Regeneration of vascular tissue through redifferentiation of interxylary phloem after complete girdling in Aquilaria sinensis

Abstract

We studied the time-course of stem response for six months following complete girdling in branches of Aquilaria sinensis to determine the potential role of interxylary phloem (IP) in this response. It was found that the vascular cambium, as well as its derivative secondary xylem and phloem, regenerated fully through redifferentiation of IP. We confirmed that vascular cambium regenerated within one month after girdling based on observation of new vessels, IP, and secondary phloem fibers. The time-course study showed that IPs made connections with each other, merged, and became larger through the proliferation of IPs parenchyma cells and the cleaving of secondary xylem in a narrow zone 400 to 1000 μm deep inside the girdled edge. This led to the formation of a complete circular sheath of vascular cambium, followed by the regeneration of vascular tissue. It is worth noting that the secondary xylem is regenerated always following the formation of a thick belt of wound xylem.