Premium
A technique for measuring xylem hydraulic conductance under high negative pressures
Author(s) -
Cochard H.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
plant, cell and environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 200
eISSN - 1365-3040
pISSN - 0140-7791
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-3040.2002.00863.x
Subject(s) - xylem , laurus nobilis , hydrostatic pressure , conductance , sample (material) , chemistry , hydrostatic equilibrium , analytical chemistry (journal) , mechanics , materials science , botany , chromatography , physics , biology , condensed matter physics , quantum mechanics , essential oil
Abstract A technique for measuring hydraulic conductances of excised xylem segments exposed to high negative pressures is described. A centrifugal force is used to generate negative pressures ( P ) in the sample and to create a positive hydrostatic pressure difference (Δ P ) between its two ends. Δ P forces water through the sample at a flow rate ( F ) determined optically during centrifugation. The sample hydraulic conductance k is derived from F and Δ P . The sample vulnerability curve is given by the dependence of k on P . Results for Cedrus atlantica Manetti and Laurus nobilis L. shoots are given. The technique is appropriate for the analysis of xylem refilling under negative pressure.