Poplar vulnerability to xylem cavitation acclimates to drier soil conditions

Xylem vulnerability to cavitation differs between tree species according to their drought resistance, more xerophilous species being more resistant to xylem cavitation. Variability in xylem vulnerability to cavitation is also found within species, especially between in situ populations. The origin of this variability has not been clearly identified. Here we analyzed the response of xylem hydraulic traits of Populus tremula xPopulus alba trees to three different soil water regimes. Stem xylem vulnerability was scored as the xylem water potential causing 12, 50 and 88% loss of conductivity (P-12, P-50 and P-88). Vulnerability to cavitation was found to acclimate to growing conditions under different levels of soil water content, with P-50 values of -1.82, -2.03 and -2.45 MPa in well-watered, moderately water-stressed and severely water-stressed poplars, respectively. The value of P-12, the xylem tension at which cavitation begins, was correlated with the lowest value of midday leaf water potential (epsilon m) experienced by each plant, the difference between the two parameters being approximately 0.5 MPa, consistent with the absence of any difference in embolism level between the different water treatments. These results support the hypothesis that vulnerability to cavitation is a critical trait for resistance to drought. The decrease in vulnerability to cavitation under growing conditions of soil drought was correlated with decreased vessel diameter, increased vessel wall thickness and a stronger bordered pit field (t/b)2. The links between these parameters are discussed.