Infrared thermometry to measure single leaf temperatures for quantification of water stress in sunflower

This study was conducted to determine if Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) values computed from infrared thermometer measurements of single-leaf temperatures of sunflower [Helianthus annuus (L.) «Triumph 566DW»] were correlated with other measures of plant water stress. Statistically significant correlations were found between CWSI calculated from single-leaf temperatures and stomatal conductance, CO 2 exchange rate, leaf water potential, transpiration rate, and percent available water in the active root zone. Calculation CWSI from single-leaf temperatures measured with an infrared thermometer can provide a rapid means of assessing plant water status in incomplete canopies