Tree Physiology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
44(8)
Published: Aug. 1, 2024
Journal
Article
Accepted
manuscript
Scales
and
scaling
in
Tree
Physiology
Get
access
Maurizio
Mencuccini
CREAF,
08193,
Bellaterra,
Barcelona,
SpainICREA,
08010,
Spain
Corresponding
author:
[email protected]
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0840-1477
Search
for
other
works
by
this
author
on:
Oxford
Academic
PubMed
Google
Scholar
Physiology,
tpae100,
https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpae100
Published:
13
August
2024
history
Received:
03
Accepted:
09
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 19, 2023
Abstract
Understanding
xylem
embolism
formation
is
challenging
due
to
dynamic
changes
and
multiphase
interactions
in
conduits.
If
spread
involves
gas
movement
xylem,
we
hypothesise
that
it
affected
by
time.
We
measured
hydraulic
conductivity
(K
h
)
flow-centrifuge
experiments
over
one
hour
at
a
given
pressure
temperature
for
stem
samples
of
three
angiosperm
species.
Temporal
K
5,
22,
35°C,
various
pressures
were
compared
modelled
recently
embolised
vessel
the
centre
centrifuge
sample.
22°C
showed
maximum
relative
increases
between
6%
40%,
decreases
41%
61%
low
high
centrifugal
speed,
respectively.
Logarithmic
species-specific,
most
pronounced
during
first
15
minutes.
Embolism
started
near
edges
gradually
increased
centre.
Moreover,
strongly
correlated
with
concentration
vessel.
Although
mostly
pressure-driven,
our
experimental
data
indicate
time,
conduit
characteristics,
are
involved
their
role
diffusion.
Gas
diffusion,
however,
does
not
cover
entire
process
spread.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Aug. 9, 2023
Summary
Considerable
progress
has
been
made
in
understanding
the
mechanisms
of
embolism
formation
based
on
pneumatic
method,
which
relies
gas
discharge
measurements.
Here,
we
test
assumption
that
cut-open
conduits
are
gas-filled
when
samples
cut
at
high
water
potentials.
We
performed
vulnerability
curves
(VC)
with
Pneumatron
and
analysed
sap
extraction
from
vessels
Citrus
branches,
while
optical
method
was
applied
as
a
reference
method.
VCs
11
additional
angiosperms
were
to
generalise
our
findings.
found
an
increase
during
early
stages
dehydration,
affected
VC
.
Xylem
not
absorbed
immediately
by
surrounding
tissue
branches.
The
amount
discharged
increased
until
all
residue
absorbed,
near
turgor
loss
point.
By
analysing
slope
VCs,
could
correct
VC,
evidenced
strong
agreement
resistance
between
Since
residual
some
species
slightly
reduce
species,
propose
apply
easy
correction
for
this
novel
artefact.
Automated
measurements
also
required
because
its
time
resolution.
Forests,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
14(2), P. 293 - 293
Published: Feb. 2, 2023
The
pneumatic
method
is
a
novel
determining
vulnerability
to
embolism
in
plants,
yet
it
remains
unclear
whether
this
suitable
for
all
species
with
different
xylem
anatomy.
In
study,
using
six
tree
contrasting
anatomy,
including
four
vessel-bearing
(diffuse-porous
wood
and
ring-porous
wood)
two
tracheid-bearing
(non-porous
wood),
we
test
the
reliability
of
by
comparing
hydraulic
methods
also
considering
turgor
loss
point
native
embolism.
Vessel
length
distribution
cut-open
vessel
volume
were
evaluated
silicone
injection
technique.
Additionally,
synthesized
published
data
find
out
consistency
between
methods.
Results
showed
that
there
was
maximum
10-folds
difference
mean
diameter
varying
from
30
56
μm
among
species.
estimated
open
ranges
0.064
0.397
mL,
14%
tube
vacuum
reservoir.
For
species,
good
methods,
evidenced
significantly
overestimated
because
bad
consistencies
plant
water
relations.
Data
synthesis
suggested
can
accurately
measure
but
not
Our
study
provided
further
evidence
accurate
most
thus
has
potential
be
widely
used
hydraulics
field.
However,
proposed
precise
calculation
air
discharge
should
take
into
account
vessels
wide
long
vessels.
New Phytologist,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
237(2), P. 384 - 391
Published: Dec. 20, 2022
The
integrity
of
the
plant
water
transport
system
is
crucial
for
performance
and
survival
(Rowland
et
al.,
2015).
