Methods for xylem sap collection

Abstract

Xylem and phloem are essential for the exchange of solutes and signals among organs of land plants. The synergy of both enables the transport and ultimately the partitioning of water, nutrients, metabolic products and signals among the organs of plants. The collection and analysis of xylem sap allow at least qualitative assumptions about bulk transport in the transpiration stream. For quantification of element-, ion-, and compound-flow, the additional estimation of volume flow is necessary. In this chapter we describe methods for collecting xylem sap by (1) root pressure exudate, (2) Scholander-Hammel pressure vessel, (3) root pressurizing method according to Passioura, and (4) (hand/battery) vacuum pump.