Apparent Sap Velocities in Big Sagebrush

Abstract

Peak daily sap velocities were rather consistent throughout the year, and were always less than five cm/hr (average of five plants). A 30-variable multiple regression equation involving environmental parameters measured near plants accounted for only 54.05% of variability associated with apparent sap velocity measurements. Big sagebrush plants must, therefore, exert considerable physiological control of transpirational water losses.