To
estimate
vulnerability
to
drought-induced
embolism
(blockage
flow
in
conduits
by
air
bubbles),
a
number
methods
have
been
developed
generate
curves
(VCs),
that
is,
relationship
between
xylem
level
potential
(Cochard
2013).
However,
since
report
'cutting-under-tension'
artifact
(Wheeler
2013),
all
published
VCs
may
need
be
re-examined,
researchers
carefully
avoid
artifacts
2013;
Zhang
&
Holbrook,
2014).
As
newly
method,
Pneumatic
method
(the
manual
or
automated
Pneumatron)
measures
volume
discharged
from
terminal
shoots
(Pereira
2016,
2020).
This
assumes
increase
during
desiccation
mainly
extracted
embolized
conduits,
it
believed
non-hydraulic,
economical,
less
time-consuming
method.
also
generates
P50
(water
causing
50%
embolism)
values
comparable
other
some
studies
2016;
Bittencourt
2018;
Pereira
2020;
Paligi
2021;
see
summary
Brum
2023).
All
current
both
advantages
limitations
(Skelton
Diaz,
2020),
so
does
We
pointed
out
uncertainties
our
early
study
(Chen
2021)
could
improved
solving
these
uncertainties.
In
an
article
this
issue
New
Phytologist,
al.
(2023;
pp.
374–383),
provided
explanations
on
issues
we
raised
before,
but
think
fundamental
remain
not
well
addressed.
main
criticism
reply
Letter
(2023)
earlier
incorrectly
performed
experiment,
stopped
measurement
too
early,
which
resulted
underestimated
ADmax
(maximum
discharged)
resistance.
Here,
claim
presented
'stop
early'
late'
previous
paper,
clearly
stopping
time
would
affect
estimation
VCs,
termed
as
'two-plateau'
concern
(see
fig.
6
Chen
2021,
define
'plateau'
stage
maintains
stable
value
relatively
long
duration;
diagram
Fig.
1
here).
Our
using
plateau
overestimate
vulnerability,
whereas
2
underestimate
due
source
2.
Furthermore,
believe
(AD)
at
only
represents
maximum
dischargeable
vessels,
includes
sources,
example,
tissue
shrinkage,
cracks
pith
discussion).
Therefore,
measured
ADmax,
rather
separated
into
two
stages,
uncertainties,
mechanistic
explanations.
misinterpreted
'incorrect
implementation
underestimation
ADmax'
they
did
address
directly.
Additionally,
new
data
obtained
Pneumatron
(constructed
following
Trabi
Supporting
Information
Methods
S1)
agree
with
generated
pneumatic
device
(Fig.
S1),
supporting
concerns
showing
there
were
no
technological
biases
study.
A
diagrammatic
representation
sources
stem
spread
embolisms
use
under
conditions
well-hydrated
(a),
moderate
dehydration
(b),
severe
(c),
full
(d)
stages.
green
color
indicates
functioning
vessels
red
distal
end
stem,
are
isolated
vessels.
white
orange
colors
indicate
cut-open
intact
neighboring
basal
end,
respectively.
Arrows
direction
extraction.
insets
show
status
pits
connecting
adjacent
refers
information
S9
(2021)
S4
(2016).
right
column
(refers
shows
kinetics
(ΔVi,
μl)
(e)
one
representative
sample
Lasiococca
comberi
method;
percentage
against
different
segments
(f);
comparison
plateaus
(blue)
(red)
(g),
respectively,
L.
comberi.
See
detailed
descriptions
(2021).
pattern
was
first
reported
2021).
Interestingly,
now
found
multi-plateaus
(>
2)
when
lasts
enough
(c.
>
8
d;
Figs
2,
S2–S6).
paper
(fig.
showed
AD
desiccation,
increased
reached
certain
(plateau
1),
then
again
another
2).
Similarly,
'two-
multi-plateau'
can
studies,
including
who
(2020)
reproduced
S7–S9).
Notably,
combining
replicates
figure
1g,
S7),
easily
masked
great
variation
among
samples
small
compared
completely
dehydrated
late
stage.
questioned
reliability
measurements
used
extremely
low
estimated
potential.
While
predicted
negative
potentials
might
reliable
directly
values,
change
'multi-plateau'
(also
S1).
patterns
suggest
should
ignored
addressed
carefully.
hypothesized
explained
isolation
cut
part
branch,
visually
illustration
here
1).
gas
dynamics
model
Jansen
Yang
(2022),
apparatus
discharges
while
water-filled
excluded.
