A technique for evaluating the potential for mass flow of gases in plants

Abstract Recent experimental evidence has demonstrated that a mass flow of air may be maintained through a plant's extensive system of internal gas spaces. The mechanics of the two component processes of the driving force for this phenomenon have been quantified, and a simple method developed for assessing the significance of plant—environmental interactions within this context. The results give further credence to the reality of the phenomenon and establish a conceptual framework for exploring it in more detail.