Girdle experiment involves the removal of ringwood of tissue outside the vascular cambium from the tree trunk. This leads to death of plant because

Options

A. Water cannot move up
B. Food does not travel down and the root become starved
C. Shoot become starved
D. Annual rings are not produced

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Girdle Experiment**: The Girdle Experiment involves the removal of a ring of bark from the tree trunk, specifically cutting through the phloem layer, which is located outside the vascular cambium.

2. **Role of Phloem**: The phloem is responsible for transporting food (sugars and nutrients) produced in the leaves down to the roots and other parts of the plant.

3. **Consequences of Removing Phloem**: When the phloem is removed, the downward movement of food is disrupted. This means that the roots and lower parts of the plant cannot receive the necessary nutrients to survive.

4. **Accumulation of Food**: Since the food cannot move downwards, it starts to accumulate above the girdle (the cut area). This accumulation can cause the upper part of the tree to swell.

5. **Starvation of Plant Parts**: The roots, which rely on the food transported from the leaves, become starved due to the lack of nutrients. Similarly, the shoot also becomes starved since it cannot receive the food it needs for growth and maintenance.

6. **Death of Plant**: Eventually, the lack of food supply leads to the death of the tissues below the girdle, and if the condition persists, it can lead to the death of the entire plant.

7. **Conclusion**: The Girdle Experiment demonstrates the critical role of phloem in the transport of food within the plant. Without it, the plant cannot sustain itself, leading to starvation and death.