Hydraulic characters of Acer truncatum seedlings
元宝枫苗木的水力结构特征

The hydraulic parameters of 4 years old Acer truncatum seedlings were measured by improved flushing method under the condition of controlled drought gradients in the greenhouse. It's indicated that the changes of hydraulic parameters with stem segment functional xylem diameter could be modeled by different equations. The hydraulic conductivity was influenced by the area that stem segment located. It was higher in non-constriction area than in constriction area. The existence of constriction area was in favor of the competition between individual seedlings. Hydraulic conductivity, specific conductivity and leaf specific conductivity were proportional with functional xylem diameter and twig water potential. The leaf specific conductivity of thicker branches was far higher than that of distal twigs, which was in favor of seedlings in saving those organs with more photosynthesis devotion during drought stress. The change of Huber value of same diameter branches with twig water potential was very small before defoliation, and hence, the main source of seedling's water stress came from xylem cavita-tion and embolism.