Juvenile and adult leaves of heteroblastic Eucalyptus globulus vary in xylem vulnerability

摘要: Comparing juvenile and adult shoots of Eucalyptus globulus reveals that leaves are more vulnerable to hydraulic failure than adults while stems show no significant differences. Understanding variation in the susceptibility for xylem tissue cavitate lose its function during water stress exposure is critical predicting plant mortality drought. An increasing number studies examine vulnerability water-stress-induced damage among species, but very few explore associated with ontogeny development. Here, we assess stem leaf cavitation heteroblastic tree species using a non-invasive optical technique measure accumulation air embolisms dehydration. No difference between was found stems, susceptible dehydration leaves. Analysis vessel diameters indicates differences maximum diameter little hydraulically weighted mean diameter. The results discussed context similar compare plants, as well potential anatomical functional trade-offs phase change growth E. globulus, which presents complex relationship across broad distribution.