Latex Pressure (laticifer)
VC-MET-215 — laticifer (latex) pressure in latex-bearing specimens — a turgor and defensive-readiness gauge.
Definition
Latex Pressure is the internal hydrostatic pressure of the laticifer network in latex-bearing cultivars (kPa), read by implanted micro-transducers on the PhytoSense Mesh. Elevated pressure marks defensive priming and exudation risk.
Why it matters
Laticifer pressure tracks both hydration and defensive state. Over-pressure raises exudation and handling risk during cultivation tasks; the metric gates manual-handling windows and informs personal-protective posture for technicians.
Formula
P_latex = transducer mean − P_atm [kPa, gauge] Compensated for zone barometric pressure (VC-MET-112) and specimen temperature. A sustained rise with stable hydration indicates defensive priming rather than turgor.
Inputs
| Input | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transducer | Implanted laticifer micro-sensor | PhytoSense Mesh |
| Barometric ref | Zone pressure compensation | PhytoSense Mesh |
| Hydration | Tissue Hydration cross-check | PhytoSense Mesh |
Units & Scale
kPa gauge, integer, per-specimen with cohort means. Increasing-is-worse; upper thresholds gate handling.
Sampling & Source
- Sampled every 5 minutes from implanted transducers.
- Compensated for barometric pressure and temperature.
- Drives manual-handling permit windows.
Thresholds
OK
WARN
CRIT
Recent Trend
Zone roll-up, last 14 sampling periods (current 98):
Interpretation Guidance
| Band | Reading | Likely Driver | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60–140 | Normal | Healthy turgor | Standard handling. |
| 141–180 | Elevated | High hydration or priming | Caution; defer non-urgent handling. |
| 181–230 | WARN | Defensive priming | Handling caution; PPE up. |
| > 230 | CRIT | Exudation risk | Handling lockout; isolate. |
Related Metrics
Stem Turgor Pressure
Hydraulic sibling.
VC-MET-015Tissue Hydration Index
Hydration cross-check.
VC-MET-415Specimen Aggression Index
Defensive-state composite.
VC-MET-112Barometric Pressure
Compensation input.
Related SOPs
- Exposure response & PPE — SOP Library.
- Manual-handling permits — SOP Library.