STUDIES IN THE PHYSIOLOGY OF FOREST TREES. IV. MOISTURE MOVEMENT IN DECAPITATED STEMS

Abstract

Greenidge, K. N. H. (Dalhousie U., Halifax, Nova Scotia.) Studies in the physiology of forest trees. IV. Moisture movement in decapitated stems. Amer. Jour. Bot. 47(10) : 816–819. Illus. 1960.—The rates and patterns of moisture movement in large, decapitated ring‐porous stems have been investigated with the aid of water‐soluble dyes injected into the lower boles of standing trees. A few observations have been made also in diffuse‐porous trees treated in the same manner. Movement has been found to continue to the very apices of the stubs of oak and elm stems in the complete absence of foliar surfaces. Similar results were obtained in untouched stubs, and in stubs, the sawn surfaces of which were shellacked following decapitation and prior to injection. In oak and elm thus treated, maximum rates of movement approached 1/2 the velocities characteristic of entire stems. In shellacked and unshellacked stubs injected 20–24 hr. after decapitation, rates of movement, although commensurable, were further decreased. The relative distance moved by the stain varied on occasion in ash, and rates of movement dropped markedly in this species following decapitation. Similarly, speeds of travel were much reduced in diffuse‐porous species following detopping.