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Xylem resistance to cavitation increases during summer in Pinus halepensis.

Authors :
Feng, Feng
Wagner, Yael
Klein, Tamir
Hochberg, Uri
Source :
Plant, Cell & Environment. Jun2023, Vol. 46 Issue 6, p1849-1859. 11p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Cavitation resistance has often been viewed as a relatively static trait, especially for stems of forest trees. Meanwhile, other hydraulic traits, such as turgor loss point (Ψtlp) and xylem anatomy, change during the season. In this study, we hypothesized that cavitation resistance is also dynamic, changing in coordination with Ψtlp. We began with a comparison of optical vulnerability (OV), microcomputed tomography (µCT) and cavitron methods. All three methods significantly differed in the slope of the curve,Ψ12 and Ψ88, but not in Ψ50 (xylem pressures that cause 12%, 88%, 50% cavitation, respectively). Thus, we followed the seasonal dynamics (across 2 years) of Ψ50 in Pinus halepensis under Mediterranean climate using the OV method. We found that Ψ50 is a plastic trait with a reduction of approximately 1 MPa from the end of the wet season to the end of the dry season, in coordination with the dynamics of the midday xylem water potential (Ψmidday) and the Ψtlp. The observed plasticity enabled the trees to maintain a stable positive hydraulic safety margin and avoid cavitation during the long dry season. Seasonal plasticity is vital for understanding the actual risk of cavitation to plants and for modeling species' ability to tolerate harsh environments. Summary Statement: Shoot xylem vulnerability of Pinus halepensis is a seasonal plastic trait, which adjusts to lower water potential during the summer in coordination with the turgor loss point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01407791
Volume :
46
Issue :
6
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Plant, Cell & Environment
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
163411463
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.14573