Abstract Detail

Ecophysiology

Jacobsen, A. L. [1], Tobin, M. F. [1], Pratt, R. B. [2].

Xylem vessel length distributions of chaparral shrubs.

The distribution of xylem vessel lengths of woody species has been measured on relatively few species worldwide. Maximum vessel lengths have been more frequently measured, but the relationship between maximum vessel lengths and mean vessel length is unclear. Additionally, maximum vessel lengths are often measured with air-injection which is pressure sensitive in many species and may over-estimate the length of the longest vessel. We determined the vessel length distributions and mean vessel lengths of 32 chaparral shrub species including both evergreen and deciduous species using a silicon-injection technique. Additionally, for a subset of these species we examined intraspecific plasticity in vessel length by comparing unburned (~ 4 yr old stems from > 30 yr old plants) stems with rapidly growing 1 yr old resprouting shoots from burned plants. In general, mean vessel lengths were quite short (< 5 cm), even in species that have maximum vessel lengths of over 1 m when measured with air-injection techniques. Xylem hydraulic efficiency and resistance to cavitation are related to vessel length.

Broader Impacts:

1 - California State University, Bakersfield, Department of Biology, 61 Sci, 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
2 - California State University, Bakersfield, Biology, 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA

Keywords:
xylem
plant anatomy
chaparral
cavitation resistance
xylem structure and function
functional plant anatomy
hydraulics.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 30
Location: 551B/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 30010
Abstract ID:572