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Nardini A, Cochard H, Mayr S. Talk is cheap: rediscovering sounds made by plants. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 29:662-667. [PMID: 38218649 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
A recent study and related commentaries have raised new interest in the phenomenon of ultrasonic sound production by plants exposed to stress, especially drought. While recent technological advancements have allowed the demonstration that these sounds can propagate in the air surrounding plants, we remind readers here that research on sound production by plants is more than 100 years old. The mechanisms and patterns of sound emission from plants subjected to different stress factors are also reasonably understood, thanks to the pioneering work of John Milburn and others. By contrast, experimental evidence for a role of these sounds in plant-animal or plant-plant communication remains lacking and, at present, these ideas remain highly speculative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Hervé Cochard
- Université Clermont-Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, Clermont-Ferrand 63000, France
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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2
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Sáez PL, Vallejos V, Sancho-Knapik D, Cavieres LA, Ramírez CF, Bravo LA, Javier Peguero-Pina J, Gil-Pelegrín E, Galmés J. Leaf hydraulic properties of Antarctic plants: effects of growth temperature and its coordination with photosynthesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:2013-2026. [PMID: 38173309 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
One of the well-documented effects of regional warming in Antarctica is the impact on flora. Warmer conditions modify several leaf anatomical traits of Antarctic vascular plants, increasing photosynthesis and growth. Given that CO2 and water vapor partially share their diffusion pathways through the leaf, changes in leaf anatomy could also affect the hydraulic traits of Antarctic plants. We evaluated the effects of growth temperature on several anatomical and hydraulic parameters of Antarctic plants and assessed the trait co-variation between these parameters and photosynthetic performance. Warmer conditions promoted an increase in leaf and whole plant hydraulic conductivity, correlating with adjustments in carbon assimilation. These adjustments were consistent with changes in leaf vasculature, where Antarctic species displayed different strategies. At higher temperature, Colobanthus quitensis decreased the number of leaf xylem vessels, but increased their diameter. In contrast, in Deschampsia antarctica the diameter did not change, but the number of vessels increased. Despite this contrasting behavior, some traits such as a small leaf diameter of vessels and a high cell wall rigidity were maintained in both species, suggesting a water-conservation response associated with the ability of Antarctic plants to cope with harsh environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Sáez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Instituto de Agroindustria, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad-IEB, Concepción, Chile
| | - Valentina Vallejos
- Laboratorio Cultivo de Tejidos Vegetales, Centro de Biotecnología, y Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Domingo Sancho-Knapik
- Departamento de Sistemas Agrícolas, Forestales y Medio Ambiente, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Gobierno de Aragón, Zaragoza, España
| | - Lohengrin A Cavieres
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad-IEB, Concepción, Chile
- ECOBIOSIS, Departamento de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción, Chile
| | - Constanza F Ramírez
- Laboratorio Cultivo de Tejidos Vegetales, Centro de Biotecnología, y Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - León A Bravo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Instituto de Agroindustria, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - José Javier Peguero-Pina
- Departamento de Sistemas Agrícolas, Forestales y Medio Ambiente, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Gobierno de Aragón, Zaragoza, España
| | - Eustaquio Gil-Pelegrín
- Departamento de Sistemas Agrícolas, Forestales y Medio Ambiente, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria, Gobierno de Aragón, Zaragoza, España
| | - Jeroni Galmés
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, INAGEA-Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
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Lin S, Wang H, Dai J, Ge Q. Spring wood phenology responds more strongly to chilling temperatures than bud phenology in European conifers. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 44:tpad146. [PMID: 38079514 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
A comparative assessment of bud and wood phenology could aid a better understanding of tree growth dynamics. However, the reason for asynchronism or synchronism in leaf and cambial phenology remains unclear. To test the assumption that the temporal relationship between the budburst date and the onset date of wood formation is due to their common or different responses to environmental factors, we constructed a wood phenology dataset from previous literature, and compared it with an existing bud phenology dataset in Europe. We selected three common conifers (Larix decidua Mill., Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Pinus sylvestris L.) in both datasets and analyzed 909 records of the onset of wood formation at 47 sites and 238,720 records of budburst date at 3051 sites. We quantified chilling accumulation (CA) and forcing requirement (FR) of budburst and onset of wood formation based on common measures of CA and FR. We then constructed negative exponential CA-FR curves for bud and wood phenology separately. The results showed that the median, variance and probability distribution of CA-FR curves varied significantly between bud and wood phenology for three conifers. The different FR under the same chilling condition caused asynchronous bud and wood phenology. Furthermore, the CA-FR curves manifested that wood phenology was more sensitive to chilling than bud phenology. Thus, the FR of the onset of wood formation increases more than that of budburst under the same warming scenarios, explaining the stronger earlier trends in the budburst date than the onset date of woody formation simulated by the process-based model. Our work not only provides a possible explanation for asynchronous bud and wood phenology from the perspective of organ-specific responses to chilling and forcing, but also develops a phenological model for predicting both bud and wood phenology with acceptable uncertainties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huanjiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Junhu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences - Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Sector H-9, East Service Road, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Quansheng Ge
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
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Li Z, Luo D, Ibrahim MM, Hou E, Wang C. Adaptive strategies to freeze-thaw cycles in branch hydraulics of tree species coexisting in a temperate forest. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 206:108223. [PMID: 38043252 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) limit the distribution and survival of temperate tree species. Tree species with different wood types coexist in temperate forests and are subjected to the same FTCs. It is essential to understand how these trees differentially cope with xylem hydraulic failure induced by FTCs in the field. The branch hydraulic traits and nonstructural carbohydrate concentration of six coexisting tree species in a temperate forest were measured from mid-winter to early spring when the FTCs occurred from January to April. The percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) was lower, and the water potential inducing a 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50) was more negative in tracheid trees than in ring- and diffuse-porous trees, suggesting tracheid trees with narrow tracheid diameters showed less vulnerable to embolism and provided a lower degree of hydraulic failure during FTCs (stronger resistance). Ring-porous trees always showed lower hydraulic conductivity and higher PLC and P50, and these traits did not change during FTCs, suggesting that they might lose the hydraulic functions in winter and abandon the last year xylem. The P50 in diffuse-porous increased after several FTCs (frost fatigue), but that in tracheid species continued to increase (or even decrease) until the end of FTCs (69 cycles), suggesting that tracheid trees were less sensitive to frost fatigue than diffuse-porous trees. Soluble sugar concentration in deciduous trees negatively correlated with PLC at the end of FTCs, indicating that the effect of soluble sugar on refilling embolism occurred in early spring. While the soluble sugar concentration of deciduous trees decreased, that of two evergreen tracheid trees gradually increased, possibly due to the winter photosynthesis of evergreen leaves. Our results suggest temperate trees adopt different strategies to cope with the same FTCs. These findings enrich the understanding of plant hydraulics and carbon physiology in winter and provide insights into the response of different species coexisting in temperate forests under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Li
- Center for Ecological Research, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China.
| | - Dandan Luo
- Center for Ecological Research, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Muhammed Mustapha Ibrahim
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
| | - Enqing Hou
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
| | - Chuankuan Wang
- Center for Ecological Research, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Charra-Vaskou K, Lintunen A, Améglio T, Badel E, Cochard H, Mayr S, Salmon Y, Suhonen H, van Rooij M, Charrier G. Xylem embolism and bubble formation during freezing suggest complex dynamics of pressure in Betula pendula stems. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:5840-5853. [PMID: 37463327 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Freeze-thaw-induced embolism, a key limiting factor for perennial plants results from the formation of gas bubbles during freezing and their expansion during thawing. However, the ice volumetric increase generates local pressures, which can affect the formation of bubbles. To characterize local dynamics of pressure tension and the physical state of the sap during freeze-thaw cycles, we simultaneously used ultrasonic acoustic emission analysis and synchrotron-based high-resolution computed tomography on the diffuse-porous species Betula pendula. Visualization of individual air-filled vessels and the distribution of gas bubbles in frozen xylem were performed.. Ultrasonic emissions occurred after ice formation, together with bubble formation, whereas the development of embolism took place after thawing. The pictures of frozen tissues indicated that the positive pressure induced by the volumetric increase of ice can provoke inward flow from the cell wall toward the lumen of the vessels. We found no evidence that wider vessels within a tissue were more prone to embolism, although the occurrence of gas bubbles in larger conduits would make them prone to earlier embolism. These results highlight the need to monitor local pressure as well as ice and air distribution during xylem freezing to understand the mechanism leading to frost-induced embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Lintunen
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/ Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/ Forest Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thierry Améglio
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Badel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hervé Cochard
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Institute for Botany, University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Yann Salmon
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/ Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/ Forest Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Mahaut van Rooij
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Charrier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Dai Y, Wang L, Wan X. Maintenance of xylem hydraulic function during winter in the woody bamboo Phyllostachys propinqua McClure. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15979. [PMID: 37719123 PMCID: PMC10504893 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Frost is a common environmental stress for temperate plants. Xylem embolism occurs in many overwintering plants due to freeze-thaw cycles, so coping with freeze-thaw-induced embolisms is essential for the survival of temperate plants. Methods This study was conducted on Phyllostachys propinqua McClure, a woody bamboo species that was grown under natural frost conditions to explore its responses to winter embolisms. From autumn to the following spring, the following measurements were recorded: predawn branch and leaf embolism, branch and leaf relative water content (RWC), root pressure and soil temperature, xylem sap osmotic potential, branch and leaf electrolyte leakage (EL), branch nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content and leaf net photosynthetic rate. Results P. propinqua had a mean vessel diameter of 68.95 ±1.27 µm but did not suffer severe winter embolism, peaking around 60% in winter (January), with a distinct reduction in March when root pressure returned. Leaves had a more severe winter embolism, up to 90%. Leaf RWC was much lower in winter, and leaf EL was significantly higher than branch EL in all seasons. Root pressure remained until November when soil temperature reached 9 °C, then appeared again in March when soil temperatures increased from -6 °C (January) to 11 °C. Xylem sap osmotic potential decreased from autumn to winter, reaching a minimum in March, and then increasing again. Soluble sugar (SS) concentration increased throughout the winter, peaked in March, and then decreased. Conclusions These results suggest that (1) there is a hydraulic segmentation between the stem and leaf, which could prevent stem water loss and further embolization in winter; (2) maintenance of root pressure in early winter played an important role in reducing the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the winter embolism; (3) the physiological process that resulted in a decrease in xylem sap osmotic potential and tissue water content, and an accumulation of SS associated with cold acclimation also aided in reducing the extent of freeze-thaw-induced embolism. All these strategies could be helpful for the maintenance of xylem hydraulic function of this bamboo species during winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Dai
