A one-way ticket: Wheat roots do not functionally refill xylem emboli following rehydration

Abstract

Understanding xylem embolism spread in roots is essential for predicting the loss of function across root systems during drought. However, the lasting relevance of root embolism to plant recovery depends on whether roots can refill xylem emboli and resume function after rehydration. Using MicroCT and optical and dye staining methods, we investigated embolism repair in rehydrated intact roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Krichauff’) exposed to a severe water deficit of −3.5 MPa, known to cause approximately 30% total root network embolism in this species. Air emboli in the xylem vessels of intact roots remained clearly observable using MicroCT after overnight rehydration. This result was verified by xylem staining of the root system and optical quantification of emboli, both of which indicated a lack of functional root xylem recovery 60 h following soil re-saturation. The absence of root xylem refilling in wheat has substantial implications for how we understand plant recovery after drought. Our findings suggest that xylem embolism causes irreversible damage to the soil–root hydraulic connection in affected parts of the root network.