Abstract
Microscopic examination of the xylem of cut rose stems ( Rosa hybrida L., cultivar ‘Samantha’) showed physical blockage appearing within 200 mm of the cut end during the first 2–4 days after harvest. At distances further from the cut end, little or no evidence of physical blockage could be found. However, loss of functional xylem owing to cavitation (disruption of continuity in xylem water) was shown by drawing a fluorescent tracer (berberine sulphate) through these stem segments. Cavitated vessels would not stain with the dye and showed no signs of occlusion. We conclude that initial water deficits are caused by some degree of physical blockage at the cut end. Thereafter, the continued decline in stem conductance is caused by the onset and extent of xylem cavitation induced by water stress.
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