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Leaf hydraulic vulnerability is related to conduit dimensions and drought resistance across a diverse range of woody angiosperms
Author(s) -
Blackman Christopher J.,
Brodribb Tim J.,
Jordan Gregory J.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03439.x
Subject(s) - xylem , electrical conduit , biology , resistance (ecology) , botany , water transport , stomatal conductance , drought resistance , drought tolerance , ecology , hydraulic conductivity , photosynthesis , water flow , environmental science , soil water , soil science , mechanical engineering , engineering
Summary• Hydraulic dysfunction in leaves determines key aspects of whole‐plant responses to water stress; however, our understanding of the physiology of hydraulic dysfunction and its relationships to leaf structure and ecological strategy remains incomplete. • Here, we studied a morphologically and ecologically diverse sample of angiosperms to test whether the water potential inducing a 50% loss in leaf hydraulic conductance ( P 50 leaf ) is predicted by properties of leaf xylem relating to water tension‐induced conduit collapse. We also assessed the relationships between P 50 leaf and other traits considered to reflect drought resistance and ecological strategy. • Across species, P 50 leaf was strongly correlated with a theoretical predictor of vulnerability to cell collapse in minor veins (the cubed ratio of the conduit wall thickness to the conduit lumen breadth). P 50 leaf was also correlated with mesophyll traits known to be related to drought resistance, but unrelated to traits associated with carbon economy. • Our data indicate a link between the structural mechanics of leaf xylem and hydraulic function under water stress. Although it is possible that collapse may contribute directly to dysfunction, this relationship may also be a secondary product of vascular economics, suggesting that leaf xylem is dimensioned to avoid wall collapse.