Examination of embolisms in maple and birch saplings utilising microCT

James A Robinson; Matt Rennie; Mike Clearwater; Daniel J Holland; Abby K van den Berg; Matthew Watson

doi:10.1016/j.micron.2023.103438

Examination of embolisms in maple and birch saplings utilising microCT

Micron. 2023 May:168:103438. doi: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103438. Epub 2023 Mar 1.

Authors

James A Robinson¹, Matt Rennie², Mike Clearwater³, Daniel J Holland², Abby K van den Berg⁴, Matthew Watson²

Affiliations

¹ Biomolecular Interaction Center & Chemical and Process Engineering Department, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Electronic address: james.robinson@canterbury.ac.nz.
² Biomolecular Interaction Center & Chemical and Process Engineering Department, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
³ School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.
⁴ Proctor Maple Research Center, University of Vermont, Underhill, VT, United States.

PMID: 36889230
DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103438

Abstract

We demonstrate the application of synchrotron x-ray microtomography (microCT) to non-invasively examine the internal structure of a maple and birch sapling. We show that, through the use of standard image analysis techniques, embolised vessels can be extracted from reconstructed slices of the stem. By combining these thresholded images with connectivity analysis, we map out the embolisms within the sapling in three dimensions and evaluate the size distribution, showing that large embolisms over 0.005 mm³ in volume compose the majority of the saplings' total embolised volume. Finally we evaluate the radial distribution of embolisms, showing that in maple fewer embolisms are present towards the cambium, while birch has a more uniform distribution.

Keywords: Acer saccharum; Betula pendula; Birch; Embolism; Maple; MicroCT.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Acer* / chemistry
Betula / chemistry
Embolism*
X-Ray Microtomography