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
- Institute of New Forestry Technology, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
- Institute of New Forestry Technology, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Xianchong Wan
- Institute of New Forestry Technology, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
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7
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Carluccio G, Greco D, Sabella E, Vergine M, De Bellis L, Luvisi A. Xylem Embolism and Pathogens: Can the Vessel Anatomy of Woody Plants Contribute to X. fastidiosa Resistance? Pathogens 2023; 12:825. [PMID: 37375515 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of an intact water column in the xylem lumen several meters above the ground is essential for woody plant viability. In fact, abiotic and biotic factors can lead to the formation of emboli in the xylem, interrupting sap flow and causing consequences on the health status of the plant. Anyway, the tendency of plants to develop emboli depends on the intrinsic features of the xylem, while the cyto-histological structure of the xylem plays a role in resistance to vascular pathogens, as in the case of the pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Analysis of the scientific literature suggests that on grapevine and olive, some xylem features can determine plant tolerance to vascular pathogens. However, the same trend was not reported in citrus, indicating that X. fastidiosa interactions with host plants differ by species. Unfortunately, studies in this area are still limited, with few explaining inter-cultivar insights. Thus, in a global context seriously threatened by X. fastidiosa, a deeper understanding of the relationship between the physical and mechanical characteristics of the xylem and resistance to stresses can be useful for selecting cultivars that may be more resistant to environmental changes, such as drought and vascular pathogens, as a way to preserve agricultural productions and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giambattista Carluccio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Davide Greco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Erika Sabella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Marzia Vergine
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Luigi De Bellis
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Andrea Luvisi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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McCulloh KA, Augustine SP, Goke A, Jordan R, Krieg CP, O’Keefe K, Smith DD. At least it is a dry cold: the global distribution of freeze-thaw and drought stress and the traits that may impart poly-tolerance in conifers. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 43:1-15. [PMID: 36094836 PMCID: PMC9833871 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Conifers inhabit some of the most challenging landscapes where multiple abiotic stressors (e.g., aridity, freezing temperatures) often co-occur. Physiological tolerance to multiple stressors ('poly-tolerance') is thought to be rare because exposure to one stress generally limits responses to another through functional trade-offs. However, the capacity to exhibit poly-tolerance may be greater when combined abiotic stressors have similar physiological impacts, such as the disruption of hydraulic function imposed by drought or freezing. Here, we reviewed empirical data in light of theoretical expectations for conifer adaptations to drought and freeze-thaw cycles with particular attention to hydraulic traits of the stem and leaf. Additionally, we examined the commonality and spatial distribution of poly-stress along indices of these combined stressors. We found that locations with the highest values of our poly-stress index (PSi) are characterized by moderate drought and moderate freeze-thaw, and most of the global conifer distribution occupies areas of moderate poly-stress. Among traits examined, we found diverse responses to the stressors. Turgor loss point did not correlate with freeze-thaw or drought stress individually, but did with the PSi, albeit inverse to what was hypothesized. Leaf mass per area was more strongly linked with drought stress than the poly-stress and not at all with freeze-thaw stress. In stems, the water potential causing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity became more negative with increasing drought stress and poly-stress but did not correlate with freeze-thaw stress. For these traits, we identified a striking lack of coverage for substantial portions of species ranges, particularly at the upper boundaries of their respective PSis, demonstrating a critical gap in our understanding of trait prevalence and plasticity along these stress gradients. Future research should investigate traits that confer tolerance to both freeze-thaw and drought stress in a wide range of species across broad geographic scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven P Augustine
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Alex Goke
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Rachel Jordan
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Christopher P Krieg
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Kimberly O’Keefe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Saint Edward’s University, Austin, TX 78704, USA
| | - Duncan D Smith
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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9
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Taneda H, Ogasa MY, Yazaki K, Funayama-Noguchi S, Miyazawa Y, Mayr S, Maruta E. Impact of freeze-thaw-induced pit aspiration on stem water transport in the subalpine conifer Abies veitchii. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:1687-1698. [PMID: 35997583 PMCID: PMC9614463 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
During winter, subalpine conifers experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles in stem xylem that may cause embolism and pit aspiration due to increased water volume during the sap to ice transition. This study examined the occurrence and ecological impacts of a combination of freeze-thaw-induced pit aspiration and embolism triggered by natural and artificial stem freezing. In subalpine Veitch's fir (Abies veitchii) trees, the fraction of closed pits and embolized tracheids as well as conductivity losses were measured to examine pit aspiration and its effects. When trees incurred mild drought stress in February and early March, 70%-80% of stem conductivity was lost. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy indicated <20% embolized tracheids but ∼90% closed pits. Severe drought stress in late March caused 96% ± 1.2% (mean ± standard error) loss of stem conductivity, while the fraction of embolized tracheids increased to 64% ± 6.6%, and aspirated pit fraction decreased to 23% ± 5.6%. Experimental freeze-thaw cycles also increased pit aspiration from 7.1% ± 0.89% to 49% ± 10%, and the fraction of closed pits was positively correlated to the percent loss of stem hydraulic conductivity. The results indicated that freezing-induced pit aspiration is an important factor for stem xylem dysfunction under mild drought, and upon severe drought in winter; stem water transport is predominantly inhibited by xylem embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiko Taneda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Y Ogasa
- Forest Ecology Group, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yazaki
- Soil-Plant Ecosystem Group, Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Funayama-Noguchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Emiko Maruta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Yokohama, Japan
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10
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Maruta E, Yazaki K, Ogasa MY, Taneda H. Pit aspiration causes an apparent loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity in a subalpine fir (Abies mariesii Mast.) overwintering at the alpine timberline. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 42:1228-1238. [PMID: 34962267 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpab173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Conifers growing at the alpine timberline are exposed to combinatorial stresses that induce embolism in xylem during winter. We collected branches of Abies mariesii Mast. at the timberline on Mt Norikura of central Japan to evaluate the seasonal changes in the loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity (percent loss of hydraulic conductivity; PLC). Concurrently, we evaluated the distribution of embolized tracheids in native samples via cryo-scanning electron microscopic (cryo-SEM) observation in comparison with the drought-induced embolism samples used for the vulnerability curve. The twigs collected in late winter showed 100 PLC at a water potential of ~-3 MPa, and air-filled tracheids were observed sporadically in the cryo-SEM images. The cryo-SEM images also showed that nearly all pits of the samples from the timberline were aspirated in the xylem with 100 PLC. Conversely, in drought-induced samples used for vulnerability analysis, lower frequency of aspirated pits was observed at similar water potentials and all tracheids in the earlywood of xylem with 100 PLC were filled with air. We hypothesized that pit aspiration is the primary cause of the pronounced winter xylem conductivity loss at the timberline when water potential is near, but still above, the drought-induced vulnerability threshold. Pit aspiration before water loss may be an adaptation to severe winter conditions at timberlines to prevent widespread xylem embolism. The possible causes of pit aspiration are discussed in relation to complex stresses under harsh winter conditions at timberlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Maruta
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, 2-2-1 Miyama, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yazaki
- Soil-Plant Ecosystem Group, Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 7 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-8516, Japan
| | - Mayumi Y Ogasa
- Forest Ecology Group, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagaikyutaroh, Momoyama-choh, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 612-0855, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Taneda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Lintunen A, Salmon Y, Hölttä T, Suhonen H. Inspection of gas bubbles in frozen Betula pendula xylem with micro‐CT: Conduit size, water status and bark permeability affect bubble characteristics. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2022. [PMCID: PMC9540547 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Bubbles of gas trapped in the xylem during freezing are a major cause of damage for trees growing at high altitudes or latitudes, as the bubbles may cause embolism during thawing. Yet the factors controlling bubble formation upon freeze–thaw cycles remain poorly understood. Especially the size of the bubbles formed in the ice is crucial for winter embolism formation. We used high‐resolution X‐ray microtomography combined with freezing experiments to investigate the size and shape of 68,343 gas bubbles in frozen conduits in branches of Betula pendula. We also studied how conduit size, tree water status (−0.2 MPa vs. −0.6 MPa) and bark permeability to gases (decreased by Vaseline‐coating) affect the gas bubbles characteristics. High‐resolution X‐ray images allowed us to detect gas bubbles down to 1.0 μm in diameter and revealed that not only small spherical gas bubbles but also gaseous volumes of various shapes and sizes were found from the frozen xylem indicating that gas bubbles may have started to grow already during the freezing propagation. Most of the gas bubbles were found in fibers, but the rare gas bubbles found in the vessels were larger than those in the fibers. Bubble volume increased with conduit volume in both fibers and vessels, but conduit size alone could not explain gas bubble volume. Low water potential and restriction of gas escape from the branch seem to cause more, larger, and less spherical bubbles and thus increase the risk of embolism formation. These findings open new research avenues for further studies of winter embolism formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lintunen
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and ForestryUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Yann Salmon
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and ForestryUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Teemu Hölttä
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and ForestryUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Heikki Suhonen
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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12
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Losso A, Bär A, Unterholzner L, Bahn M, Mayr S. Branch water uptake and redistribution in two conifers at the alpine treeline. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22560. [PMID: 34799592 PMCID: PMC8604952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During winter, conifers at the alpine treeline suffer dramatic losses of hydraulic conductivity, which are successfully recovered during late winter. Previous studies indicated branch water uptake to support hydraulic recovery. We analyzed water absorption and redistribution in Picea abies and Larix decidua growing at the treeline by in situ exposure of branches to δ2H-labelled water. Both species suffered high winter embolism rates (> 40-60% loss of conductivity) and recovered in late winter (< 20%). Isotopic analysis showed water to be absorbed over branches and redistributed within the crown during late winter. Labelled water was redistributed over 425 ± 5 cm within the axes system and shifted to the trunk, lower and higher branches (tree height 330 ± 40 cm). This demonstrated relevant branch water uptake and re-distribution in treeline conifers. The extent of water absorption and re-distribution was species-specific, with L. decidua showing higher rates. In natura, melting snow might be the prime source for absorbed and redistributed water, enabling embolism repair and restoration of water reservoirs prior to the vegetation period. Pronounced water uptake in the deciduous L. decidua indicated bark to participate in the process of water absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Losso
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia.
| | - Andreas Bär
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Michael Bahn
- Department of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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13
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Soukup A, Pecková E, Ježková B, Sklenář P. Structural adaptations in plants from the humid equatorial Andes indicate a trade-off between hydraulic transport efficiency and safety. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2021; 108:2127-2142. [PMID: 34787899 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Environmental gradients of mountains are reflected in traits that are common to high-elevation plants worldwide. Closely related species of Senecio from the equatorial Andes grow as broad-leaved climbers in montane forests, basal broad-leaved rosette herbs in azonal marshy habitats, and ascending, narrow-leaved subshrubs in high-elevation páramo. Habitat variation along the elevational gradient enables testing whether modifications in leaf and stem functional traits among species were driven by contrasting environmental conditions. METHODS We used quantitative analyses to describe changes in morphological and anatomical traits of leaves and stems in 10 species from various habitats. We applied univariate (linear regression, hierarchical ANOVA) and multivariate (NMDS ordination, permutational MANOVA) techniques to examine the correlation of traits with the species' habitats and elevation. RESULTS Species from the humid and frost-free montane forest develop xylem optimized for transport efficiency by increasing the internal diameter and length of the conduits. In contrast, páramo species are optimized toward hydraulic safety by producing narrower conduits and are more likely to prevent the risk of frost-induced cavitation. Moreover, species from the high-elevation páramo habitats present a set of water-transport-related anatomical traits of leaf lamina, allowing for efficient regulation of transpiration losses. CONCLUSIONS Morphological and anatomical traits of leaves and stems in species of Senecio inhabiting montane forests and high-elevation páramo in the equatorial Andes demonstrate a trade-off between hydraulic safety and efficiency of water transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Soukup
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12801 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Pecková
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12801 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Ježková
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Charles University, Viničná 5, 12801 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Sklenář
- Department of Botany, Charles University, Benátská 2, 12801 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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14
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Feng F, Losso A, Tyree M, Zhang S, Mayr S. Cavitation fatigue in conifers: a study on eight European species. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:1580-1590. [PMID: 33905499 PMCID: PMC8260135 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
After drought-induced embolism and repair, tree xylem may be weakened against future drought events (cavitation fatigue). As there are few data on cavitation fatigue in conifers available, we quantified vulnerability curves (VCs) after embolism/repair cycles on eight European conifer species. We induced 50% and 100% loss of conductivity (LC) with a cavitron, and analyzed VCs. Embolism repair was obtained by vacuum infiltration. All species demonstrated complete embolism repair and a lack of any cavitation fatigue after 50% LC . After 100% LC, European larch (Larix decidua), stone pine (Pinus cembra), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and silver fir (Abies alba) remained unaffected, while mountain pine (Pinus mugo), yew (Taxus baccata), and common juniper (Juniperus communis) exhibited 0.4-0.9 MPa higher vulnerability to embolism. A small cavitation fatigue observed in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was probably biased by incomplete embolism repair, as indicated by a correlation of vulnerability shifts and conductivity restoration. Our data demonstrate that cavitation fatigue in conifers is species-specific and depends on the intensity of preceding LC. The lack of fatigue effects after moderate LC, and relevant effects in only three species after high LC, indicate that conifers are relatively resistant against cavitation fatigue. This is remarkable considering the complex and delicate conifer pit architecture and may be important considering climate change projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Feng
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Qinling National Forest Ecosystem Research Station, Huoditang, Ningshan, Shaanxi 711600, China
| | - Adriano Losso
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Melvin Tyree
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Shuoxin Zhang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Qinling National Forest Ecosystem Research Station, Huoditang, Ningshan, Shaanxi 711600, China
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
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15
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Olson M, Rosell JA, Martínez‐Pérez C, León‐Gómez C, Fajardo A, Isnard S, Cervantes‐Alcayde MA, Echeverría A, Figueroa‐Abundiz VA, Segovia‐Rivas A, Trueba S, Vázquez‐Segovia K. Xylem vessel‐diameter–shoot‐length scaling: ecological significance of porosity types and other traits. ECOL MONOGR 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Olson
- Instituto de Biología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
| | - Julieta A. Rosell
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad Instituto de Ecología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
| | - Cecilia Martínez‐Pérez
- Instituto de Biología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
| | - Calixto León‐Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
| | - Alex Fajardo
- Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP) Camino Baguales s/n Coyhaique 5951601 Chile
| | - Sandrine Isnard
- Botanique et Modélisation de l’Architecture de Plantes de des Végétations Institut de Recherche pourle Développement Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Université de Montpellier Montpellier 34398 France
- Botanique et Modélisation de l’Architecture de Plantes de des Végétations Institut de Recherche pourle Développement Herbier de Nouvelle‐Caledonia Nouméa 98848 New Caledonia
| | - María Angélica Cervantes‐Alcayde
- Instituto de Biología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
| | - Alberto Echeverría
- Instituto de Biología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
| | - Víctor A. Figueroa‐Abundiz
- Instituto de Biología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
| | - Alí Segovia‐Rivas
- Instituto de Biología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
| | - Santiago Trueba
- Botanique et Modélisation de l’Architecture de Plantes de des Végétations Institut de Recherche pourle Développement Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Université de Montpellier Montpellier 34398 France
- Botanique et Modélisation de l’Architecture de Plantes de des Végétations Institut de Recherche pourle Développement Herbier de Nouvelle‐Caledonia Nouméa 98848 New Caledonia
- School of Forestry & Environmental Studies Yale University New Haven Connecticut 06511 USA
| | - Karen Vázquez‐Segovia
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad Instituto de Ecología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Tercer Circuito s/n de Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México 04510 México
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16
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Maruta E, Kubota M, Ikeda T. Effects of xylem embolism on the winter survival of Abies veitchii shoots in an upper subalpine region of central Japan. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6594. [PMID: 32313053 PMCID: PMC7171099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62651-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
At high elevations, winter climatic conditions frequently cause excessive drought stress, which can induce embolism in conifer trees. We investigated the formation and repair of winter embolism in subalpine fir (Abies veitchii) growing near the timberline. We found a complete loss in xylem conductivity [100% percent loss of conductivity (PLC)] at the wind-exposed site (W+) and 40% PLC at the wind-protected site (W−). A PLC of 100% was far above the embolism rate expected from the drought-induced vulnerability analysis in the laboratory. At the W+ site, a PLC of 100% was maintained until May; this suddenly decreased to a negligible value in June, whereas the recovery at the W− site started in late winter and proceeded stepwise. The contrast between the two sites may have occurred because of the different underlying mechanisms of winter embolism. If most tracheids in the xylem of 100% PLC are air-filled, it will be difficult to refill quickly. However, embolism caused by pit aspiration could be restored rapidly, because aspirated pits isolate tracheids from each other and prevent the spread of cavitation. Although severe embolism may cause frost damage of needles, it may have a role in holding water within the stem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Maruta
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, 2-2-1 Miyama, Funabashi, Chiba, 274-8520, Japan. .,Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, 2946 Tsuchiya, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, 259-1293, Japan.
| | - Mitsumasa Kubota
- Department of Bioresource Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Oya, Surugaku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.,Daitou Techuno Green Inc., 1-2-3 Haramachida, Machida, Tokyo, 194-0013, Japan
| | - Takefumi Ikeda
- Department of Forest Science, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8522, Japan
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17
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Losso A, Sailer J, Bär A, Ganthaler A, Mayr S. Insights into trunks of Pinus cembra L.: analyses of hydraulics via electrical resistivity tomography. TREES (BERLIN, GERMANY : WEST) 2020; 34:999-1008. [PMID: 32848296 PMCID: PMC7437670 DOI: 10.1007/s00468-020-01976-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE The lack of elevational changes in electrical resistivity in Pinus cembra trunks indicated consistent growth and hydraulics across elevations. Though, electrical resistivity tomograms exhibited pronounced temperature-driven seasonal changes. ABSTRACT Alpine conifers growing at high elevation are exposed to low temperatures, which may limit xylogenesis and cause pronounced seasonal changes in tree hydraulics. Electrical resistivity (ER) tomography enables minimal invasive monitoring of stems in situ. We used this technique to analyze Pinus cembra trunks along a 400 m elevational gradient up to the timberline and over seasons. Furthermore, ER data of earlywood across tree rings were compared with the respective specific hydraulic conductivity (K S), measured on extracted wood cores. ER tomograms revealed pronounced changes over the year and a strong correlation between average ER (ERmean) and air and xylem temperatures. Surprisingly, no elevational changes in ERmean, earlywood ER or K S were observed. ER data corresponded to variation in earlywood K S, which decreased from the youngest (ca. 4-5 cm2s-1 MPa-1) to the oldest tree rings (0.63 ± 0.22 cm2s-1 MPa-1). The lack of changes in ER data and earlywood K S along the study transect indicated consistent growth patterns and no major changes in structural and functional hydraulic traits across elevation. The constant decrease in earlywood K S with tree ring age throughout all elevations highlights the hydraulic relevance of the outermost tree rings in P. cembra. Seasonal measurements demonstrated pronounced temperature effects on ER, and we thus recommend a detailed monitoring of trunk temperatures for ER tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Losso
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW 2753 Australia
| | - Julia Sailer
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Bär
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Ganthaler
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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18
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He P, Gleason SM, Wright IJ, Weng E, Liu H, Zhu S, Lu M, Luo Q, Li R, Wu G, Yan E, Song Y, Mi X, Hao G, Reich PB, Wang Y, Ellsworth DS, Ye Q. Growing-season temperature and precipitation are independent drivers of global variation in xylem hydraulic conductivity. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:1833-1841. [PMID: 31749261 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Stem xylem-specific hydraulic conductivity (KS ) represents the potential for plant water transport normalized by xylem cross section, length, and driving force. Variation in KS has implications for plant transpiration and photosynthesis, growth and survival, and also the geographic distribution of species. Clarifying the global-scale patterns of KS and its major drivers is needed to achieve a better understanding of how plants adapt to different environmental conditions, particularly under climate change scenarios. Here, we compiled a xylem hydraulics dataset with 1,186 species-at-site combinations (975 woody species representing 146 families, from 199 sites worldwide), and investigated how KS varied with climatic variables, plant functional types, and biomes. Growing-season temperature and growing-season precipitation drove global variation in KS independently. Both the mean and the variation in KS were highest in the warm and wet tropical regions, and lower in cold and dry regions, such as tundra and desert biomes. Our results suggest that future warming and redistribution of seasonal precipitation may have a significant impact on species functional diversity, and is likely to be particularly important in regions becoming warmer or drier, such as high latitudes. This highlights an important role for KS in predicting shifts in community composition in the face of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng He
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sean M Gleason
- USDA-ARS Water Management and Systems Research Unit, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Ian J Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ensheng Weng
- Center for Climate Systems Research, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shidan Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Mingzhen Lu
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Qi Luo
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ronghua Li
- Institute of Tropical and Subtropical Ecology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guilin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Enrong Yan
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanjun Song
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangcheng Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyou Hao
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter B Reich
- Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Yingping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Aspendale, Vic., Australia
| | - David S Ellsworth
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Qing Ye
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Lintunen A, Losso A, Aalto J, Chan T, Hölttä T, Mayr S. Propagating ice front induces gas bursts and ultrasonic acoustic emissions from freezing xylem. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 40:170-182. [PMID: 31860711 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpz123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ice formation and propagation in the xylem of plants is a complex process. During freezing of xylem sap, gases dissolved in liquid sap are forced out of the ice lattice due to their low solubility in ice, and supersaturation of xylem sap as well as low water potential (Ѱ) are induced at the ice-liquid interface. Supersaturation of gases near the ice front may lead to bubble formation and potentially to cavitation and/or to burst of gases driven out from the branch. In this study, we investigated the origin and dynamics of freezing-related gas bursts and ultrasonic acoustic emissions (AEs), which are suggested to indicate cavitation. Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Salix caprea L. branch segments were exposed to frost cycles in a temperature test chamber, and CO2 efflux (indicating gas bursts) and AEs were recorded. On freezing, two-thirds of the observed gas bursts originated from the xylem and only one-third from the bark. Simultaneously with gas bursts, AEs were detected. Branch Ѱ affected both gas bursts and AEs, with high gas burst in saturated and dry samples but relevant AEs only in the latter. Repeated frost cycles led to decreasing gas burst volumes and AE activity. Experiments revealed that the expanding ice front in freezing xylem was responsible for observed gas bursts and AEs, and that branch Ѱ influenced both processes. Results also indicated that gas bursts and cavitation are independently induced by ice formation, though both may be relevant for bubble dynamics during freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lintunen
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Latokartanonkaari 7, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Adriano Losso
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestrasse 15, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Juho Aalto
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Tommy Chan
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Teemu Hölttä
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Latokartanonkaari 7, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestrasse 15, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
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20
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Dai Y, Wang L, Wan X. Frost fatigue and its spring recovery of xylem conduits in ring-porous, diffuse-porous, and coniferous species in situ. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2020; 146:177-186. [PMID: 31756604 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Frost-induced embolism and frost fatigue are two major aspects of frost damage to xylem water transport in trees. In this study, three species of each ring-porous, diffuse-porous, and coniferous trees growing in situ were used to explore their differences in winter embolism and frost fatigue. Changes in predawn water potential, predawn native embolism, maximal specific conductivity (Kmax), and cavitation resistance (P50, xylem water potential at 50% loss of conductivity) of current-year branches were measured from autumn to spring. Maximum native embolism of late winter was near 100% for ring-porous species, approximately 80% for diffuse-porous species, and below 50% for conifers. In early spring, there was no significant reduction of native embolism until formation of new vessels in ring-porous trees, while diffuse-porous trees and conifers exhibited a reduction in native embolism before development of new xylem. There was a significant decrease in P50 of ring- and diffuse-porous species over winter; however, in May P50 was markedly reduced along with formation of new vessels. Kmax of ring- and diffuse-porous species significantly decreased from autumn to late winter. The results revealed that vulnerability to cavitation and frost fatigue was related to conduit diameter. The strategies for coping with winter embolism differed among the three wood types: in ring-porous species there was no active embolism refilling; in diffuse-porous species there was refilling associated with positive xylem pressure; and in conifers there was refilling without positive xylem pressure. New vessels could completely restore stem hydraulic conductivity but only partially restore xylem cavitation resistance in spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Dai
- Institute of New Forestry Technology, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, PR China; College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, PR China
| | - Xianchong Wan
- Institute of New Forestry Technology, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, PR China.
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21
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Losso A, Bär A, Dämon B, Dullin C, Ganthaler A, Petruzzellis F, Savi T, Tromba G, Nardini A, Mayr S, Beikircher B. Insights from in vivo micro-CT analysis: testing the hydraulic vulnerability segmentation in Acer pseudoplatanus and Fagus sylvatica seedlings. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 221:1831-1842. [PMID: 30347122 PMCID: PMC6492020 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The seedling stage is the most susceptible one during a tree's life. Water relations may be crucial for seedlings due to their small roots, limited water buffers and the effects of drought on water transport. Despite obvious relevance, studies on seedling xylem hydraulics are scarce as respective methodical approaches are limited. Micro-CT scans of intact Acer pseudoplatanus and Fagus sylvatica seedlings dehydrated to different water potentials (Ψ) allowed the simultaneous observation of gas-filled versus water-filled conduits and the calculation of percentage loss of conductivity (PLC) in stems, roots and leaves (petioles or main veins). Additionally, anatomical analyses were performed and stem PLC measured with hydraulic techniques. In A. pseudoplatanus, petioles showed a higher Ψ at 50% PLC (Ψ50 -1.13MPa) than stems (-2.51 MPa) and roots (-1.78 MPa). The main leaf veins of F. sylvatica had similar Ψ50 values (-2.26 MPa) to stems (-2.74 MPa) and roots (-2.75 MPa). In both species, no difference between root and stems was observed. Hydraulic measurements on stems closely matched the micro-CT based PLC calculations. Micro-CT analyses indicated a species-specific hydraulic architecture. Vulnerability segmentation, enabling a disconnection of the hydraulic pathway upon drought, was observed in A. pseudoplatanus but not in the especially shade-tolerant F. sylvatica. Hydraulic patterns could partly be related to xylem anatomical traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Losso
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwarterstrasse 15InnsbruckA‐6020Austria
| | - Andreas Bär
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwarterstrasse 15InnsbruckA‐6020Austria
| | - Birgit Dämon
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwarterstrasse 15InnsbruckA‐6020Austria
| | - Christian Dullin
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyUniversity Medical Center GoettingenRobert‐Koch‐Straße 40Göttingen37075Germany
- Max‐Plank‐Institute for Experimental MedicineHermann‐Rein‐Straße 3Göttingen37075Germany
- Elettra‐Sincrotrone TriesteArea Science ParkTriesteBasovizza34149Italy
| | - Andrea Ganthaler
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwarterstrasse 15InnsbruckA‐6020Austria
| | - Francesco Petruzzellis
- Dipartimento di Scienze della VitaUniversità di TriesteVia L. Giorgieri 10Trieste34127Italy
| | - Tadeja Savi
- Department of Crop SciencesDivision of Viticulture and PomologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaKonrad Lorenzstrasse 24TullnA‐3430Austria
| | - Giuliana Tromba
- Elettra‐Sincrotrone TriesteArea Science ParkTriesteBasovizza34149Italy
| | - Andrea Nardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della VitaUniversità di TriesteVia L. Giorgieri 10Trieste34127Italy
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwarterstrasse 15InnsbruckA‐6020Austria
| | - Barbara Beikircher
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwarterstrasse 15InnsbruckA‐6020Austria
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22
