Mechanisms of xylem recovery from winter embolism in Fagus sylvatica

Hydraulic conductivity in the terminal branches of mature beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.) decreased progressively during winter and recovered in the spring. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanisms involved in recovery. Two periods of recovery were identified. The first recovery of hydraulic conductivity occurred early in the spring, before bud break, and was correlated with the occurrence of positive xylem pressure at the base of the tree trunk. Active refilling of the embolized vessels caused the recovery. The second recovery of hydraulic conductivity occurred after bud break and was correlated with the onset of cambial activity. Formation of new functional vessels, leading to an increase in xylem diameter, was largely responsible for the increase in xylem conductivity. The two mechanisms were complementary: active refilling of embolized vessels occurred mostly in the root and the trunk, whereas formation of new functional vessels occurred mainly in young terminal shoots.