Turgor

Natural tension of plant cells. A plant can live only when its water balance is maintained, i.e., when the amount of water entering the plant is not less than that being used. When water is used faster (during intense evaporation), the cells become dehydrated. The tension of the plant's cells then weakens; this is called loss of turgor. Leaves and shoot tips wilt and droop. If the plant is not wa…

Natural tension of plant cells. A plant can live only when its water balance is maintained, i.e., when the amount of water entering the plant is not less than that being used. When water is used faster (during intense evaporation), the cells become dehydrated. The tension of the plant's cells then weakens; this is called loss of turgor. Leaves and shoot tips wilt and droop. If the plant is not watered in time, the process may become irreversible. Loss of turgor can be caused not only by insufficient watering, but also by watering or spraying with highly concentrated solutions of mineral fertilizers.