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Gleason SM, Blackman CJ, Gleason ST, McCulloh KA, Ocheltree TW, Westoby M. Vessel scaling in evergreen angiosperm leaves conforms with Murray's law and area-filling assumptions: implications for plant size, leaf size and cold tolerance. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2018; 218:1360-1370. [PMID: 29603233 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Water transport in leaf vasculature is a fundamental process affecting plant growth, ecological interactions and ecosystem productivity, yet the architecture of leaf vascular networks is poorly understood. Although Murray's law and the West-Brown-Enquist (WBE) theories predict convergent scaling of conduit width and number, it is not known how conduit scaling is affected by habitat aridity or temperature. We measured the scaling of leaf size, conduit width and conduit number within the leaves of 36 evergreen Angiosperms spanning a large range in aridity and temperature in eastern Australia. Scaling of conduit width and number in midribs and 2° veins did not differ across species and habitats (P > 0.786), and did not differ from that predicted by Murray's law (P = 0.151). Leaf size was strongly correlated with the hydraulic radius of petiole conduits (r2 = 0.83, P < 0.001) and did not differ among habitats (P > 0.064), nor did the scaling exponent differ significantly from that predicted by hydraulic theory (P = 0.086). The maximum radius of conduits in petioles was positively correlated with the temperature of the coldest quarter (r2 = 0.67; P < 0.001), suggesting that habitat temperature restricts the occurrence of wide-conduit species in cold habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Gleason
- Water Management and Systems Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Chris J Blackman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Scott T Gleason
- University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), 3300 Mitchell Lane, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Katherine A McCulloh
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Troy W Ocheltree
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Mark Westoby
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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23
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Arora R. Mechanism of freeze-thaw injury and recovery: A cool retrospective and warming up to new ideas. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 270:301-313. [PMID: 29576084 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Understanding cellular mechanism(s) of freeze-thaw injury (FTI) is key to the efforts for improving plant freeze-tolerance by cultural methods or molecular/genetic approaches. However, not much work has been done in the last 25+ years to advance our understanding of the nature and cellular loci of FTI. Currently, two FTI lesions are predominantly implicated: 1) structural and functional perturbations in plasma membrane; 2) ROS-induced oxidative damage. While both have stood the test of time, many questions remain unresolved and other potentially significant lesions need to be investigated. Additionally, molecular mechanism of post-thaw recovery (PTR), a critical component of frost-survival, has not been well investigated. Mechanistic understanding of repair after reversible injury could expand the options for strategies to improve frost-hardiness. In this review, without claiming to be exhaustive, I have attempted to synthesize major discoveries from last several decades on the mechanisms of FTI and the relatively little research conducted thus far on PTR mechanisms. It is followed by proposing of hypotheses for mechanism(s) for irreversible FTI or PTR involving cytosolic calcium and ROS signaling. Perspective is presented on some unresolved questions and research on new ideas to fill the knowledge gaps and advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Arora
- Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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24
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Losso A, Anfodillo T, Ganthaler A, Kofler W, Markl Y, Nardini A, Oberhuber W, Purin G, Mayr S. Robustness of xylem properties in conifers: analyses of tracheid and pit dimensions along elevational transects. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 38:212-222. [PMID: 29309674 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpx168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In alpine regions, tree hydraulics are limited by low temperatures that restrict xylem growth and induce winter frost drought and freezing stress. While several studies have dealt with functional limitations, data on elevational changes in functionally relevant xylem anatomical parameters are still scarce. In wood cores of Pinus cembra L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. trunks, harvested along five elevational transects, xylem anatomical parameters (tracheid hydraulic diameter dh, wall reinforcement (t/b)2), pit dimensions (pit aperture Da, pit membrane Dm and torus Dt diameters) and respective functional indices (torus overlap O, margo flexibility) were measured. In both species, tracheid diameters decreased and (t/b)2 increased with increasing elevation, while pit dimensions and functional indices remained rather constant (P. cembra: Dt 10.3 ± 0.2 μm, O 0.477 ± 0.005; P. abies: Dt 9.30 ± 0.18 μm, O 0.492 ± 0.005). However, dh increased with tree height following a power trajectory with an exponent of 0.21, and also pit dimensions increased with tree height (exponents: Dm 0.18; Dt 0.14; Da 0.11). Observed elevational trends in xylem structures were predominantly determined by changes in tree size. Tree height-related changes in anatomical traits showed a remarkable robustness, regardless of the distributional ranges of study species. Despite increasing stress intensities towards the timberline, no adjustment in hydraulic safety at the pit level was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Losso
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tommaso Anfodillo
- Dipartimento Territorio e Sistemi Agro Forestali, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Andrea Ganthaler
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Werner Kofler
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Yvonne Markl
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Nardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Walter Oberhuber
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerhard Purin
- Sportgymnasium Dornbirn, Messestraße 4, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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25
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Lintunen A, Mayr S, Salmon Y, Cochard H, Hölttä T. Drivers of apoplastic freezing in gymnosperm and angiosperm branches. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:333-343. [PMID: 29321875 PMCID: PMC5756836 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It is not well understood what determines the degree of supercooling of apoplastic sap in trees, although it determines the number and duration of annual freeze-thaw cycles in a given environment. We studied the linkage between apoplastic ice nucleation temperature, tree water status, and conduit size. We used branches of 10 gymnosperms and 16 angiosperms collected from an arboretum in Helsinki (Finland) in winter and spring. Branches with lower relative water content froze at lower temperatures, and branch water content was lower in winter than in spring. A bench drying experiment with Picea abies confirmed that decreasing branch water potential decreases apoplastic ice nucleation temperature. The studied angiosperms froze on average 2.0 and 1.8°C closer to zero Celsius than the studied gymnosperms during winter and spring, respectively. This was caused by higher relative water content in angiosperms; when branches were saturated with water, apoplastic ice nucleation temperature of gymnosperms increased to slightly higher temperature than that of angiosperms. Apoplastic ice nucleation temperature in sampled branches was positively correlated with xylem conduit diameter as shown before, but saturating the branches removed the correlation. Decrease in ice nucleation temperature decreased the duration of freezing, which could have an effect on winter embolism formation via the time available for gas escape during ice propagation. The apoplastic ice nucleation temperature varied not only between branches but also within a branch between consecutive freeze-thaw cycles demonstrating the stochastic nature of ice nucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lintunen
- Department of Forest SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Institute of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Yann Salmon
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Hervé Cochard
- University of Clermont‐AuvergneClermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Teemu Hölttä
- Department of Forest SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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26
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Venturas MD, Sperry JS, Hacke UG. Plant xylem hydraulics: What we understand, current research, and future challenges. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 59:356-389. [PMID: 28296168 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Herein we review the current state-of-the-art of plant hydraulics in the context of plant physiology, ecology, and evolution, focusing on current and future research opportunities. We explain the physics of water transport in plants and the limits of this transport system, highlighting the relationships between xylem structure and function. We describe the great variety of techniques existing for evaluating xylem resistance to cavitation. We address several methodological issues and their connection with current debates on conduit refilling and exponentially shaped vulnerability curves. We analyze the trade-offs existing between water transport safety and efficiency. We also stress how little information is available on molecular biology of cavitation and the potential role of aquaporins in conduit refilling. Finally, we draw attention to how plant hydraulic traits can be used for modeling stomatal responses to environmental variables and climate change, including drought mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin D Venturas
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 S 1400E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - John S Sperry
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 S 1400E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Uwe G Hacke
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
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27
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Kratochvil HG, Pollirer M. Acoustic effects during photosynthesis of aquatic plants enable new research opportunities. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44526. [PMID: 28291222 PMCID: PMC5349586 DOI: 10.1038/srep44526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Measurements of photosynthetic processes in hydrophytes mostly involve photosynthometers, which capture the escaping gas for subsequent analysis The most common method to detect changes in the rate of photosynthetic processes is to count the series of escaping gas bubbles. The emerging bubbles are either simply counted or they are recorded using light barriers, which is very difficult because of their small size and often varying ascent rate. The gas bubbles generated during photosynthesis by aquatic plants produce distinctive sound pulses when leaving the plants. These acoustic side effects enable completely new and highly accurate measurements. The frequency and reaction time changes of the pulses caused by external influences are therefore accurately detectable. The precise time measurements enable registering and evaluating the curves as reactions to changes in physical or chemical environmental conditions. We show that such acoustic analyses open completely new research opportunities for plant physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut G Kratochvil
- Dep. Integrative Zoologie, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Michael Pollirer
- Dep. Integrative Zoologie, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Wien, Austria
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28
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Nardini A, Savi T, Trifilò P, Lo Gullo MA. Drought Stress and the Recovery from Xylem Embolism in Woody Plants. PROGRESS IN BOTANY VOL. 79 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/124_2017_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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29
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Acoustic Emissions to Measure Drought-Induced Cavitation in Plants. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/app6030071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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30
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O’Keefe K, Nippert JB, Swemmer AM. Savanna Tree Seedlings are Physiologically Tolerant to Nighttime Freeze Events. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:46. [PMID: 26870065 PMCID: PMC4735699 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Freeze events can be important disturbances in savanna ecosystems, yet the interactive effect of freezing with other environmental drivers on plant functioning is unknown. Here, we investigated physiological responses of South African tree seedlings to interactions of water availability and freezing temperatures. We grew widely distributed South African tree species (Colophospermum mopane, Combretum apiculatum, Acacia nigrescens, and Cassia abbreviata) under well-watered and water-limited conditions and exposed individuals to nighttime freeze events. Of the four species studied here, C. mopane was the most tolerant of lower water availability. However, all species were similarly tolerant to nighttime freezing and recovered within one week following the last freezing event. We also show that water limitation somewhat increased freezing tolerance in one of the species (C. mopane). Therefore, water limitation, but not freezing temperatures, may restrict the distribution of these species, although the interactions of these stressors may have species-specific impacts on plant physiology. Ultimately, we show that unique physiologies can exist among dominant species within communities and that combined stresses may play a currently unidentified role in driving the function of certain species within southern Africa.
