Articles
BRANCH SAP FLOW IN A MATURE OLIVE TREE: DYNAMICS AND RELATION TO ARCHITECTURAL TRAITS
Article number
846_36
Pages
315 – 322
Language
English
Abstract
This study examined how sap flow in shoots and branches of a mature olive tree (Olea europaea Coratina) related to morphological traits which are linked to tree hydraulic architecture.
Spatial and temporal variations of sap flow within the tree canopy were investigated; they were analyzed with respect to the ratio between sapwood area and leaf area (SA/LA), and in relation to evaporation demand.
The work was carried out on distinct sets of sap flow data, collected using different thermal methods (Heat Field Deformation – HFD and Stem Heat Balance with external heating – SHB). Sap flow density (q) appeared to be governed largely by the ratio SA/LA, irrespective of the strength and heterogeneity of the evaporation demand that affected the tree water loss.
The relationship between q and SA/LA suggested a higher efficiency of the water supply pathway when SA/LA was lower, i.e. in smaller (and more distal) branches.
Spatial and temporal variations of sap flow within the tree canopy were investigated; they were analyzed with respect to the ratio between sapwood area and leaf area (SA/LA), and in relation to evaporation demand.
The work was carried out on distinct sets of sap flow data, collected using different thermal methods (Heat Field Deformation – HFD and Stem Heat Balance with external heating – SHB). Sap flow density (q) appeared to be governed largely by the ratio SA/LA, irrespective of the strength and heterogeneity of the evaporation demand that affected the tree water loss.
The relationship between q and SA/LA suggested a higher efficiency of the water supply pathway when SA/LA was lower, i.e. in smaller (and more distal) branches.
Publication
Authors
F. De Lorenzi, N. Nadezhdina, J. Čermák, V. Nadezhdin, A. Pitacco
Keywords
sapwood area, leaf area, hydraulic architecture, Olea europaea, Heat Field Deformation, Stem Heat Balance
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