Other lines of investigation have highlighted the importance of water transport
sectoriality(Zanne et al., 2006; Schenk et al., 2008) and showed that this syndrome occurs
more frequently under particular environmental conditions. Loepfe et al.(2007) used graph
theory to model xylem properties as a network of interconnected elements. They employed
their model to assess the signifi cance of conduit connectivity on Other lines of investigation
have highlighted the importance of water transport sectoriality(Zanne et al., 2006; Schenk et
al., 2008) and showed that this syndrome occurs more frequently under particular
environmental conditions. Loepfe et al.(2007) used graph theory to model xylem properties as
a network of interconnected elements. They employed their model to assess the signifi cance
of conduit connectivity on both xylem conductivity and P50, the pressure at which 50% of the
conductive capacity is lost because of xylem embolism(Tyree et al., 1994).
LOEPFE, L., J. MARTINEZ-VILALTA, J. PINOL, AND M. MENCUCCINI. 2007. The relevance of
xylem network structure for plant hydraulic efficiency and safety. Journal of
Theoretical Biology 247: 788–803.
SCHENK, H.J., S. ESPINO, C.M. GOEDHART, M. NORDENSTAHL, H.I.M. CABRERA, AND C.S.
JONES. 2008. Hydraulic integration and shrub growth form linked across continental
aridity gradients. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United
States of America 105: 11248–11253.
TYREE, M., S. DAVIS, AND H. COCHARD. 1994. Biophysical Perspectives of Xylem Evolution Is
There a Tradeoff of Hydraulic Efficiency for Vulnerability to Dysfunction. Iawa
Journal 15: 335–360.
ZANNE, A.E., K. SWEENEY, M. SHARMA, AND C.M. ORIANS. 2006. Patterns and consequences
of differential vascular sectoriality in 18 temperate tree and shrub species. Functional
Ecology 20: 200–206.