Plant- and stimulus-specific variations in remote-controlled sieve-tube occlusion

Phloem injury triggers local sieve-plate occlusion including callose-mediated constriction and protein plugging of sieve pores. In intact plants, reversible sieve-plate occlusion is induced by electric potential waves (EPWs)—accompanied by Ca2+-influx—as result of distant burning. Here, we present additional results which pertain to (a) the variability of EPW-profiles in relation to forisome conformation in intact Vicia faba plants and (b) the differential occlusion reactions to burning and cutting in various plant species. A correlation between stimulus perception and mode of phloem loading is discussed. Addendum to: Furch ACU, Hafke JB, Schulz A, van Bel AJE. Ca2+-mediated remote control of reversible sieve-tube occlusion in Vicia faba. J Exp Bot 2007; 58:2827-38.