Distribution of hydraulic resistance in seedlings, sprouts and an adult tree of Pasania edulis Makino

Abstract Hydraulic resistance is an important factor in predicting water status. Hydraulic resistance of petiols, stems and branches, and roots was measured in Pasania edulis Makino in order to compare the distribution of resistance between current seedlings, current stump sprouts and a 16 year old adult tree. Total resistance showed only minor variations despite large variations in plant size. This result is thought to be consistent with allometry between leaf mass and supportive organ mass, and with changes in permeability of conductive organs. Root resistance was low in sprouts and the adult tree due to their mature root systems. Current seedlings with undeveloped root systems had high root resistance. The proportion of petiol resistance in total resistance was high compared to the proportion of their conductive distance, and was thought to be a limiting factor of tree water status. The petiol resistance of the adult tree leaves was higher than for seedling and sprout leaves. From a comparison with the leaf water relation characteristics, the petiol resistance was thought to be provided as low values for intolerant leaves against water stress in order to compensate water inflow, and high values for tolerant leaves to regulate water inflow.