This study was preliminary to developing feed-forward computer control algo
rithms to irrigate Acer Rubrum (Red Maple) trees in proportion to predicted
transpiration. Transpiration rates of Acer Rubrum and related climate vari
ables were measured continuously in a very high, evaporative demand greenho
use environment and compared independently to solar radiation and vapor pre
ssure deficit (VPD), Measured transpiration rates were further compared to
predicted transpiration based on the combination equation. Based on regress
ion analyses and the coefficient of determination (R-2), the single variabl
e VPD predicted transpiration equally as well as the combination model with
an R squared value for both equal to 0.861. Meanwhile, using the single va
riable solar radiation to predict transpiration resulted in an R squared va
lue of 0.652.