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Research ArticleEnvironmental and Stress Physiology
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Mechanism of Water Stress-Induced Xylem Embolism

John S. Sperry, Melvin T. Tyree
John S. Sperry
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Melvin T. Tyree
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Published November 1988. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.88.3.581

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Abstract

We investigated the hypothesis that water stress-induced xylem embolism is caused by air aspirated into functional vessels from neighboring embolized ones (e.g. embolized by physical damage) via pores in intervessel pit membranes. The following experiments with sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) support the hypothesis. (a) Most vessels in dehydrating stem segments embolized at xylem pressures < −3 megapascals; at this point the pressure difference across intervessel pits between air-filled vessels at the segment's ends and internal water-filled vessels was >3 megapascals. This same pressure difference was found to be sufficient to force air across intervessel pits from air injection experiments of hydrated stem segments. This suggests air entry at pits is causing embolism in dehydrating stems. (b) Treatments that increased the permeability of intervessel pits to air injection also caused xylem to embolize at less negative xylem pressures. Permeability was increased either by perfusing stems with solutions of surface tension below that of water or by perfusion with a solution of oxalic acid and calcium. The mechanism of oxalic-calcium action on permeability is unknown, but may relate to the ability of oxalate to chelate calcium from the pectate fraction of the pit membrane. (c) Diameter of pores in pit membranes measured with the scanning electron microscope were within the range predicted by hypothesis (≤0.4 micrometer).

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Mechanism of Water Stress-Induced Xylem Embolism
John S. Sperry, Melvin T. Tyree
Plant Physiology Nov 1988, 88 (3) 581-587; DOI: 10.1104/pp.88.3.581

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Mechanism of Water Stress-Induced Xylem Embolism
John S. Sperry, Melvin T. Tyree
Plant Physiology Nov 1988, 88 (3) 581-587; DOI: 10.1104/pp.88.3.581
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Plant Physiology
Vol. 88, Issue 3
November 1988
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  • Reduction and Coordination of Arsenic in Indian Mustard
  • Inactivation of Photosystems I and II in Response to Osmotic Stress in Synechococcus. Contribution of Water Channels
Show more Environmental and Stress Physiology

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