Early development of wound-initiated discoloration in Populus tremuloides

Authors

Edward Sucoff
Hilman Ratsch
Donald D. Hook

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Canadian Journal of Botany

Volume

45

Issue

5

First Page

649

Last Page

656

Publication Date

1967

Abstract

In aspen, wounds exposing the xylem to the atmosphere result in pigment production around the wound. Experiments were conducted to help clarify the early origins of this wound-initiated discoloration. Browning began within 7 days after wounding of tissues and spread vertically. The early pigments are probably phenolic compounds produced in the xylem parenchyma from stored lipids. Production of early pigments involves stepwise degeneration of the cell nucleus and cytoplasm. High concentrations of antimicrobial agents applied to fresh wounds increased the rate of pigmentation. Phloem girdling had no effect on pigment formation. Xylem did not discolor if killed without exposure to the atmosphere. These early pigments may be related to the dark pigments found in most aspen trees.

Recommended Citation

Sucoff, Edward, Ratsch, Hilman, Hook, Donald D. 1967. Early development of wound-initiated discoloration in Populus tremuloides. Canadian Journal of Botany 45(5):649-656.