Introductory Crop Physiology (1+1)

Root Pressure

The father of Plant Physiology, Stephen Hales (1727) proposed root pressure. It is a pressure developed in the tracheary elements of xylem as a result of metabolic activities of roots. Root pressure is an osmotic phenomenon developed due to the activity of root cells and it is an active process. The factors that affect transpiration also affect root pressure.

Significance of root pressure

1. Exudation (bleeding) and guttation are caused by root pressure.
2. It helps in ascent of sap