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X-ray computed microtomography characterizes the wound effect that causes sap flow underestimation by thermal
S Marañón-Jiménez1, J Van den Bulcke2, A Piayda3,4
1University of Granada, Department of Applied Physics, Av. Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Tree Physiology
|October 6, 2017
Summary
Inserting thermal dissipation (TD) sap flow sensors into trees damages wood, causing wound formation that leads to underestimation of tree water use. Tyloses formation reduced conductive area, impacting sap flux density measurements in beech and oak.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Forestry science
- Wood anatomy
Background:
- Invasive sap flow sensors can damage tree tissues, leading to wound formation.
- This wound response is a primary cause of sap flux density (SFD) underestimation by thermal dissipation (TD) sensors.
- The anatomical changes and their impact on xylem conductance and sensor accuracy remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical mechanisms behind sap flow underestimation caused by TD sensors.
- To characterize the dynamic process of wound formation in response to sensor insertion.
- To quantify the reduction in conductive area and its effect on SFD measurements.
Main Methods:
- TD sensors were installed in Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea stems at different times during the growing season.
- X-ray computed microtomography (X-ray microCT) was used to visualize and quantify anatomical changes around sensors.
- Control sensors were installed in cut stem segments to assess wound effects without in-vivo insertion.
Main Results:
- MicroCT revealed significant tyloses formation in vessels surrounding TD probes in both species.
- This tyloses formation reduced the conductive area, leading to SFD underestimation.
- Wound discoloration was ellipsoidal and more extensive in beech than oak, and increased with sensor duration, though anatomical changes didn't always correlate with underestimation severity.
Conclusions:
- Wound-induced tyloses formation is a key mechanism causing sap flow underestimation by TD sensors.
- Understanding these anatomical responses is crucial for improving the accuracy of field sap flow measurements.
- Practical recommendations can be developed to mitigate wounding biases in sap flow studies.
