Use of the pressure probe in studies of stomatal function.

Over the past few decades the pressure probe has been used extensively in studies of the hydromechanical and osmotic properties of plant cells. However, although pressure probe techniques have been employed successfully in the study of stomatal function, there is no detailed account of this special application of the pressure probe technique. This paper describes the construction and use of the pressure probe in studies relating to stomatal function, and reviews the current state of knowledge of stomatal function in relation to guard cell and leaf hydromechanical properties.