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31
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Charra-Vaskou K, Badel E, Charrier G, Ponomarenko A, Bonhomme M, Foucat L, Mayr S, Améglio T. Cavitation and water fluxes driven by ice water potential in Juglans regia during freeze-thaw cycles. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2016; 67:739-50. [PMID: 26585223 PMCID: PMC4737071 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erv486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Freeze-thaw cycles induce major hydraulic changes due to liquid-to-ice transition within tree stems. The very low water potential at the ice-liquid interface is crucial as it may cause lysis of living cells as well as water fluxes and embolism in sap conduits, which impacts whole tree-water relations. We investigated water fluxes induced by ice formation during freeze-thaw cycles in Juglans regia L. stems using four non-invasive and complementary approaches: a microdendrometer, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray microtomography, and ultrasonic acoustic emissions analysis. When the temperature dropped, ice nucleation occurred, probably in the cambium or pith areas, inducing high water potential gradients within the stem. The water was therefore redistributed within the stem toward the ice front. We could thus observe dehydration of the bark's living cells leading to drastic shrinkage of this tissue, as well as high tension within wood conduits reaching the cavitation threshold in sap vessels. Ultrasonic emissions, which were strictly emitted only during freezing, indicated cavitation events (i.e. bubble formation) following ice formation in the xylem sap. However, embolism formation (i.e. bubble expansion) in stems was observed only on thawing via X-ray microtomography for the first time on the same sample. Ultrasonic emissions were detected during freezing and were not directly related to embolism formation. These results provide new insights into the complex process and dynamics of water movements and ice formation during freeze-thaw cycles in tree stems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katline Charra-Vaskou
- INRA, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Université, Blaise Pascal University, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Badel
- INRA, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Université, Blaise Pascal University, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Charrier
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alexandre Ponomarenko
- INRA, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Université, Blaise Pascal University, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc Bonhomme
- INRA, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Université, Blaise Pascal University, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thierry Améglio
- INRA, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Université, Blaise Pascal University, UMR PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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32
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Ogasa MY, Utsumi Y, Miki NH, Yazaki K, Fukuda K. Cutting stems before relaxing xylem tension induces artefacts in Vitis coignetiae, as evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2016; 39:329-337. [PMID: 26234764 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
It was recently reported that cutting artefacts occur in some species when branches under tension are cut, even under water. We used non-destructive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the change in xylem water distribution at the cellular level in Vitis coignetiae standing stems before and after relaxing tension. Less than 3% of vessels were cavitated when stems under tension were cut under water at a position shorter than the maximum vessel length (MVL) from the MRI point, in three of four plants. The vessel contents remained at their original status, and cutting artefact vessel cavitation declined to <1% when stems were cut at a position farther than the MVL from the MRI point. Water infiltration into the originally cavitated vessels after cutting the stem, i.e. vessel refilling, was found in <1% of vessels independent of cutting position on three of nine plants. The results indicate that both vessel cavitation and refilling occur in xylem tissue under tension following stem cutting, but its frequency is quite small, and artefacts can be minimized altogether if the distance between the monitoring position and the cutting point is longer than the MVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Y Ogasa
- Department of Natural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8563, Japan
- Department of Plant Ecology, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, 305-8687, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Utsumi
- Kyushu University Forest, Kyushu University, Ashoro, 089-3705, Japan
| | - Naoko H Miki
- Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yazaki
- Department of Plant Ecology, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, 305-8687, Japan
| | - Kenji Fukuda
- Department of Natural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, 277-8563, Japan
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33
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Gleason SM, Westoby M, Jansen S, Choat B, Hacke UG, Pratt RB, Bhaskar R, Brodribb TJ, Bucci SJ, Cao KF, Cochard H, Delzon S, Domec JC, Fan ZX, Feild TS, Jacobsen AL, Johnson DM, Lens F, Maherali H, Martínez-Vilalta J, Mayr S, McCulloh KA, Mencuccini M, Mitchell PJ, Morris H, Nardini A, Pittermann J, Plavcová L, Schreiber SG, Sperry JS, Wright IJ, Zanne AE. Weak tradeoff between xylem safety and xylem-specific hydraulic efficiency across the world's woody plant species. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2016; 209:123-36. [PMID: 26378984 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of lignified xylem allowed for the efficient transport of water under tension, but also exposed the vascular network to the risk of gas emboli and the spread of gas between xylem conduits, thus impeding sap transport to the leaves. A well-known hypothesis proposes that the safety of xylem (its ability to resist embolism formation and spread) should trade off against xylem efficiency (its capacity to transport water). We tested this safety-efficiency hypothesis in branch xylem across 335 angiosperm and 89 gymnosperm species. Safety was considered at three levels: the xylem water potentials where 12%, 50% and 88% of maximal conductivity are lost. Although correlations between safety and efficiency were weak (r(2) < 0.086), no species had high efficiency and high safety, supporting the idea for a safety-efficiency tradeoff. However, many species had low efficiency and low safety. Species with low efficiency and low safety were weakly associated (r(2) < 0.02 in most cases) with higher wood density, lower leaf- to sapwood-area and shorter stature. There appears to be no persuasive explanation for the considerable number of species with both low efficiency and low safety. These species represent a real challenge for understanding the evolution of xylem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Gleason
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- USDA-ARS, Water Management Research, 2150 Center Ave, Build D, Suite 320, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| | - Mark Westoby
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Steven Jansen
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Brendan Choat
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
| | - Uwe G Hacke
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Robert B Pratt
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Radika Bhaskar
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA, 19041, USA
| | - Tim J Brodribb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Sandra J Bucci
- Grupo de Estudios Biofísicos y Eco-fisiológicos (GEBEF), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, 9000, Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
| | - Kun-Fang Cao
- Plant Ecophysiology and Evolution Group, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, and College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Daxuedonglu 100, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
| | - Hervé Cochard
- INRA, UMR547 PIAF, F-63100, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, UMR547 PIAF, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sylvain Delzon
- INRA, University of Bordeaux, UMR BIOGECO, F-33450, Talence, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Domec
- Bordeaux Sciences AGRO, UMR1391 ISPA INRA, 1 Cours du général de Gaulle, 33175, Gradignan Cedex, France
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Ze-Xin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
| | - Taylor S Feild
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, 4811, Australia
| | - Anna L Jacobsen
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Daniel M Johnson
- Department of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
| | - Frederic Lens
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden University, PO Box 9517, 2300RA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hafiz Maherali
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Jordi Martínez-Vilalta
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA at CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Maurizio Mencuccini
- ICREA at CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain
- School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Crew Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | | | - Hugh Morris
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrea Nardini
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita, Università Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jarmila Pittermann
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Lenka Plavcová
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Stefan G Schreiber
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - John S Sperry
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257S 1400E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Ian J Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Amy E Zanne
- Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Science and Engineering Hall, 800 22nd Street NW, Suite 6000, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
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Nolf M, Beikircher B, Rosner S, Nolf A, Mayr S. Xylem cavitation resistance can be estimated based on time-dependent rate of acoustic emissions. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2015; 208:625-32. [PMID: 26010417 PMCID: PMC4744691 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic emission (AE) analysis allows nondestructive monitoring of embolism formation in plant xylem, but signal interpretation and agreement of acoustically measured hydraulic vulnerability with reference hydraulic techniques remain under debate. We compared the hydraulic vulnerability of 16 species and three crop tree cultivars using hydraulic flow measurements and acoustic emission monitoring, proposing the use of time-dependent AE rates as a novel parameter for AE analysis. There was a linear correlation between the water potential (Ψ) at 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50 ) and the Ψ at maximum AE activity (Pmaxrate ), where species with lower P50 also had lower Pmaxrate (P < 0.001, R(2) = 0.76). Using AE rates instead of cumulative counts for AE analysis allows more efficient estimation of P50 , while excluding problematic AE at late stages of dehydration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Nolf
- Institute of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwartestr. 15Innsbruck6020Austria
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentUniversity of Western SydneyRichmondNSW2753Australia
| | - Barbara Beikircher
- Institute of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwartestr. 15Innsbruck6020Austria
| | - Sabine Rosner
- Institute of BotanyBOKU ViennaGregor Mendel Str. 33Vienna1180Austria
| | - Anton Nolf
- Institute for Experimental PhysicsUniversity of InnsbruckTechnikerstr. 25Innsbruck6020Austria
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Institute of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwartestr. 15Innsbruck6020Austria
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Charrier G, Pramsohler M, Charra‐Vaskou K, Saudreau M, Améglio T, Neuner G, Mayr S. Ultrasonic emissions during ice nucleation and propagation in plant xylem. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2015; 207:570-8. [PMID: 25756189 PMCID: PMC5024006 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasonic acoustic emission analysis enables nondestructive monitoring of damage in dehydrating or freezing plant xylem. We studied acoustic emissions (AE) in freezing stems during ice nucleation and propagation, by combining acoustic and infrared thermography techniques and controlling the ice nucleation point. Ultrasonic activity in freezing samples of Picea abies showed two distinct phases: the first on ice nucleation and propagation (up to 50 AE s(-1) ; reversely proportional to the distance to ice nucleation point), and the second (up to 2.5 AE s(-1) ) after dissipation of the exothermal heat. Identical patterns were observed in other conifer and angiosperm species. The complex AE patterns are explained by the low water potential of ice at the ice-liquid interface, which induced numerous and strong signals. Ice propagation velocities were estimated via AE (during the first phase) and infrared thermography. Acoustic activity ceased before the second phase probably because the exothermal heating and the volume expansion of ice caused decreasing tensions. Results indicate cavitation events at the ice front leading to AE. Ultrasonic emission analysis enabled new insights into the complex process of xylem freezing and might be used to monitor ice propagation in natura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Charrier
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwartestrasse. 15A‐6020InnsbruckAustria
| | - Manuel Pramsohler
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwartestrasse. 15A‐6020InnsbruckAustria
| | - Katline Charra‐Vaskou
- INRAUMR547 PIAFF‐63100Clermont‐FerrandFrance
- Clermont UniversitéUniversité Blaise PascalUMR547 PIAFF‐63100Clermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Marc Saudreau
- INRAUMR547 PIAFF‐63100Clermont‐FerrandFrance
- Clermont UniversitéUniversité Blaise PascalUMR547 PIAFF‐63100Clermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Thierry Améglio
- INRAUMR547 PIAFF‐63100Clermont‐FerrandFrance
- Clermont UniversitéUniversité Blaise PascalUMR547 PIAFF‐63100Clermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Gilbert Neuner
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwartestrasse. 15A‐6020InnsbruckAustria
| | - Stefan Mayr
- Department of BotanyUniversity of InnsbruckSternwartestrasse. 15A‐6020InnsbruckAustria
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36
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Charrier G, Ngao J, Saudreau M, Améglio T. Effects of environmental factors and management practices on microclimate, winter physiology, and frost resistance in trees. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:259. [PMID: 25972877 PMCID: PMC4411886 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Freezing stress is one of the most important limiting factors determining the ecological distribution and production of tree species. Assessment of frost risk is, therefore, critical for forestry, fruit production, and horticulture. Frost risk is substantial when hazard (i.e., exposure to damaging freezing temperatures) intersects with vulnerability (i.e., frost sensitivity). Based on a large number of studies on frost resistance and frost occurrence, we highlight the complex interactive roles of environmental conditions, carbohydrates, and water status in frost risk development. To supersede the classical empirical relations used to model frost hardiness, we propose an integrated ecophysiologically-based framework of frost risk assessment. This framework details the individual or interactive roles of these factors, and how they are distributed in time and space at the individual-tree level (within-crown and across organs). Based on this general framework, we are able to highlight factors by which different environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, light, flood, and drought), and management practices (pruning, thinning, girdling, sheltering, water aspersion, irrigation, and fertilization) influence frost sensitivity and frost exposure of trees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jérôme Ngao
- INRA, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc Saudreau
- INRA, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Thierry Améglio
- INRA, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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37
