ID:
publications-506
Type:
PEER REVIEWED ARTICLE
Year:
2012
Authors:
N. Schmitz , J. J. G. Egerton , C. E. Lovelock , M. C. Ball
Title:
Light-dependent maintenance of hydraulic function in mangrove branches: do xylary chloroplasts play a role in embolism repair?
Venue/Journal:
DOI:
10.1111/j.1469-8137.2012.04187.x
Research type:
Data Management & Analytics
Water System:
Uncategorized
Technical Focus:
Abstract:
Summary To clarify the role of branch photosynthesis in tree functioning, the presence and function of chloroplasts in branch xylem tissue were studied in a diverse range of mangrove species growing in Australia. The presence of xylary chloroplasts was observed via chlorophyll fluorescence of transverse sections. Paired, attached branches were selected to study the effects of covering branches with aluminium foil on the gas exchange characteristics of leaves and the hydraulic conductivity of branches. Xylary chloroplasts occurred in all species, but were differently distributed among living cell types in the xylem. Covering stems altered the gas exchange characteristics of leaves, such that waterâuse efficiency was greater in exposed leaves of covered than of uncovered branches. Leafâspecific hydraulic conductivity of stems was lower in covered than in uncovered branches, implicating stem photosynthesis in the maintenance of hydraulic function. Given their proximity to xylem vessels, we suggest that xylary chloroplasts may play a role in lightâdependent repair of embolized xylem vessels.
Link with Projects:
247514
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