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Xylem Function and Evolution

Dr. Yuzou Sano conducting a dye-injection experiment to visualize water distribution pathways in Sorbus commixta Hedl. (Rosaceae) at the Sapporo Experimental Nursery of Hokkaido University (Japan). © Steven Jansen

This project aims to contribute to our understanding of xylem evolution in woody plants and of ecological adaptations and physiological functions in extant wood. Although in many cases wood anatomical diversity patterns reflect their phylogenetic significance, there is a considerable amount of homoplasy, which can partly be interpreted to be the result of ecological adaptations for water transport and mechanical support. Ecological trends in turn can be understood as functional adaptations when considering trade-offs between structure and function in different growth forms and environments, especially with respect to conductive efficiency, resistance to embolism, and mechanical strength.

Special attention is paid to the structure and function of pits and pit membranes. Given the large variation of pit characteristics, these features provide interesting questions with respect to their homoplastic nature and functional significance. Since pits affect not only the movement of sap in living trees, but also the penetration of liquids, preservatives and gases in timber, research on pit characters provides interesting applications in the field of wood technology, including the paper and pulp industry.

This project is in collaboration with various project partners from different research fields, including plant phylogeny, systematic wood anatomy, ecology, xylem physiology, and biomechanics. Output consists of peer-reviewed scientific publications in general scientific journals as well as in leading subject journals (subject areas Plant Anatomy, Plant Physiological Ecology, Tree Physiology, Plant Systematics), presentations at international meetings, and collaboration with overseas colleagues through joint research.

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