Dehydrins presence in xylem parenchyma cells enhances hydraulic conductivity and physiological performance in Nothofagus dombeyi

Background Nothofagus dombeyi is an evergreen tree that grows mainly in “Lahares,” sites formed by volcanic scoria and subject to high radiation and low nighttime temperatures. It grows from sea level to the treeline, exploiting sites where freezing temperatures are frequent. In addition, this species is capable to acclimate to cold, maintaining high rates of physiological performance even at low temperatures. Methods We assessed the electron transport rate (ETR), xylem conductivity, embolism of vessels, and dehydrins (DHNs) accumulation in the xylem of N. dombeyi individuals subject to low temperatures in both cold-acclimated and non-acclimated plants. We hypothesize that N. dombeyi accumulates dehydrins in the xylem in response to cold; these dehydrins could be involved in avoiding the damages induced by freezing. Results An anti-DHN antibody recognized three cold-induced proteins between 15 and 40 kDa in the xylem of N. dombeyi. The hydraulic conductivity of xylem and electron transport rate (ETR) was higher in cold-acclimated plants than in non-acclimated plants. Contrarily, the percentage of embolized vessels was higher in non-acclimated plants than in cold-acclimated plants, being these responses consistent with the presence of dehydrins in the xylem. Conclusions We conclude that dehydrins could be participating in a mechanism to avoid the effects of cold-induced embolism conserving xylem functionality and help to explain the altitudinal upper distribution for N. dombeyi.