Stomatal transpiration and cuticular transpiration are two types of transpiration that occur in plants. Here are the differences between the two:
- Stomatal transpiration: It is the loss of water vapor from the plant through stomata. The stomata are pores present on the leaves that regulate the loss of water vapor from the plant. During the day, the stomata open to allow the entry of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, and water vapor diffuses out of the plant through these open stomata.
- Cuticular transpiration: It is the loss of water vapor from the plant through the cuticle. The cuticle is a waxy layer present on the surface of the leaves, stem, and other plant parts that help in preventing excessive water loss from the plant. Cuticular transpiration occurs through the cuticle when the stomata are closed, and there is no other way for water vapor to escape from the plant.
So, the key difference between stomatal transpiration and cuticular transpiration is that stomatal transpiration occurs through stomata and is regulated by the plant, whereas cuticular transpiration occurs through the cuticle and is passive, i.e., it occurs without any active regulation by the plant.
