We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Applications of a thermal imaging technique in the study of the ascent of sap in woody species.
- Authors
Anfodillo, T.; Sigalotti, G. B.; Tomasi, M.; Semenzato, P.; Valentini, R.
- Abstract
We present applications of infrared thermography to the direct observation of water transport in stems of woody species. Presently, the method gives only qualitative information on the path of sap movement along the stem, and therefore, does not replace any of the common quantitative methods of sap flow measurement. Nevertheless, the thermal imaging technique provides a novel approach to the study of the ascent of sap and could have a role in supporting more quantitative methods. Thermography permits visualization of the thermal variations of a fairly large area of the stem in real time, and hence, is well suited for spatial analysis of sap movement. Three experiments were carried out during the summers of 1991 and 1992, with the following objectives: to define the sap flow distribution in the active annual rings; to identify grain anomalies in the sap wood; and to study the consequences of induced embolism on the path of sap flows. Altogether, we tested more than 10 woody species (broad-leaves and conifers) either in natural conditions or in the nursery. We found considerable differences in the spatial distribution of sap flow not only between species and individuals but also within a single tree. Grain anomalies or embolized zones in the xylem, which are easily demonstrated, often further modify the path of sap flow. The irregularity of sapwood dimensions and of sap flow among tree rings requires careful evaluation of the positioning of the probes when using methods for quantitative measurements.
- Subjects
MEDICAL thermography; MARITIME shipping; TREND surface analysis; TRACHEARY cells; EMBOLISMS; CONIFERS
- Publication
Plant, Cell & Environment, 1993, Vol 16, Issue 8, p997
- ISSN
0140-7791
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-3040.1993.tb00524.x