Pore constrictions in intervessel pit membranes reduce the risk of embolism spreading in angiosperm xylem

Abstract

O_LIEmbolism spreading in angiosperm xylem occurs via mesoporous pit membranes between vessels. Here, we investigate how the size of pore constrictions in pit membranes is related to pit membrane thickness and embolism resistance. C_LIO_LIIn three models, pit membranes are modelled as multiple layers to investigate how pit membrane thickness and the number of intervessel pits per vessel determine pore constriction sizes, the probability of encountering large pores, and air-seeding. These estimations were complemented by measurements of pit membrane thickness, embolism resistance, and number of intervessel pits per vessel (n = 31, 31, and 20 species, respectively). C_LIO_LIConstriction sizes in pores decreased with increasing pit membrane thickness, which agreed with the measured relationship between pit membrane thickness and embolism resistance. The number of pits per vessel affected constriction size and embolism resistance much less than pit membrane thickness. A strong relationship between estimated air-seeding pressures and measured embolism resistance was observed. C_LIO_LIPore constrictions provide a mechanistic explanation why pit membrane thickness determines embolism resistance, and suggest that hydraulic safety can be uncoupled from hydraulic efficiency. Although embolism spreading remains puzzling and encompasses more than pore constriction sizes, angiosperms are unlikely to have leaky pit membranes, which enables tensile transport of water. C_LI