Scientists from the French National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) were able to follow in live the propagation of drought-induced embolism. Thanks to X-ray micro-tomography measurements achieved at the PSICHE beamline at SOLEIL, they highlighted a radial movement of the air bubbles (from the pith to the bark). The use of this method allows a direct and non-invasive visualization of the embolism phenomenon. Further studies could permit to better understand the different behaviors of trees regarding hydraulic stress.