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Kasuga J, Charrier G, Uemura M, Améglio T. Characteristics of ultrasonic acoustic emissions from walnut branches during freeze-thaw-induced embolism formation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2015; 66:1965-75. [PMID: 25662846 PMCID: PMC4669555 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eru543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasonic acoustic emission (UAE) methods have been applied for the detection of freeze-thaw-induced embolism formation in water conduits of tree species. Until now, however, the exact source(s) of UAE has not been identified especially in angiosperm species, in which xylem tissues are composed of diverse types of cells. In this study, UAE was recorded from excised branches of walnut (Juglans regia cv. Franquette) during freeze-thaw cycles, and attempts were made to characterize UAEs generated by cavitation events leading to embolism formation according to their properties. During freeze-thaw cycles, a large number of UAEs were generated from the sample segments. However, the cumulative numbers of total UAE during freeze-thawing were not correlated with the percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity after thawing, suggesting that the sources of UAE were not only cavitation leading to embolism formation in vessels. Among the UAEs, cumulative numbers of UAEs with absolute energy >10.0 fJ strongly correlated with the increase in percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity. The high absolute energy of the UAEs might reflect the formation of large bubbles in the large lumen of vessels. Therefore, UAEs generated by cavitation events in vessels during freeze-thawing might be distinguished from other signals according to their magnitudes of absolute energy. On the other hand, the freezing of xylem parenchyma cells was followed by a certain number of UAEs. These results indicate the possibility that UAE methods can be applied to the detection of both freeze-thaw-induced embolism and supercooling breakdown in parenchyma cells in xylem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Kasuga
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 547 PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, UMR 547 PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Department of Agro-Environmental Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Guillaume Charrier
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 547 PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, UMR 547 PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matsuo Uemura
- Cryobiofrontier Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka 020-8550, Japan
| | - Thierry Améglio
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 547 PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, UMR 547 PIAF, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Vergeynst LL, Sause MGR, Hamstad MA, Steppe K. Deciphering acoustic emission signals in drought stressed branches: the missing link between source and sensor. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:494. [PMID: 26191070 PMCID: PMC4488601 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
When drought occurs in plants, acoustic emission (AE) signals can be detected, but the actual causes of these signals are still unknown. By analyzing the waveforms of the measured signals, it should, however, be possible to trace the characteristics of the AE source and get information about the underlying physiological processes. A problem encountered during this analysis is that the waveform changes significantly from source to sensor and lack of knowledge on wave propagation impedes research progress made in this field. We used finite element modeling and the well-known pencil lead break source to investigate wave propagation in a branch. A cylindrical rod of polyvinyl chloride was first used to identify the theoretical propagation modes. Two wave propagation modes could be distinguished and we used the finite element model to interpret their behavior in terms of source position for both the PVC rod and a wooden rod. Both wave propagation modes were also identified in drying-induced signals from woody branches, and we used the obtained insights to provide recommendations for further AE research in plant science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidewei L. Vergeynst
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Markus G. R. Sause
- Experimental Physics II, Institute of Physics, University of AugsburgAugsburg, Germany
| | - Marvin A. Hamstad
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of DenverDenver, CO, USA
| | - Kathy Steppe
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Kathy Steppe, Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium,
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Lintunen A, Lindfors L, Kolari P, Juurola E, Nikinmaa E, Hölttä T. Bursts of CO2 released during freezing offer a new perspective on avoidance of winter embolism in trees. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2014; 114:1711-8. [PMID: 25252688 PMCID: PMC4649691 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcu190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Woody plants can suffer from winter embolism as gas bubbles are formed in the water-conducting conduits when freezing occurs: gases are not soluble in ice, and the bubbles may expand and fill the conduits with air during thawing. A major assumption usually made in studies of winter embolism formation is that all of the gas dissolved in the xylem sap is trapped within the conduits and forms bubbles during freezing. The current study tested whether this assumption is actually valid, or whether efflux of gases from the stem during freezing reduces the occurrence of embolism. METHODS CO2 efflux measurements were conducted during freezing experiments for saplings of three Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and three Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees under laboratory conditions, and the magnitudes of the freezing-related bursts of CO2 released from the stems were analysed using a previously published mechanistic model of CO2 production, storage, diffusion and efflux from a tree stem. The freezing-related bursts of CO2 released from a mature Scots pine tree growing in field conditions were also measured and analysed. KEY RESULTS Substantial freezing-related bursts of CO2 released from the stem were found to occur during both the laboratory experiments and under field conditions. In the laboratory, the fraction of CO2 released from the stem ranged between 27 and 96 % of the total CO2 content within the stem. CONCLUSIONS All gases dissolved in the xylem sap are not trapped within the ice in the stem during freezing, as has previously been assumed, thus adding a new dimension to the understanding of winter embolism formation. The conduit water volume not only determines the volume of bubbles formed during freezing, but also the efficiency of gas efflux out of the conduit during the freezing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lintunen
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 27, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Lindfors
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 27, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 64, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Kolari
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 27, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 64, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Juurola
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 27, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 64, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Nikinmaa
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 27, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Hölttä
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Post Office Box 27, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
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40
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Mayr S, Bertel C, Dämon B, Beikircher B. Static and dynamic bending has minor effects on xylem hydraulics of conifer branches (Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris). PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2014; 37:2151-7. [PMID: 24697679 PMCID: PMC4312774 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The xylem hydraulic efficiency and safety is usually measured on mechanically unstressed samples, although trees may be exposed to combined hydraulic and mechanical stress in the field. We analysed changes in hydraulic conductivity and vulnerability to drought-induced embolism during static bending of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris branches as well as the effect of dynamic bending on the vulnerability. We hypothesized this mechanical stress to substantially impair xylem hydraulics. Intense static bending caused an only small decrease in hydraulic conductance (-19.5 ± 2.4% in P. abies) but no shift in vulnerability thresholds. Dynamic bending caused a 0.4 and 0.8 MPa decrease of the water potential at 50 and 88% loss of conductivity in P. sylvestris, but did not affect vulnerability thresholds in P. abies. With respect to applied extreme bending radii, effects on plant hydraulics were surprisingly small and are thus probably of minor eco-physiological importance. More importantly, results indicate that available xylem hydraulic analyses (of conifers) sufficiently reflect plant hydraulics under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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41
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Spicer R. Symplasmic networks in secondary vascular tissues: parenchyma distribution and activity supporting long-distance transport. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2014; 65:1829-48. [PMID: 24453225 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ert459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Stems that develop secondary vascular tissue (i.e. xylem and phloem derived from the vascular cambium) have unique demands on transport owing to their mass and longevity. Transport of water and assimilates must occur over long distances, while the increasing physical separation of xylem and phloem requires radial transport. Developing secondary tissue is itself a strong sink positioned between xylem and phloem along the entire length of the stem, and the integrity of these transport tissues must be maintained and protected for years if not decades. Parenchyma cells form an interconnected three-dimensional lattice throughout secondary xylem and phloem and perform critical roles in all of these tasks, yet our understanding of their physiology, the nature of their symplasmic connections, and their activity at the symplast-apoplast interface is very limited. This review highlights key historical work as well as current research on the structure and function of parenchyma in secondary vascular tissue in the hopes of spurring renewed interest in this area, which has important implications for whole-plant transport processes and resource partitioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Spicer
- Department of Botany, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320, USA
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42
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Lens F, Tixier A, Cochard H, Sperry JS, Jansen S, Herbette S. Embolism resistance as a key mechanism to understand adaptive plant strategies. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2013; 16:287-92. [PMID: 23453076 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
One adaptation of plants to cope with drought or frost stress is to develop wood that is able to withstand the formation and distribution of air bubbles (emboli) in its water conducting xylem cells under negative pressure. The ultrastructure of interconduit pits strongly affects drought-induced embolism resistance, but also mechanical properties of the xylem are involved. The first experimental evidence for a lower embolism resistance in stems of herbaceous plants compared to stems of their secondarily woody descendants further supports this mechanical-functional trade-off. An integrative approach combining (ultra)structural observations of the xylem, safety-efficiency aspects of the hydraulic pipeline, and xylem-phloem interactions will shed more light on the multiple adaptive strategies of embolism resistance in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Lens
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9514, NL-2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Lucas WJ, Groover A, Lichtenberger R, Furuta K, Yadav SR, Helariutta Y, He XQ, Fukuda H, Kang J, Brady SM, Patrick JW, Sperry J, Yoshida A, López-Millán AF, Grusak MA, Kachroo P. The plant vascular system: evolution, development and functions. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2013; 55:294-388. [PMID: 23462277 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the tracheophyte-based vascular system of land plants had major impacts on the evolution of terrestrial biology, in general, through its role in facilitating the development of plants with increased stature, photosynthetic output, and ability to colonize a greatly expanded range of environmental habitats. Recently, considerable progress has been made in terms of our understanding of the developmental and physiological programs involved in the formation and function of the plant vascular system. In this review, we first examine the evolutionary events that gave rise to the tracheophytes, followed by analysis of the genetic and hormonal networks that cooperate to orchestrate vascular development in the gymnosperms and angiosperms. The two essential functions performed by the vascular system, namely the delivery of resources (water, essential mineral nutrients, sugars and amino acids) to the various plant organs and provision of mechanical support are next discussed. Here, we focus on critical questions relating to structural and physiological properties controlling the delivery of material through the xylem and phloem. Recent discoveries into the role of the vascular system as an effective long-distance communication system are next assessed in terms of the coordination of developmental, physiological and defense-related processes, at the whole-plant level. A concerted effort has been made to integrate all these new findings into a comprehensive picture of the state-of-the-art in the area of plant vascular biology. Finally, areas important for future research are highlighted in terms of their likely contribution both to basic knowledge and applications to primary industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Lucas
- Department of Plant Biology, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Charra-Vaskou K, Badel E, Burlett R, Cochard H, Delzon S, Mayr S. Hydraulic efficiency and safety of vascular and non-vascular components in Pinus pinaster leaves. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 32:1161-1170. [PMID: 22907978 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tps071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Leaves, the distal section of the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, exhibit the lowest water potentials in a plant. In contrast to angiosperm leaves, knowledge of the hydraulic architecture of conifer needles is scant. We investigated the hydraulic efficiency and safety of Pinus pinaster needles, comparing different techniques. The xylem hydraulic conductivity (k(s)) and embolism vulnerability (P(50)) of both needle and stem were measured using the cavitron technique. The conductance and vulnerability of whole needles were measured via rehydration kinetics, and Cryo-SEM and 3D X-ray microtomographic observations were used as reference tools to validate physical measurements. The needle xylem of P. pinaster had lower hydraulic efficiency (k(s) = 2.0 × 10(-4) m(2) MPa(-1) s(-1)) and safety (P(50) = - 1.5 MPa) than stem xylem (k(s) = 7.7 × 10(-4) m(2) MPa(-1) s(-1); P(50) = - 3.6 to - 3.2 MPa). P(50) of whole needles (both extra-vascular and vascular pathways) was - 0.5 MPa, suggesting that non-vascular tissues were more vulnerable than the xylem. During dehydration to - 3.5 MPa, collapse and embolism in xylem tracheids, and gap formation in surrounding tissues were observed. However, a discrepancy in hydraulic and acoustic results appeared compared with visualizations, arguing for greater caution with these techniques when applied to needles. Our results indicate that the most distal parts of the water transport pathway are limiting for hydraulics of P. pinaster. Needle tissues exhibit a low hydraulic efficiency and low hydraulic safety, but may also act to buffer short-term water deficits, thus preventing xylem embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katline Charra-Vaskou
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestr. 15, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Nagai S, Utsumi Y. The function of intercellular spaces along the ray parenchyma in sapwood, intermediate wood, and heartwood of Cryptomeria japonica (Cupressaceae). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2012; 99:1553-1561. [PMID: 22917949 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1200160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Intercellular spaces along ray parenchyma (ISRP) are common in many conifer xylems, but their function is uncertain because the in-situ structural network among ISRP, ray parenchyma, and tracheids has not been evaluated. Analysis of water distribution in ISRP from sapwood to heartwood is needed to elucidate the function of ISRP in sapwood, intermediate wood, and heartwood. METHODS We used cryo-scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photography, and water content measurement in xylem to analyze the presence of liquids in ISRP, ray parenchyma, and tracheids from sapwood to heartwood in Cryptomeria japonica (Cupressaceae). KEY RESULTS In sapwood, almost all ISRP were empty. "Cingulate-cavitated regions", which lose water along the tangential direction within one annual ring, formed in the earlywood tracheids, and their frequency increased toward the inner annual rings, whereas ray parenchyma cells were alive and not involved in the partial cavitation. In intermediate wood, almost all ISRP and earlywood tracheids and many of the ray cells were empty, and only some latewood tracheids retained liquid in their lumina. The ISRP were connected with tracheids via gas-filled ray parenchyma cells. CONCLUSIONS The ISRP work as a pathway of gas for aspiration of ray parenchyma cells in sapwood. On the other hand, the occurrence of a gas network between ISRP, ray parenchyma, and tracheids facilitates cavitation of tracheids, resulting in the generation of low-moisture, intermediate wood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Nagai
- Forestry Technology Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ikaba 430, Yamasaki, Shiso, Hyogo 671-2515, Japan.
