Cohesion tension theory is a theory of ascent of sap.

It was originally proposed by Dixon and Joly in 1894

and Askenasy (1895), then it was greatly supported by Renner (1911, 1915), Curtis and Clark (1951),
Bonner and Galston (1952) and Gramer and Kozlowski (1960). This theory however describes the
movement of water from roots to the leaves of a plant. Because of osmosis water from soil reach the
xylem of roots of a plant. Water molecules are bonded to each other by hydrogen bonding, hence water
form a string of molecules during its movement toward xylem. The water molecules stick together and
get pulled up by the force called tension. This force is exerted because of the evaporation at the surface
of the leaf.

While cohesion pertains to the attraction between similar molecules, adhesion refers to the

attraction of dissimilar molecules. So while cohesion causes water to form
drops, adhesion keeps the drop on a surface, as seen on the surface of leaves or flowers.

Capillary action (adhesion): Once the water and nutrients are inside the
xylem, adhesion and cohesion continue to move the water up through
the plant. Adhesion occurs when the water molecules cling to the xylem
tissue. Adhesion provides the force to pull water up the sides of the tube in the xylem.