UC Davis

Stomatal conductance (g_s) is a crucial component of plant physiology, as it links plant productivity and water loss through transpiration. Estimating g_s indirectly through leaf temperature (T_l) measurement is common for reducing the high labor cost associated with direct g_s measurement. However, the relationship between observed T_l and g_s can be notably affected by local environmental conditions, canopy structure, measurement scale, sample size, and g_s itself. To better understand and quantify the variation in the relationship between T_l measurements to g_s, this study analyzed the sensitivity of T_l to g_s using a high-resolution three-dimensional model that resolves interactions between microclimate and canopy structure. The model was used to simulate the sensitivity of T_l to g_s across different environmental conditions, aggregation scales (point measurement, infrared thermometer, and thermographic image), and sample sizes. Results showed that leaf-level sensitivity of T_l to g_s was highest under conditions of high net radiation flux, high vapor pressure deficit, and low boundary layer conductance. The study findings also highlighted the trade-off between measurement scale and sample size to maximize sensitivity. Smaller scale measurements (e.g., thermocouple) provided maximal sensitivity because they allow for exclusion of shaded leaves and the ground, which have low sensitivity. However, large sample sizes (up to 50 to 75) may be needed to differentiate genotypes. Larger-scale measurements (e.g., thermal camera) reduced sample size requirements but include low-sensitivity elements in the measurement. This work provides a means of estimating leaf-level sensitivity and offers quantitative guidance for balancing scale and sample size issues.