The Seasonal Pattern of Cavitation in Five Species of Trees

Author

• Herond R. Hoyt, Utah State University

Date of Award:

5-1973

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Plants, Soils, and Climate

Department name when degree awarded

Botany

Committee Chair(s)

Herman H. Wiebe

Committee

Herman H. Wiebe

Abstract

Five species of trees were studied: Acer glabrum (Hook.) Dippel, maple; Betula fontinalis Sarg., birch; Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh., ash; Populus tremuloides Michx., aspen; Pseudotsuga menziesii Britton, Douglas Fir. The trees were taken from naturally growing stands, between 20 and 40 years old, and about 7 m tall. The trees were cut down at eight study dates extending over 18 months. A 1.5 m section of stem and a branch from the upper and lower part of the tree were taken to the laboratory. Small pieces were then cut from these large pieces and were subsequently sliced into sections 200 microns thick using a meat slicer. All cutting and slicing, except the initial cuts, were made under water to exclude extraneous air.

Transverse and longitudinal sections of the branches and stem and a tangential section of the stem were prepared. These sections were mounted under water on microscopic slides and examined. Counts were made of the total number of vessels in the microscopic field and the number of these elements which were filled with air bubbles. The largest number of air bubbles were found in the xylem in the fall and winter, while the number of bubbles decreased in the spring and summer. More air bubbles were found in the older, central wood than in the younger wood just under the cambium. There was some variation among species; maple, ash and aspen had the largest number of bubbles, while birch and fir had the least.

Recommended Citation

Hoyt, Herond R., "The Seasonal Pattern of Cavitation in Five Species of Trees" (1973). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 9100.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/9100