Decoupling of stomatal conductance, transpiration and photosynthesis in terrestrial plants under elevated temperature: a meta-analysis
Abstract
Elevated temperatures pose challenges to stomatal conductance, which regulates transpiration and photosynthesis. However, the coupling of stomatal conductance, transpiration and photosynthesis may shift with warming. Here, we synthesize evidence from a meta-analysis of 207 studies to assess leaf physiological responses to warming. On average, the responses of stomatal conductance are highly variable, exhibiting no consistent directional trend, whereas transpiration increases and photosynthesis decreases, reflecting a shift towards transpirational cooling. Stomatal conductance declines until temperatures exceed 5 °C above ambient, whereas transpiration remains stable under warming
Fields of Study & Subjects
Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics
Plant responses to elevated CO2
Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Nature Communications
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 17
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 1528–1528
- Publication date
- 8 January 2026
- Language
- EN