A possible role of leaf vascular network in heat dissipation in Vitis vinifera L

Recent studies showed how the density of lea f vascular system can be involved in the performance of physiologicalparameters. Major veins are commonly elevated in the lower epidermis of the leaf, and this anatomical feature could play asubsidiary role in increasing heat dispersion in the surrounding environment and may help dissipate excess light energy inthe leaves. The aim of this study is to analyse the role of the leaf vein network in the heat dissipation process in Vit isvinifera (L.). Major leaf veins were insulated with liquid paraffin and analysed using thermal imagi ng. A significa ntlyhigher temperature was found on the leaf tissues with insulated veins compared to untreated leaves. Further studies arerequired to assess the real contribution of the leaf vascular network in thermal dissipation.