Winter embolism, mechanisms of xylem hydraulic conductivity recovery and springtime growth patterns in walnut and peach trees

Xylem vessels of Prunus persica Batsch (peach) and Juglans regia L. (walnut) are vulnerable to frost-induced embolism. In peach, xylem embolism increased progressively over the winter, reaching a maximum of 85% loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) in early March. Over winter, PLC in walnut approached 100%, but the degree of xylem embolism varied during the winter, reflecting the ability of walnut to generate positive xylem pressures in winter and spring. In contrast, positive xylem pressures were not observed in peach. Controlled freeze-thaw experiments showed that frost alone is insufficient to increase embolism in peach; evaporative conditions during thawing are also required. However, when both species were protected from frost, PLC was zero. At bud break, there was complete recovery from embolism in walnut, whereas PLC remained high in peach. Three mechanisms responsible for the restoration of branch hydraulic conductivity were identified in walnut: the development of stem pressure, the development of root pressure and the formation of a new ring of functional xylem, whereas only one mechanism was observed in peach (new functional ring). The climatic conditions necessary for the manifestation of these mechanisms were investigated.