Pipe Cavitation Parameters Reveal Bubble Embolism Dynamics in Maize Xylem Vessels across Water Potential Gradients

Yangjie Ren, Yitong Zhang, Shiyang Guo, Ben Wang, Siqi Wang and Wei Gao ()
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Yangjie Ren: Biological Physics Laboratory, College of Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Yitong Zhang: Biological Physics Laboratory, College of Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Shiyang Guo: Biological Physics Laboratory, College of Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Ben Wang: Biological Physics Laboratory, College of Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Siqi Wang: Biological Physics Laboratory, College of Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Wei Gao: Biological Physics Laboratory, College of Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

Agriculture, 2023, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: Maize, a crop of international relevance, frequently undergoes xylem embolism due to water shortage, negatively impacting growth, yield, and quality. Consequently, a refined comprehension of xylem embolism is vital for enhancing maize cultivation. Notwithstanding extensive research and the generation of analytical models for embolism mechanisms, prevalent models often disregard crop-specific hydraulic processes and the formation of embolisms via air bubbles in the xylem conduit. In this research, we present an inventive model applying pipe cavitation parameters to discern water potential and bubble formation in maize leaf xylem. The model integrates pivotal physiological traits of the maize–leaf count, leaf vein count, and diameter of xylem vessels—demonstrating robust correlations. Furthermore, we constructed Percent Loss of Conductivity (PLC) curve based on water potential and compared it with our model, offering interval data to observe embolization events triggered by air bubbles. Utilizing experimental data, our novel cavitation-parameter-based model effectively corresponds with observed bubble phenomena and appropriately characterizes water transport in plant xylem conduits. This method enabled us to observe the transition from bubble occurrence to cavitation embolism microscopically, which aligned with the embolism intervals provided by the model. This procedure reveals potential trends in bubble-induced embolism and deepens our knowledge of microscopic plant hydraulics and crop embolism. This work establishes a basis for understanding the generation of bubble embolisms in maize, assists in evaluating maize-plant water status for efficient water supply management throughout the growth cycle, and contributes towards potential water management strategies for maize.

Keywords: cavitation parameters; maize leaf water potential; embolism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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