The dynamic multi-functionality of leaf water transport outside the xylem

Abstract

A surge of papers have reported low leaf vulnerability to xylem embolism during drought. Here, we focus on the less studied, and more sensitive, outside-xylem leaf hydraulic responses to multiple internal and external conditions. Studies of 34 species have resolved substantial vulnerability to dehydration of the outside-xylem pathways, and studies of leaf hydraulic responses to light also implicate dynamic outside-xylem responses. Detailed experiments suggest these dynamic responses arise at least in part from strong control of radial water movement across the vein bundle sheath. While leaf xylem vulnerability may influence leaf and plant survival during extreme drought, outside-xylem dynamic responses are important for the control and resilience of water transport and leaf water status for gas exchange and growth.