Fig. 5. PeuLAC2 overexpression enhances SCW thickness in fibers and affects the number and size of vessels in the xylem of P. alba.

a Cross-sections of the fifth internode of the stem in Pal-WT and three Pal-OE P. alba plants stained with 0.1% toluidine blue and imaged at ×10 magnification, Bar = 100 μm and ×40 magnification, Bar = 20 μm. b–d Mean lumen area of individual vessels (μm²) (b), number of vessels per cross-sectional area (mm²) (c), and area of vessels (μm²) per cross-sectional area (mm²) (d) for the vessel cells from (a). More than 100 vessel cells in each of the three plants were measured. e SCW thickness of the xylem cells in a; at least 30 cells in each of three plants were measured. f to h SCW components in the P. alba stem analyzed under normal and drought conditions. Contents of lignin (f), cellulose (g), and hemicellulose (h). Three independent experiments were performed. Statistical analysis was performed with Student’s t-test (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01); data are provided as means ± SDs