxial surface sealed with vaseline; +Ab/Vas: +Ad/Vas, both leaf surfaces sealed with vaseline; -EW_Ad: +Ab/Vas, adaxial epicuticular waxes removed by gum arabic and abaxial surface sealed with vaseline; -EW_Ab: +Ad/Vas, abaxial epicuticular waxes removed by gum arabic and adaxial surface sealed with vaseline. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error (n = 6). Statistical analysis was performed among different treatments at the same time point, and different letters at the same time point indicate statistically significant (p < 0.05). (B) Stomata changes before ABA treatment (control), and post-excision (0 h and 5 h). Abaxial epidermal cell layer was removed, mounted onto glass slide, and immersed in 0.9% NaCl solution, then immediately observed under microscope. Bar = 20 μm. (C) Stomata aperture before ABA treatment, and post-excision (0 and 5 h). Data were given as mean ± standard error (n = 20). Asterisks indicate statistically significant at 0.01 levels. (D) The regression curve between leaf transpiration rates and relative water deficit (RWD) during 10 h post-excision.