Increases in Water Potential Gradient Reduce Xylem Conductivity in Whole Plants. Evidence from a Low-Pressure Conductivity Method

A new method using hydrostatic suctions (less than 0.02 MPa) was used to measure whole-root conductivity (K(r)) in saplings of two angiosperm pioneer trees (Eucalyptus regnans and Toona australis) and two rainforest conifers (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides and Nageia fleurii). The resultant K(r) was combined with measurements of stem and leaf hydraulic conductivity to calculate whole-plant conductivity and to predict leaf water potential (Ψ(l)) during transpiration. At normal soil temperatures there was good agreement between measured and predicted Ψ(l) during transpiration in all species. Changes in the soil-to-leaf water potential gradient were produced by root chilling, and in three of the four species, changes in Ψ(l) corresponded to those expected by the effect of increased water viscosity on K(r). In one species, however, root chilling produced severe plant wilting and a decline in Ψ(l) significantly below the predicted value. In this species Ψ(l) decreased to a value close to, or below, the Ψ(l) at 50% xylem cavitation. It is concluded that decreased whole-plant conductivity in T. australis resulted from a decrease in xylem conductivity due to stress-induced cavitation.