Girdling affecting xylem and phloem tissues and transport
When girdling occurs, both translocation through phloem and transpiration through the xylem tissues are
affected. However, the effect on transpiration is immediate as water supply to the trunk and canopy above the
zone of girdling is cut and so on a warm windy day, wilting can begin almost immediately (McLuckie and
McKee, 1954; Kramer & Kozlowski, 1960; Taiz and Zeiger, 2002). For most of the canopy and trunk above the
girdling cut, permanent wilting will be reached within 24-48 hours depending on the size of the tree and
environmental conditions. This girdling is a very effective method of killing plant tissues above the cut and the
effects are almost immediate.