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Sevanto S, Holbrook NM, Ball MC. Freeze/Thaw-induced embolism: probability of critical bubble formation depends on speed of ice formation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2012; 3:107. [PMID: 22685446 PMCID: PMC3368182 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2012.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Bubble formation in the conduits of woody plants sets a challenge for uninterrupted water transportation from the soil up to the canopy. Freezing and thawing of stems has been shown to increase the number of air-filled (embolized) conduits, especially in trees with large conduit diameters. Despite numerous experimental studies, the mechanisms leading to bubble formation during freezing have not been addressed theoretically. We used classical nucleation theory and fluid mechanics to show which mechanisms are most likely to be responsible for bubble formation during freezing and what parameters determine the likelihood of the process. Our results confirm the common assumption that bubble formation during freezing is most likely due to gas segregation by ice. If xylem conduit walls are not permeable to the salts expelled by ice during the freezing process, osmotic pressures high enough for air seeding could be created. The build-up rate of segregated solutes in front of the ice-water interface depends equally on conduit diameter and freezing velocity. Therefore, bubble formation probability depends on these variables. The dependence of bubble formation probability on freezing velocity means that the experimental results obtained for cavitation threshold conduit diameters during freeze/thaw cycles depend on the experimental setup; namely sample size and cooling rate. The velocity dependence also suggests that to avoid bubble formation during freezing trees should have narrow conduits where freezing is likely to be fast (e.g., branches or outermost layer of the xylem). Avoidance of bubble formation during freezing could thus be one piece of the explanation why xylem conduit size of temperate and boreal zone trees varies quite systematically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Sevanto
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University Cambridge, MA, USA
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Peguero-Pina JJ, Sancho-Knapik D, Cochard H, Barredo G, Villarroya D, Gil-Pelegrín E. Hydraulic traits are associated with the distribution range of two closely related Mediterranean firs, Abies alba Mill. and Abies pinsapo Boiss. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 31:1067-75. [PMID: 21937669 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpr092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Abies alba and Abies pinsapo are two closely related fir species that occur in the Iberian Peninsula under very different environmental conditions. Abies alba proliferates in the humid European mountains, including the Spanish Pyrenees. In contrast, A. pinsapo is a relict species that occurs in some restricted areas of the Mediterranean mountain ranges in Spain and Morocco, which experience intense summer drought periods. To cope with the high atmospheric evaporative demand during summer, A. pinsapo may either have a high resistance to xylem cavitation or develop a very efficient conducting system to reduce the soil-to-leaf water potential gradient. To investigate such hypotheses, we measured (i) the xylem vulnerability to cavitation for different populations, and (ii) several anatomical and hydraulic parameters indicating xylem sufficiency for -supplying water to the shoot in two contrasting populations of both species. Our results show that the resistance to cavitation was not different between species or populations. However, hydraulic conductivity (K(h)), specific hydraulic conductivity (K(s)), leaf-specific conductivity (LSC) and whole-shoot hydraulic conductance (K(shoot)) were higher in A. pinsapo, indicating a higher efficiency of water transport, which should contribute to maintaining its xylem tension below the threshold for rapidly increasing cavitation. The higher K(s) in A. pinsapo was largely a result of its wider tracheids, suggesting that this species may be much more vulnerable to freeze-thaw-induced cavitation than A. alba. This is consistent with the absence of A. pinsapo in northern mountain ranges with cooler winters. These physiological differences could partly explain the niche segregation and the geographical separation of these two firs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Javier Peguero-Pina
- Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Carretera de Valldemossa, Km 7.5, 07071 Palma de Mallorca, Balears, Spain
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McCulloh KA, Johnson DM, Meinzer FC, Lachenbruch B. An annual pattern of native embolism in upper branches of four tall conifer species. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2011; 98:1007-1015. [PMID: 21613067 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1000503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY The Pacific Northwest of North America experiences relatively mild winters and dry summers. For the tall coniferous trees that grow in this region, we predicted that loss in the hydraulic conductivity of uppermost branches would be avoided because of difficulty reversing accumulated emboli in xylem that is always under negative pressure. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we measured native percent loss in hydraulic conductivity (PLC; the decrease of in situ hydraulic conductivity relative to the maximum) monthly throughout 2009 in branches at the tops (∼50 m) of four species in an old growth forest in southern Washington. KEY RESULTS Contrary to our prediction, freeze-thaw cycles resulted in considerable native PLC. Branches showed hydraulic recovery in the spring and after a moderate increase in native embolism that was observed after an unusually hot period in August. The September recovery occurred despite decreases in the leaf and stem water potentials compared to August values. CONCLUSIONS Recoveries in branches of these trees could not have occurred by raising the water potential enough to dissolve bubbles simply by transporting water from roots and must have occurred either through water absorption through needles and/or refilling under negative pressure. Excluding the August value, native embolism values correlated strongly with air temperature of the preceding 10 d. For three species, we found that branches with lower wood density had higher specific conductivity, but not greater native PLC than branches with higher wood density, which calls into question whether there is any hydraulic benefit to higher wood density in small branches in those species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A McCulloh
- Department of Wood Science and Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
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Mayr S, Rosner S. Cavitation in dehydrating xylem of Picea abies: energy properties of ultrasonic emissions reflect tracheid dimensions. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 31:59-67. [PMID: 21389002 PMCID: PMC3199436 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpq099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasonic emission (UE) testing is used to analyse the vulnerability of xylem to embolism, but the number of UEs often does not sufficiently reflect effects on hydraulic conductivity. We monitored the absolute energy of UE signals in dehydrating xylem samples hypothesizing that (i) conduit diameter is correlated with UE energy and (ii) monitoring of UE energy may enhance the utility of this technique for analysis of xylem vulnerability. Split xylem samples were prepared from trunk wood of Picea abies, and four categories of samples, derived from mature (I: earlywood, II: 30-50% latewood, III: >50% latewood) or juvenile wood (IV: earlywood) were used. Ultrasonic emissions during dehydration were registered and anatomical parameters (tracheid lumen area, number per area) were analysed from cross-sections. Attenuation of UE energy was measured on a dehydrating wood beam by repeated lead breaks. Vulnerability to drought-induced embolism was analysed on dehydrating branches by hydraulic, UE number or UE energy measurements. In split samples, the cumulative number of UEs increased linearly with the number of tracheids per cross-section, and UE energy was positively correlated with the mean lumen area. Ultrasonic emission energies of earlywood samples (I and IV), which showed normally distributed tracheid lumen areas, increased during dehydration, whereas samples with latewood (II and III) exhibited a right-skewed distribution of lumina and UE energies. Ultrasonic emission energy was hardly influenced by moisture content until ∼40% moisture loss, and decreased exponentially thereafter. Dehydrating branches showed a 50% loss of conductivity at -3.6 MPa in hydraulic measurements and at -3.9 and -3.5 MPa in UE analysis based on cumulative number or energy of signals, respectively. Ultrasonic emission energy emitted by cavitating conduits is determined by the xylem water potential and by the size of element. Energy patterns during dehydration are thus influenced by the vulnerability to cavitation, conduit size distribution as well as attenuation properties. Measurements of UE energy may be used as an alternative to the number of UEs in vulnerability analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mayr
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestrasse 15, Innsbruck, Austria.
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