Anatomical, histochemical and microenvironmental changes after mechanical injury were investigated at common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.). Water content changes after wounding were monitored by 3D MR imaging of living trees in vivo and by imaging of segments of injured branches. On the same segments traditional light microscopy, micro PIXE and FTIR analysis were made. 3D MR imaging revealed structures and dehydration as well as rewetting process in wounded tissues. At both species, tissues dehydrated at the surface of the wound in three days after wounding. Dehydration spread in cone shape pattern deeper in the branch thereafter. At common beech moisture content increased in previously dehydrated region between three and eight days. This tissue dehydrated again, whereas moist reaction zone formed between dehydration and intact tissue. Water content increased also in new tissues formed on the edge of the wound. In reaction zone of common beech vessels were blocked by sclerotic and suberized tyloses, cell lumina as well as most of pit apertures were filed with deposits. Suberized cells formed continuous layer in common beech extending from periderm trough the inner bark along barrier zone and continued in the xylem formed before wounding as constitutive part of reaction zone. Deposits and tyloses were also present in the reaction zone of oak however moist reaction zone, suberized tyloses and new wound-tissues were missing. Occlusion of vessels, parenchyma and fibers appear to be the main response to mechanical injury in investigated pedunculate oaks. The first element of reaction zone formation in common beech is re-moistening of previous dehydrated tissue. High moisture content and moisture gradient is supported by high concentration of potassium. Second important element of reaction zone formation is anatomical and histochemical changes in the tissues of reaction zone. Nature of suberine present in tyloses and in cells of the barrier zone additionally contributes to the protective function of structural modified tissues of reaction zone. Reaction zone at common beech presents moisture barrier preventing the dehydration of healthy intact tissue as well as by its antifungicide, antimicrobial and antibacterial nature protects the tissue against infections.
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