Abstract: International audience; The aim of this work was to examine the anatomy and functioning of secondary xylem in stems in relation to the decline of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.).* We tested the hypothesis that declining trees show changes in the structure of wood, which result in impaired water transport.* Anatomical analyses were carried out on wood samples (comprising all annual rings formed during the 30 years life of the analysed trees) collected at breast height from the main stem of healthy, weakened and dead ash trees. The width of ...
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