Optimal Xylem Conductivity and Safety in Trees
Determining the factors influencing xylem conductivity and safety is crucial for understanding tree sensitivity to drought. This study explores how xylem traits such as conduit diameter affect conductivity and safety, highlighting a tradeoff between the two at the conduit level. The optimal xylem 50 hypothesis proposes balancing efficiency and safety to explain plant vulnerability to drought. Results from various studies provide insights into maximizing conductivity while minimizing losses.
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Presentation Transcript
Optimal xylem conductivity and safety or Why are trees so sensitive to drought? Oskar Franklin1,2, Peter Fransson2, Florian Hofhansl1, Jaideep Joshi1 1IIASA 2 Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Supported by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
What determines xylem conductivity and safety? Actual conductivity = Potential conductivity * Conductivity loss Conductivity loss = cavitation = embolism Due to low xylem pressure ( ) Sensitivity defined by 50 Potential conductivity depends on vessel diameter, K D4 Journal of Integrative Plant Biology Figure from Venturas et al. 2017
Which xylem traits determine conductivity and safety? K Figures from Sperry et al. 2006. American Journal of Botany D D 50 1/K Journal of Integrative Plant Biology Figure from Venturas et al. 2017 1/K 50 Xylem functional traits are strongly coordinated (as expected!)
A tradeoff between xylem conductivity (K) and safety (50) at the coduit level Larger conduit diameter => higher K but lower 50 Data from Sperry et al. 2006. American Journal of Botany
What is the optimal xylem 50 ? Hypothesis: Maximal conductivity per biomass * minimal conductivity loss at low Potential conductivity per biomass Model decribed in: O Franklin, P Fransson, F Hofhansl, J Joshi. 2022. Optimal balancing of xylem efficiency and safety explains plant vulnerability to drought. bioRxiv 2022.05.16.491812 Remaining fraction conductivity
Results Data from Liu et al. 2019. Science Advances 5(2): eaav1332. min Contact: franklin@iiasa.ac.at