Thus,
initial
close
because
cavitated
apparatus.
section
1b),
more
prone
their
proximity
discussion
about
open
vessel
later).
Then,
starts
connects
1e),
reaches
second
(or
third)
most
embolize
1d).
Importantly,
include
likely
stage,
calculated
(PAD)
undoubtedly
underestimates
Although
lower
reasonable
if
Uncertainties
section).
essential
determination
definite,
quantitative,
easy-to-follow
criterion
has
established
even
now.
degree
leaves
important
indicator
experiment
For
(2016)
initially
described
'when
Ψx
than
limit
pressure
chamber
(−10
MPa)
branches
had
lost
leaves'.
study,
followed
'leaves
severely
desiccated,
crispy,
started
shed'
'the
increasing
decrease'
2021),
occurred
−2
−7
MPa
let
continue
dehydrate
d),
occurrence
third
many
(Figs
(2018)
defined
last
point
branch
where
fully
embolized'.
maintain
within
24
h'
'measurements
dehydrated'.
Generally,
hard
follow.
First,
rare
took
time,
example
d
S2–S6),
generally
−10
3
These
durations
reaching
final
Second,
second)
short
varies
species
probably
associated
anatomy
needs
further
case
covers
wide
range
(e.g.
longer
study;
Table
S1
interpreted
chambers
measure
accurately
(range
−4
commercial
equipment).
uncertainty
easy
happen
follow
protocol
(2016),
qualitatively
'ADmax,
its
(lowest
Ψx)'.
brought
methodology.
By
recent
standard
(Trabi
2023),
stop
doing
maintained
stable.
1e)
being
exclude
possibility
difficulties
measuring
potentials,
especially
highly
resistant
those
drying
slowly.
words,
reach
plateau.
Third,
technique
quantify
whole
vivo,
arbitrarily
decide
timing
measurement.
Obviously,
unknown
whether
100%
criteria,
suggesting
insufficient
thus
well.
very
occur
plants
enough.
tested
visualization
micro-CT)
check
before
total
cumulative
saturation
reductions
potential'
'reach
device'.
after
period
2),
typically
several
days
much
At
already
declined
below
MPa,
obvious
shrinkage
appearance.
rules.
An
S7).
Based
model,
paradoxical
suggestion
twice
P50'.
Because
users
methods,
impractical
suggestion.
On
contrary,
given
construct
claimed
woody
cracks,
leaky
tissue,
occur,
connected
conduits.
concluded
common
problems
tree
species.
disagree
micro-CT
images
connect
Meanwhile,
cautious
dry
necessarily
equal
amount
evidence
non-vessel
cause
value.
connections
3;
Video
challenging
assumption
'if
do
area
influence
extraction'.
Combretum
griffithii,
liana
big
area,
24-h
dehydration,
three
48
h
S10).
supported
10
20
studied
(Table
S2)
xylems
piths
entire
over
60
−5.51
−9.41
MPa;
3,
S11;
large
abundant
parenchyma
tissues.
contaminate
treated
argued
detected
7
sections
micro-CT.
m)
After
underwater,
tubing
scanning.
segment
wrapped
parafilm
reduce
scanning
reason
expect
artificial
preparation
apparatus,
place
exposed
quickly.
Further
experimental
support
parts
contributed
discharge
that,
stems
(by
quick
air-injection)
28–33%
It
suggested
fast
glue
block
(Zhang
2018)
leaking
pith,
treatment
leakage
positions
still
tested.
declines
strongly
shrinkage.
'stable
cases,
sometimes,
decrease
S2–S6,
S7,
6a
suggests
affected
factors,
such
areas
shrunk
4.5–14.0%,
2.9–12.1%,
lumen
varied
S12).
contribution
vary
across
extent
VC
parameters
remains
unclear.
solved
avoided
simply
paying
'careful
attention
practices'
(2023).
cut-open-vessel
effect
like
'Unlike
sampling
hydraulic
measurements,
material
filled
purpose';
additional
tests
needed
'r-shaped'
high
cases
−1
S2–S6
When
performing
measurement,
contact
outside
clear
seeding
embolism.
pre-existing
embolism,
vessels)
(Brodersen
Guan
If
true,
result
overestimation
least
four
Citrus
sinensis
vulnerable
S8)
Other
treatment,
same
numerous
minimize
far
away
(Torres-Ruiz
contrast,
extract
adjunct
(Jansen
2022).
Also,
calculation
PAD
level.
diffusion
speed
through
pit
membranes
orders
magnitude
bulk
flow,
relative
importance
farther
depends
anatomy,
membrane
thickness,
connectivity,
on.
traits
differ
considerably
introduce
species-specific
direction.
quantifies
2022),
theory,
correct
curve
initiates
spreads
toward
end.
Otherwise,
excluding
events
heterogeneity
along
stages
(See
S2),
consistently
S13).
synthesis
derived
traditional
reference
general
agreements
(but
diverged
:
line
caution
paid
apply
large-scale
Sergent
correlation
solve
mentioned
earlier,
misleading
terms
eco-physiological
performance.
behaved
cavitation
initiation
(less
negative)
(in
−0.5
e.g.
figs
1,
give
us
frequent
recovery
diurnal
basis.
confirmed
'non-s-shaped'
enough,
regarding
how
perform
natural
world.
possible
unlikely
initiated
MPa.
validate
re-verified
noticed
validating
often
mixed,
collected
literature
comparing
2018).
revealed
individual
(Shen
recommend
careful
approach
controversies
methodology
settled,
intraspecific
variation,
single
avoided.
discharging
overestimates
lack
pathway
opposite
effect.
vulnerability.
effects
merged,
methods.
analogous
content,
correlated
process
spreading
desiccation.
Simply
content
easier,
plotting
produce
's-shaped'
similar
S4),
decline
(Hao
4
correlation,
ongoing
structural
physiological
processes
related
process.
getting
helpful,
shape
underlying
mechanisms
matter.
conclusion,
potentially
efficient
time-saving
remain.
Before
widely
massive
dataset,
discussed
pattern,
verified.
Surely,
novel
advance
scientific
knowledge,
perfect
solid
data.
We,
therefore,
test
correlations,
generating
up
Some
done
track
ends
discharge.
insights
pointing
evidence-based
promote
improvement
advancement
understanding
central
topic
physiology
ecology.
Rather
invalidating
wish
help
improve
authors
thank
Peng-Yun
Yan,
Lu
Han,
Lian-Bin
Tao,
Weng-Zhuang
assistance
Si-Qi
Li,
Yu-Hang
He,
En-Guo
Rong,
Zhuang-Sheng
Xiao,
Lin
designing
constructing
devices.
work
funded
National
Natural
Science
Foundation
China
(32071735,
41861144016,
31570406,
31861133008),
'Light
West
China'
Program
Southeast
Asia
Biodiversity
Research
Institute,
Chinese
Academy
Sciences
(151C53KYSB20200019),
Yunnan
Provincial
Technology
Department
(2018HB068),
Revitalization
Talents
Support
Plan
(YNWR-QNBJ-2019177).
PM
acknowledges
financial
CAS-TWAS
President's
Fellowship
International
Doctoral
Students.
Y-JZ
Open
Fund
CAS
Key
Laboratory
Tropical
Forest
Ecology.
Y-JC,
conceived
designed
Y-JC
experiments.
analyzed
wrote
revised
manuscript
input
J-LZ.
equally
work.
Comparison
device.
S2
dynamic
changes
(PAD,
%)
Microcos
paniculate
S3
Lagerstroemia
tomentosa
S5
griffithii
S6
yunnanense
S7
Reproduction
5
(2020),
'two
Plateaus',
non-stable
S8
Plateaus'
sinensis.
(2021),
Plateaus'.
S10
(side
cross-section
directions)
S11
tropical
c.
laboratory
potentials.
S12
S13
determine
branch.
five
determining
Tissue
monitoring.
Vulnerability
measurements.
air-discharging
Species
observation
crack
dehydration.
Movie
three-dimensional
Please
note:
Wiley
responsible
functionality
any
supplied
authors.
Any
queries
(other
missing
material)
directed
Phytologist
Central
Office.
publisher
content)
corresponding
author
article.
Plant Biology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
26(4), P. 633 - 646
Published: April 8, 2024
Abstract
The
African
Restionaceae
(Poales),
the
dominant
graminoid
layer
in
megadiverse
Cape
Floristic
Region
of
South
Africa,
are
distributed
across
a
wide
range
moisture
availability,
yet
currently
there
is
very
little
known
about
underlying
hydraulics
this
group.
We
tested
two
methods
for
measuring
culm
vulnerability
to
embolism,
optical
and
pneumatic
methods,
three
species
Cannomois
ranging
habitat
from
semi‐riparian
(
virgata
)
dryland
parviflora
C.
congesta
).
Estimates
xylem
were
coupled
with
measures
turgor
loss
point
(Ψ
TLP
minimum
field
water
potential
MD
assess
hydraulic
safety
margins.
produced
similar
estimates
P
50
,
but
differed
12
88
.
All
quite
vulnerable
–1.9
MPa
),
−2.3
−2.4
Ψ
aligned
stress,
highest
values
found
Consistent
differences
between
resulted
consistent
margins
0.96
±
0.1
onset
embolism
occurring
0.43
0.04
after
all
species.
Our
study
demonstrates
that
restio
occupancy
dry
environments
involves
more
than
evolution
highly
resistant
xylem,
suggesting
other
aspects
relations
key
understanding
trait–environment
relationships
Annals of Botany,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
134(2), P. 337 - 350
Published: May 9, 2024
Abstract
Background
and
Aims
Lianas
have
higher
relative
abundance
biomass
in
drier
seasonal
forests
than
rainforests,
but
whether
this
difference
is
associated
with
their
hydraulic
strategies
unclear.
Here,
we
investigate
lianas
of
seasonally
dry
are
safer
more
efficient
water
transport
rainforest
lianas,
explaining
patterns
liana
abundance.
Methods
We
measured
traits
on
five
pairs
congeneric
the
tribe
Bignonieae
two
contrasting
forest
sites:
wet
‘Dense
Ombrophilous
Forest’
Central
Amazonia
(~2
months)
‘Semideciduous
Seasonal
inland
Atlantic
Forest
(~6
months).
also
gathered
a
broader
database,
including
197
trees
58
species
from
different
tropical
forests,
to
compare
safety
between
habits
types.
Key
Results
both
had
high
similar
efficiency
exhibited
variability
resistance
embolism
across
types
when
phylogenetic
relationships
were
taken
into
account.
Three
genera
rainforest,
positive
margins
despite
lower
predawn
potential
values
lianas.
did
not
find
safety–efficiency
trade-off.
Merging
our
results
previously
published
data
revealed
independent
Conclusions
The
detected
here
probably
favours
rapid
growth
differences
highlight
that
some
highly
vulnerable
may
rely
other
mechanisms
cope
drought.
Future
research
lethal
dehydration
threshold
connection
could
offer
further
insights
dynamics
under
climatic
threats.
Tree Physiology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: July 24, 2024
Abstract
Considerable
attention
has
been
paid
to
addressing
methodological
concerns
related
measurements
of
embolism
in
conduits
angiosperm
xylem.
A
fast,
easy
and
cheap
method
is
based
on
gas
extraction
from
dehydrating
samples
obtain
pneumatic
vulnerability
curves
(VCs).
Here,
we
tested
the
assumption
that
cutting
open
leads
gas-filled
lumina
when
these
are
cut
air
at
fairly
high
water
potentials,
which
required
detect
intact
conduits.
We
performed
VCs
with
Pneumatron
for
12
species
extracted
sap
cut-open
vessels
branches
nine
under
early
stages
branch
dehydration.
The
optical
was
applied
Citrus
plants
as
an
alternative
reference
estimate
resistance.
found
increase
discharge
during
dehydration,
affected
most
studied.
Xylem
residue
not
absorbed
immediately
by
surrounding
tissue
six
but
gradually
disappeared
over
time
progressive
amount
discharged
increased
until
all
residual
absorbed,
embolism.
conclude
xylem
affects
represents
a
novel
artifact
can
easily
be
corrected
for.
Yet,
it
remains
unclear
why
exactly
air–water
meniscus
did
fully
withdraw
conduit
end
wall
species.
By
analyzing
slope
time,
could
improve
estimations
resistance,
evidenced
strong
agreement
between
methods.
Since
some
slightly
underestimate
propose
apply
correction
this
time-resolution
taken
Pneumatron.
Tree Physiology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
44(8)
Published: Aug. 1, 2024
Journal
Article
Accepted
manuscript
Scales
and
scaling
in
Tree
Physiology
Get
access
Maurizio
Mencuccini
CREAF,
08193,
Bellaterra,
Barcelona,
SpainICREA,
08010,
Spain
Corresponding
author:
[email protected]
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0840-1477
Search
for
other
works
by
this
author
on:
Oxford
Academic
PubMed
Google
Scholar
Physiology,
tpae100,
https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpae100
Published:
13
August
2024
history
Received:
03
Accepted:
09