High stomatal density and low humidity hinder plant growth, study finds.
High stomatal density and low air humidity can independently slow down the growth of young Arabidopsis plants. The more stomata a plant has, the more water it loses, affecting its growth negatively. Even in dry conditions, having lots of stomata doesn't help the plant conserve water. This study helps us understand how plants respond to different levels of humidity and sets the stage for future research on how to help plants adapt better to changing environments.