Trees use exogenous sugars for growth, but excess triggers negative feedback reducing photosynthetic carbon gain

Plants' non structural carbohydrates (NSCs) serve as their capital for growth, reproduction, defense and survival. To increase the NSC availability of carbon-limited trees, a recent study revealed the possibility of adding exogenous soluble sugars to carbon-starved trees. This provides an opportunity to investigate carbon allocation between source and sink, as well as the growth and physiological responses to external sugars. Using this method, we infused 13C-labeled glucose solution into the stem xylem of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) trees (Experiment 1) and immersed branch cuttings of various tree species in a 13C-labeled glucose solution (Experiment 2). Our aim was to study whether infused sugars contribute to structural growth and how they influence photosynthesis. Specifically, we focused on whether trees can transport and utilize exogenous sugars for growth, and if sugar addition might trigger negative feedback mechanisms on carbon gain. We then traced the 13C label in bulk tissue and cellulose, and measured tissue NSC concentrations and leaf photosynthesis. Glucose addition consistently increased leaf NSC concentrations (Experiments 1 and 2), and exogenous sugars added were transported and incorporated into biomass formation in Experiment 1. However, excessive sugar addition triggered a negative feedback response, leading to leaf senescence (Experiments 1 and 2) and reduced photosynthesis (Experiment 2). Our findings validate the recently developed sugar addition method but emphasize the importance of carefully controlling the amount and rate of sugar addition to avoid negative feedback responses. This study will contribute to carbon physiological research, particularly in understanding carbon balance and source -sink relationships at the whole-plant level.