Effect of Isolation of Bark on Cambial Activity and Development of Xylem and Phloem in Trembling Aspen

Abstract

Circular patches of bark were surgically isolated on the sides of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) trees at breast height at various times during the dormant and growing seasons. Subsequently, samples of wood and attached bark were taken from isolated and control sites to determine the effects of isolation of the bark on cambial activity and xylem and phloem development. In control trees cambial activity and xylem and phloem development occurred normally. Isolation of bark during the dormant season (in November, February, or March) did not prevent initiation of cambial activity and of phloem differentiation in spring but continued normal cambial activity and phloem developmented were prevent. Xylem differentiation was essentially prevented by isolation of tissues during the dormant season. The ultimate effect of isolation of the bark on the cambium, either during the dormant season or during the growing season, was subdivision of all fusiform cambial cells into strands of parenchymatous elements; the ultimate effect on the newly formed phloem was early death of the sieve elements. The most conspicuous effect of isolation of the bark after xylem differentiation had begun was the curtailment of secondary wall formation. Shortening of cells of the cambial region was reflected in the length of the vessel members which differentiated from such cells. These results indicate that normal cambial activity and xylem and phloem development require a supply of currently translocated regulatory substances from the shoots.