Skip to main content
Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Transpiration efficiency

noun

Pronunciation: /ˌtrænspɪˈreɪʃən ɪˈfɪʃənsi/

The ratio of biomass produced to the amount of water lost through transpiration, reflecting how effectively plants use available water. Higher transpiration efficiency indicates greater drought tolerance and improved productivity under water-limiting conditions.

Plain English

The amount of plant growth achieved per unit of water lost through leaf pores.

Etymology & History

Origin languageLatin
Roottranspirare (breathe through) + efficentia (effectiveness)
First recorded use1950s
Usage frequencyCommon

Usage

"Crop varieties with high transpiration efficiency produce more grain per millimeter of water received."

Style guide notes: Always specify the measurement period and growth conditions when reporting transpiration efficiency values.

Also known as

water-use efficiency intrinsic water-use efficiency

Contrasted with

transpiration waste

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is transpiration efficiency important for agriculture?

It identifies plant varieties that maximize yield while conserving limited water resources in arid climates.

How is transpiration efficiency measured in research?

Scientists calculate the ratio of biomass accumulation to total water loss over a growth period.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Commonly assessed in agronomy and plant breeding evaluations for drought-tolerant varieties.

Required skill level: Mid

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON