Night-time conductance in C-3 and C-4 species: do plants lose water at night

Abstract

Signi®cant night-time stomatal conductance and tran-spiration were found for 11 out of 17 species with a range of life histories (herbaceous annual, perennial grass, shrub, tree), photosynthetic pathways (C3, C4), and habitats in the western United States. Across species and habitats, higher night-time conductance and transpiration were associated with higher day-time values. The prevalence, mechanisms and eco-logical implications of substantial night-time water loss deserve further investigation