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Xylem hydraulic physiology: The functional backbone of terrestrial plant productivity
Citation
Brodribb, TJ, Xylem hydraulic physiology: The functional backbone of terrestrial plant productivity, Plant Science: An International Journal of Experimental Plant Biology, 177, (4) pp. 245-251. ISSN 0168-9452 (2009) [Refereed Article]
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DOI: doi:10.1016/j.plantsci.2009.06.001
Abstract
Land plants are completely dependent on a passive system of water transport for their survival. The great
bulk of the xylemtissue is non-living and consequently has no short term capacity to acclimate or adjust
to changes in hydraulic demand. Yet there exists an extraordinary degree of coordination between the
hydraulic and photosynthetic systems of plants that defies developmental explanation. The connection
between hydraulic capacity and photosynthetic assimilation arises as a product of the shared stomatal
pathway for water and CO2 exchange in the leaf. A combination of optimization in both water use and
structural xylem investment has led to a situation in vascular plants where the form and function of all
individuals is moulded by the link between hydraulic and photosynthetic systems. Unlike competing
models of hormonal control of gas exchange, hydraulic limitation of productivity under optimal and
drought conditions accounts for much of the observed variation in plant gas exchange in natural systems.
The plant water transport system places a hard physical limit to plant productivity and survival.
Identifying the developmental control of key xylem traits will yield the potential for achieving new
performance capabilities in plants.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | Xylem Development ABA, Stomata Photosynthesis Drought Transpiration Hydraulic |
Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
Research Group: | Evolutionary biology |
Research Field: | Biological adaptation |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Terrestrial systems and management |
Objective Field: | Terrestrial biodiversity |
UTAS Author: | Brodribb, TJ (Professor Tim Brodribb) |
ID Code: | 62063 |
Year Published: | 2009 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 195 |
Deposited By: | Plant Science |
Deposited On: | 2010-03-09 |
Last Modified: | 2010-05-10 |
Downloads: | 5 View Download Statistics |
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