The formation of dry zones in the sapwood of conifers II. The role of living cells in the release of water

Abstract

Dry zones in conifer wood, characterised by gas filled tracheids, were induced by the injection of dilute solutions of various toxic chemicals followed by incubation at 10 or 20°C. The development of dry zones did not occur at lower temperatures nor with concentrated solutions and was prevented or retarded in an atmosphere of nitrogen. These results are discussed in relation to the development of dry zones in infections by Fomes annosus and other fungi and in the formation of heartwood. It is postulated that the gradual death of ray cells alters their metabolism in such a way that gas emboli are evolved in adjacent tracheids; this can occur at sites of infection or at a distance under the influence of transportable or diffusible toxins.