Method to classify xylem cell types using cross sectionsof 1-year-old branches in Mediterranean woody species

Measurements of anatomical parameters of wood are of great interest both for eco-physiological purposes and for technological applications. The aim of this paper is to describe a new method for classifying and measuring cell lumen of xylem, analysing cross sections under the light microscope. The proposed method is based on the application of digital image analysis on images of the cross sections of xylem in combination with graphical and statistical methods. The methodology was tested on 1-year-old branches of several woody species, both trees and shrubs, occurring in a Mediterranean natural ecosystem in southern Italy. The development of the procedure was based on statistical comparison between data collected according to four procedures: (a) manual identification and measurement of lumen diameter of conduits on longitudinal sections; (b) manual identification and measurement of lumen diameter of conduits on cross sections; (c) manual identification and measurement of lumen area of conduits on cross sections; and (d) automatic measurement of lumen area of conduits on cross sections. The influence of image resolution and that of the position of the selected area on cell classification and measurements were ascertained. The proposed method was proved to be specific to woody structures and allowed the construction of a model-graph that is species-specific. Interpretation of the model-graphs allows classification and hence measurement of identified cells.