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You are here: Home / Picture Tutorials, Videos and maintenance information / Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

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See this tutorial in video format on YouTube

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Select a leaf from the lowest branch on the tree (shady/north side of tree). Established limb – not new growth.

Readings need to be taken mid-day (about 12:30-2:30 PM)

Leaf should be fully expanded and in good condition – no holes, rot or problems with leaf.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almonds PMS Instruments

Slide the leaf into the Almond Bag

Fold over and seal the bag with the two velcro tabs

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

The bag should be on the leaf for at least 15 minutes

Can be on for several hours without any problem.

Best method is to put on bags and then come back and test them.

The bag removes environmental stress and allows the leaf to equilibrate with the trunk of the tree.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

After 15 minutes or more – cut the leaf from the tree.

The instrument should be prepared so that the reading can be taken immediately.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Insert the petiole of the leaf into the bottom side of the chamber.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Petiole should just barely protrude through the gasket/insert of the lid. Tighten the gasket around the petiole by twisting the black ring clockwise till it is tight.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Next, put the bag/leaf down into the chamber and lock the chamber lid in place.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Rate Valve should be set to fill the chamber at a rate of about 1 bar every 2 seconds.
Too fast a rate will cause error in the reading at the end-point.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Place the Control Valve into the “Chamber” position and begin filling the chamber.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

With one hand on the Control Valve, watch the end of the petiole carefully for water to appear.

The end of the petiole will change from light green to a darker green at the moment the water appears.

This is the “End-Point” or the reading. (Watch the video in order to see what the end-point looks like)

Immediately stop the increase in the chamber by placing the “Control Valve” in the “OFF” position.

Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees

Record the reading.

Many thanks to Allan Fulton of the University of California Cooperative Extension! For more information on how to use the Pressure Chamber with Almond, you can download the ANR Publication 8503 here.

More information on Almonds

SEVERE DROUGHT MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS – The Almond Doctor. An article by David Dhol – UCCE with some recommendations for surviving the California Drought.

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More Resources:

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    • Filling the Model 610 internal Portable Tank
    • Filling the Model 615, Model 615D or Model 1515D Internal Tank
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    • Setting the Rate Valve
    • What it should look like when it’s all hooked up
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    • Interpreting Data
    • Making the Measurement of the Plant Sample
    • Measuring Leaf Water Potential in Wine Grapes
    • Measuring Stem Water Potential (SWP)
    • Measuring Stem Water Potential in Almond Trees
    • Measuring Stem Water Potential in Prune Trees
    • Measuring Stem Water Potential in Walnut Trees
    • PMS – Meaning and Importance
    • Stress levels, crop tables and information
    • Using a Pressure Chamber with Almond
    • Using a Pressure Chamber with Walnuts
    • Using a Pressure Chamber with wine grapes
    • Using a Pressure Chamber with Prunes
    • What kind of plants can be measured?
    • When to make measurements
  • Accessories to Nitrogen Gas Units
    • Installing the Almond Compression Gland Gasket and Insert
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    • Using the Grass Compression Gland
    • Pressure Regulators: Do I need one?
    • Using the Grass Compression Gland with corn
    • Sealing a sample using inserts, gaskets and tools
    • Standard Sealing System

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