Hydraulic Conductivity in Trunk Xylem of Elm, Ulmus Americana

Abstract

The notion that most xylem transport in stems of ring-porous trees occurs in the outermost growth ring requires experimental support. Significance of this ring is challenged by workers who find tracer dyes appearing in 4 to 8 growth rings rather than in only the outermost increment. We test the hypothesis that the outermost growth ring is of overriding significance in fluid transport through stems of Ulmus, a ring-porous tree. Fluid flow through the outermost ring was quantified by removing that ring, calculating gravity flow rates (hydraulic conductivity at 10.13 kPa m-1 ), and by tracing the transport pathway through control and experimental stem segments. From measurements corroborating theoretical calculations based on Poiseuille's law, over 90% of fluid flow through the stem occurs through the outermost ring. Remaining rings combine to account for less than 10% of xylem transport. As a result of dependence upon transport in the most superficial xylem, ring-porous trees such as elm, oak, ash, and chestnut are particularly susceptible to xylem pathogens entering from the bark.