Summary
The impact of freezing stress on the hydraulic conductivity was studied in 4- to 6-year-old branches of Populus x canadensis Moench “robusta” under gravity flow conditions. In fresh branch segments, the hydraulic conductivity was approximately 3–6×10-2 1 h-1kPa-1m and the specific conductivity approximately 22 1 h-1kPa-1m-1. Depending on the gas content of the solutions fed to the xylem of the segments, their hydraulic conductivity was lowered by a freezing-thawing cycle by 20–50%. However, full recovery of hydraulic conductivity was found after about 2 days. Degassed solutions in contrast showed no impediment to flow after the same treatment. The results give evidence, firstly, that the harmful effect of freezing on functioning of water conducting elements is due to the formation of bubbles in xylem sap containing gas in solution, and secondly, that recovery from this impediment is possible in microporous vessels within a period of about 2 days.
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Just, J., Sauter, J.J. Changes in hydraulic conductivity upon freezing of the xylem of Populus x canadensis Moench “robusta”. Trees 5, 117–121 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00227494
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00227494