Visualizing water-filled versus embolized status of xylem conduits by desktop x-ray microtomography.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The hydraulic conductivity of the stem is a major factor limiting the capability of trees to transport water from the soil to transpiring leaves. During drought conditions, the conducting capacity of xylem can be reduced by some conduits being filled with gas, i.e. embolized. In order to understand the dynamics of embolism formation and repair, considerable attention has been given to developing reliable and accurate methods for quantifying the phenomenon. In the past decade, non-destructive imaging of embolism formation in living plants has become possible. Magnetic resonance imaging has been used to visualize the distribution of water within the stem, but in most cases it is not possible to resolve individual cells. Recently, high-resolution synchrotron x-ray microtomo

SUBMITTER: Suuronen JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3716634 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature