Physiological plant stress, particularly water stress, is discussed in this article. Observations made on oil palm seedlings and in the field are included. Assessment of plant water status was done through observations for stress symptoms and measurements on canopy temperature. Physiological responses of oil palm under different soil conditions, seasonal drought and different planting materials were also discussed. Important aspects of respiration are also included in this article.

ABSTRAK Pelbagai kajian fisiologi ketegasan tanaman, terutama ketegasan air, dibincangkan dalam artikel ini. Pemerhatian yang dibuat ke atas anak pokok sawit dan di ladang juga dimasukkan. Penilaian status air dalam tumbuhan dibuat melalui pemerhatian simptom dan pengukuran suhu kanopi. Tindak balas fisiologi pokok sawit dalam pelbagai keadaan tanah, cuaca kering bermusim dan jenis bahan tanaman yang berlainan turut dibincangkan. Aspek-aspek respirasi yang penting turut dimuatkan dalam artikel ini.