Mechanisms of long-distance water transport in plants: a re-examination of some paradigms in the light of new evidence

Abstract

According to the widely accepted Cohesion Theory, water is pulled by transpiration from the roots through the xylem to the leaves. It is believed that this process results in the development of large tensions (negative pressures) in the xylem. In this chapter we re-examine some of the indirect methods that were used to support the formulation of this theory. We conclude that because of ambiguities inherent in the interpretation of the results obtained by these approaches the evidence in support of the Cohesion Theory is not conclusive. Direct measurements of xylem pressure in herbaceous plants and tall trees have yielded values of tensions that are inconsistent with the Cohesion Theory. In the light of the data from the xylem pressure probe and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-imaging, we believe that several forces may be responsible for long-distance water transport in plants. These include tension, osmotic pressure, capillary and air-water interfacial forces.