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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Crops Pathology and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #255583
Title: Analyzing 3D xylem networks in Vitis vinifera using High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT)

Author
item BRODERSON, CRAIG - University Of California
item LEE, ERIC - University Of California
item McElrone, Andrew
item SHACKEL, KEN - University Of California
item CHOAT, BRENDAN - Australian National University
item PHILLIPS, RON - University Of California
item MATTHEWS, MARK - University Of California

Submitted to: New Phytologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/21/2011
Publication Date: 5/13/2011
Citation: Broderson, C.R., Lee, E., Mcelrone, A.J., Shackel, K., Choat, B., Phillips, R., Matthews, M.A. 2011. Analyzing 3D xylem networks in Vitis vinifera using High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT). New Phytologist. DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03754.x.

Interpretive Summary: Recent developments in High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) have made it possible to visualize three dimensional (3D) xylem networks without time consuming, labor intensive physical sectioning. Here we describe a new method to visualize complex vessel networks in plants and produce a quantitative analysis of vessel network connectivity. The xylem network of Vitis vinifera L. cv. “Chardonnay” internode sections were visualized using HRCT, revealing a complex intervessel network. Vessel connectivity was verified with SEM imaging and empirical flow measurements. In a 7 mm stem section 80.1% of vessels were connected to at least one other vessel, 50.3% were connected to at least two vessels, and 11.9% were isolated with no connections. Individual vessels, groups of neighboring vessels, or entire stems can be explored with this non-destructive method and allows users to selectively view anatomical features in discrete parts or as a whole. This method will be transformational in our understanding of vessel networks, and how intervessel connectivity influences cavitation and disease resistance.

Technical Abstract: Recent developments in High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) have made it possible to visualize three dimensional (3D) xylem networks without time consuming, labor intensive physical sectioning. Here we describe a new method to visualize complex vessel networks in plants and produce a quantitative analysis of vessel network connectivity. The xylem network of Vitis vinifera L. cv. “Chardonnay” internode sections were visualized using HRCT, revealing a complex intervessel network. Vessel connectivity was verified with SEM imaging and empirical flow measurements. In a 7 mm stem section 80.1% of vessels were connected to at least one other vessel, 50.3% were connected to at least two vessels, and 11.9% were isolated with no connections. Individual vessels, groups of neighboring vessels, or entire stems can be explored with this non-destructive method and allows users to selectively view anatomical features in discrete parts or as a whole. This method will be transformational in our understanding of vessel networks, and how intervessel connectivity influences cavitation and disease resistance.