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Plant xylem hydraulics: What we understand, current research, and future challenges
Author(s) -
Venturas Martin D.,
Sperry John S.,
Hacke Uwe G.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of integrative plant biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.734
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1744-7909
pISSN - 1672-9072
DOI - 10.1111/jipb.12534
Subject(s) - xylem , context (archaeology) , current (fluid) , water transport , hydraulics , electrical conduit , variety (cybernetics) , biology , ecology , biochemical engineering , environmental science , engineering , water flow , computer science , botany , mechanical engineering , soil science , paleontology , aerospace engineering , artificial intelligence , electrical engineering
Herein we review the current state‐of‐the‐art of plant hydraulics in the context of plant physiology, ecology, and evolution, focusing on current and future research opportunities. We explain the physics of water transport in plants and the limits of this transport system, highlighting the relationships between xylem structure and function. We describe the great variety of techniques existing for evaluating xylem resistance to cavitation. We address several methodological issues and their connection with current debates on conduit refilling and exponentially shaped vulnerability curves. We analyze the trade‐offs existing between water transport safety and efficiency. We also stress how little information is available on molecular biology of cavitation and the potential role of aquaporins in conduit refilling. Finally, we draw attention to how plant hydraulic traits can be used for modeling stomatal responses to environmental variables and climate change, including drought mortality.