The first edition of this book was the first to provide an integrated description of sap ascension from an anatomical and functional point of view. The second edition opens with the three-dimensional aspects of wood anatomy. The cohesion-tension theory and new evidence are introduced in response to recent controversies over the mechanism of sap ascent in plants. The physiology, anatomy and biophysics of xylem dysfunction are discussed and new insights into hydraulic architecture are reviewed with special emphasis on physiological limits on maximum transpiration and how hydraulic architecture limits gas exchange, carbon gain and growth of plants. The text concludes with a description of xylem failure and pathology. The book highlights fascinating areas of current research with the aim to stimulate more work in the future.
This second edition provides detailed techniques used for the study and characterization of the plant vascular system, with a central focus on the xylem tissue. Chapters are organized in three main sections covering; analysis of xylem development, xylem characterization though imaging techniques, and analysis of the xylem composition. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Xylem: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to be a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their knowledge.
This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1975.
The book will describe the xylem structure of different plant groups, and will put the findings in a physiological and ecological context. For instance, when differences in vessel diameter are featured, then there will be an explanation why this matters for water transport efficiency and safety from cavitation. The focus is on the hydraulic function of xylem, although mechanical support and storage will also be covered. Featured plant groups include ferns (which only have primary xylem), conifers (tracheid-based xylem), lianas (extremely wide and long vessels), drought-adapted shrubs as well as the model systems poplar and grapevine. The book chapters will draw on the expertise and cutting edge research of a diversified group of internationally known researchers working in different anatomical and physiological sub-disciplines. Over the last two decades, much progress has been made in understanding how xylem structure relates to plant function. Implications for other timely topics such as drought-induced forest dieback or the regulation of plant biomass production will be discussed.
Secondary Xylem Biology: Origins, Functions, and Applications provides readers with many lenses from which to understand the whole scope and breadth of secondary xylem. The book builds on a basic comprehension of xylem structure and development before delving into other important issues such as fungal and bacterial degradation and biofuel conversion. Chapters are written by recognized experts who have in-depth knowledge of their specific areas of expertise. It is a single information source containing high quality content, information, and knowledge related to the understanding of biology in woody plants and their applications. Offers an in-depth understanding of biology in woody plants Includes topics such as abiotic stresses on secondary xylem formation, fungal degradation of cell walls, and secondary xylem for bioconversion Progresses from basic details of wood structure, to dynamics of wood formation, to degradation
The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA, Adelges tsugae Annand) is causing widespread decline and mortality of eastern hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.). Stem injection of insecticide is widely used as a control measure, but its effectiveness depends on individual tree hydraulic characteristics. Recent work has shown that eastern hemlock daily water use is exponentially related to tree diameter, with smaller-diameter trees using significantly less water than largerdiameter trees. In this study we modeled daily water use for 20 eastern hemlock trees across a range of diameters. Based on expected daily water use and, thus, potential xylem transport of insecticide, we applied a dosage estimated to achieve a lethal and uniform xylem sap concentration of imidacloprid to half the trees (xylem transport treatment), and treated the remaining half based on the manufacturerrecommended dosage (MFR treatment), which is a linear function of tree diameter. At 4 and 56 weeks after treatment, we assessed all trees for the presence or absence of new shoot growth and live HWA population density. We found that both treatment dosages significantly reduced live HWA populations; however, 4 weeks after treatment, live HWA population density was 32 percent lower (LSMEANS) on xylem transport treatment trees compared with MFR treatment trees (treatment by time interaction, P = 0.006). Both treatment dosages also significantly increased the proportion of new shoot growth; however, over time xylem transport treatment trees had a significantly greater increase in new shoot production compared with MFR treatment trees. We conclude that dosages based on a xylem transport model not only significantly improved tree health more than the trees receiving the current recommended dosage, but also caused greater reductions in the live HWA population. Improving treatment dosages would reduce treatment cost, nontargeted effects, and would allow land managers to treat a greater number of trees.
At the Burlington, Vermont, research unit of the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, a study was begun in 1966 in an effort to identify the portions of the xylem that produce the most sap and the sap with the highest sugar content. The study revealed that the greatest volume of sap comes from xylem that is about 35 years old, and that the sweetest sap comes from the young xylem just beneath the bark.
Vascular Transport in Plants provides an up-to-date synthesis of new research on the biology of long distance transport processes in plants. It is a valuable resource and reference for researchers and graduate level students in physiology, molecular biology, physiology, ecology, ecological physiology, development, and all applied disciplines related to agriculture, horticulture, forestry and biotechnology. The book considers long-distance transport from the perspective of molecular level processes to whole plant function, allowing readers to integrate information relating to vascular transport across multiple scales. The book is unique in presenting xylem and phloem transport processes in plants together in a comparative style that emphasizes the important interactions between these two parallel transport systems. - Includes 105 exceptional figures - Discusses xylem and phloem transport in a single volume, highlighting their interactions - Syntheses of structure, function and biology of vascular transport by leading authorities - Poses unsolved questions and stimulates future research - Provides a new conceptual framework for vascular function in plants
