Wind can open stomata under certain conditions, particularly by reducing epidermal pressure through increased transpiration.
How Wind Affects Stomatal Aperture
The effect of wind on stomatal opening and closing is complex and depends on various factors, including wind speed, plant species, and environmental conditions. While strong winds might trigger stomatal closure to prevent excessive water loss, moderate winds can lead to stomatal opening.
- Reduced Epidermal Pressure: Moderate wind increases transpiration (water loss from the plant). This transpiration can reduce the pressure within the epidermal cells, leading to stomatal opening.
- Increased Gas Exchange: Research on Arabidopsis has shown that higher wind speeds can lead to greater gas exchange (both water vapor and CO2), suggesting stomatal opening due to the effect on transpiration.
- Boundary Layer Effects: Wind disrupts the boundary layer of still air surrounding the leaf. This disruption can increase the rate of diffusion of water vapor from the leaf, thus increasing transpiration and potentially leading to stomatal opening.
- Stress Response: Very strong winds can induce stress in plants, causing stomata to close as a protective mechanism against dehydration.
Summary
In conclusion, while extreme wind conditions can cause stomata to close, moderate wind speeds can lead to stomatal opening through increased transpiration and reduced epidermal pressure. The exact response depends on the specific circumstances.
