A spatio-temporal model of embolism propagation in leaf vein networks.

ABSTRACT: Leaf veins hydrate and sustain leaf tissue for photosynthesis. During drought and freeze events, embolisms can form in xylem conduits, ceasing the transport of water. Understanding the formation and propagation of embolisms is crucial to predicting species' responses to a changing climate. We develop a novel spatio-temporal model for embolism propagation, explore the dynamics of xylem cavitation through spatial survival analysis modelling, and quantitatively examine the relationship between leaf venation features and embolism propagation. Our work models embolism propagation through spatial survival modelling, allowing us to compare the importance of different factors (vein thickness and spatial dependency) in embolism formation and predict future embolism occurrences. The model is fitted

SUBMITTER: Lu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12282127 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature