Chemical characterization of tissue fractions from the middle lamella and secondary wall of black spruce tracheids

Summary Elemental and functional group analyses were carried out on tissue fractions from the secondary wall and middle lamella of black spruce tracheids. The secondary wall lignin was found to contain 1.7 times as much methoxyl per C₉ as the middle lamella lignin, indicating a substantial proportion of unmethylated para-hydroxyphenylpropane residues in the middle lamella. The content of carbonyl groups was at least three times larger in middle lamella lignin than in secondary wall lignin. The carboxyl content of the middle lamella was found to be about three times as large as that of the secondary wall. Elemental analyses show a higher carbon and lower oxygen content in the middle lamella than in the secondary wall.     

Impact of soil pressure and compaction on tracheids in Norway spruce seedlings

We tested the effect of soil compaction on Norway spruce seedlings in terms of the size and theoretical volume flow rate of the tracheids. The results show that soil pressure limits growth in the diameter of the lumens of tracheids in all parts of seedlings studied. The tracheids of the roots with primary xylem had larger lumens than those of the roots and shoots with secondary xylem in both unloaded and loaded seedlings. This corresponds to the higher cumulative theoretical volume flow rate of the tracheids from roots with primary xylem than those from roots and shoots with secondary xylem. Although the volume flow rate of tracheids, according to the Hagen-Poiseuille law, was directly proportional to the quadratic power of the capillary diameter (tracheid lumen), the cumulative curve of the theoretical hydraulic volume flow rate was higher or relatively comparable in loaded seedlings. An explanation for these findings is that there were higher gradients of water potential values in roots and leaves in loaded seedlings because the lengths of the conductive pathways were 27% shorter than in unloaded seedlings. We hypothesise that trees have adapted to different stresses by shortening their conductive pathways to maintain a transpiration rate similar to that of non-stressed trees. These results concerning the impact of soil compaction on tracheid diameter and volume flow rate improve our understanding of the growth and functioning of different conifer organs and the mechanisms underlying the efficiency of water transport through the root xylem to the shoot.     

Seasonal changes in stem radius and production of new tracheids in Norway spruce

The progress of xylem formation in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) was measured during one growing season in southern Finland. Stem radius was monitored continuously with band dendrometers, and the formation of new tracheids was determined by examination of small increment cores taken twice weekly. Tracheid production started in June and ceased in August. Xylem formation was fastest in early July, when 0.75-1.25 new tracheids were formed per day. The rate of xylem formation was significantly correlated with mean daily temperature. Synchronous fluctuations in tracheid and lumen diameters were observed at the same relative positions within each annual ring, but no relationship existed between the diameters and weather variables. The timing of changes in stem radius differed from the timing of actual xylem formation. Stem radius increased in April and May, and the fastest daily increments were recorded in June. Increases in stem radius slowed in July, but small increases were measured more than a month after xylem formation had ceased. Daily changes in stem radius were correlated with daily precipitation, reflecting changes in stem water content. Therefore, dendrometers are of dubious value for measuring the timing of actual xylem formation. Small increment cores proved to be useful in assessing actual xylem formation, but the method is laborious.     

Acquired thermotolerance of jack pine, white spruce and black spruce seedlings

The acquired thermotolerance of first-year seedlings of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) hardened at 36, 38, 40 or 42 degrees C for 90, 180 or 360 minutes and of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) hardened at 34, 36, 38 or 40 degrees C for 30, 90, 180 or 360 minutes was determined by comparison of needle damage to that of non-hardened seedlings (25 degrees C) following exposure to temperatures of 49 and 47.5 degrees C, respectively. Compared to seedlings kept at 25 degrees C, heat injury sustained from exposure to high temperatures was markedly reduced following hardening for 180 minutes at 36 and 38 degrees C in jack pine and black spruce, respectively. Increasing the exposure time at 36 degrees C in jack pine, and at 36 to 40 degrees C in black spruce, also reduced needle damage. The duration of increased thermotolerance was investigated in jack pine, black spruce and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) by comparing heat injury from high temperatures in non-hardened seedlings and in seedlings hardened at 38 degrees C for 180 minutes a day for either 1, 3 or 6 days. In all three species, the duration of acquired thermotolerance increased with the number of days of heat hardening. For jack pine and white spruce seedlings hardened at 38 degrees C for 6 days, increased thermotolerance persisted for at least 14 and 10 days, respectively, after the end of the hardening treatment. In contrast, the thermotolerance of black spruce seedlings hardened at 38 degrees C for 6 days remained elevated for only 4 days.     

Tyloses in fibre tracheids

Summary Since the discovery of tyloses in the secondary xylem of angiosperms, their occurence has been noted only for vessels, although parenchyma cells necessary for their formation are also associated with fibriform elements. Sporadic remarks about tyloses in tracheids related to gymnosperm species, and the only observation on tyloses in angiosperm tracheids has been identified as an error. An anatomical investigation of various magnoliaceous timbers has now demonstrated that a development of tyloses in fibre-tracheids can also be regarded as a part of the normal transition from sapwood to heartwood in angiosperms. More than half of the 22 species studied were characterized not only by tyloses in the vessels but also in the fibretracheids. All the main genera with the exception of Liriodendron show the development of tyloses in the two different xylem elements. Distribution, frequency, and type of tyloses in the fibretracheids are comparable with those in the vessels.—Further investigations on other species of Magnoliaceae are undertaken in order to clarify possible anatomical relations regarding the development of tyloses.     

Reflectance of Alaskan black spruce and white spruce foliage in relation to elevation and latitude

Leaf reflectance at visible and near-infrared wavelengths (400-1000 nm) is related primarily to pigmentation, leaf structure and water content, and is an important tool for studying stress physiology and relationships between plants and their growth environment. We studied reflectance of two co-occurring Alaskan conifers, black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), at elevations from 60 to 930 m a.s.l. along a latitudinal gradient from 61 degrees to 68 degrees N. Black spruce samples were collected from 24 sites and white spruce from 30 sites. Overall, reflectance spectra of the two species were similar, but from 400 to 700 nm, needle reflectance was consistently higher in black spruce than in white spruce (all P 相似文献   

Composite site-productivity functions for Northeastern Ontario black spruce

Data from 122 northeastern Ontario plots were used to develop composite site-productivity functions for black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.). A logistic model produced the best fit to the data. The resulting equations produce sets of polymorphic site-productivity curves with subsets of three curves, one for each of Ontario's Forest Ecosystem Classification Operational Groups (FEC OGs) 11, 12 and 14. For direct estimates of site productivity, site index was expressed as a function of stand height, age and FEC OG by employing the reciprocal of the logistic model. Application of the resulting equations and tables is demonstrated in an example. The procedures employed may be used to develop ecologically based site-productivity functions for other areas.     

Light-energy processing and freezing-tolerance traits in red spruce and black spruce: species and seed-source variation

Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) are genetically and morphologically similar but ecologically distinct species. We determined intraspecific seed-source and interspecific variation of red spruce and black spruce, from across the near-northern margins of their ranges, for several light-energy processing and freezing-tolerance adaptive traits. Before exposure to low temperature, red spruce had variable fluorescence (Fv) similar to black spruce, but higher photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), lower quantum yield, lower chlorophyll fluorescence (%), and higher thermal dissipation efficiency (qN), although the seed-source effect and the seed-source x species interaction were significant only for Fv/Fm. After low-temperature exposure (-40 degrees C), red spruce had significantly lower Fv/Fm, quantum yield and qN than black spruce, but higher chlorophyll fluorescence and relative fluorescence. Species, seed-source effect, and seed-source x species interaction were consistent with predictions based on genetic (e.g., geographic) origins. Multi-temperature exposures (5, -20 and -40 degrees C) often produced significant species and temperature effects, and species x temperature interactions as a result of species-specific responses to temperature exposures. The inherent physiological species-specific adaptations of red spruce and black spruce were largely consistent with a shade-tolerant, late-successional species and an early successional species, respectively. Species differences in physiological adaptations conform to a biological trade-off, probably as a result of natural selection pressure in response to light availability and prevailing temperature gradients.     

Broom rusts of balsam fir and black spruce in Newfoundland

The broom rusts of balsam fir and black spruce occur sporadically throughout the island of Newfoundland, but they are not a serious threat to the forests. The incidence and intensity of the rusts vary, but no tree mortality can be attributed to the diseases. The average number of brooms per tree was higher in black spruce than in balsam fir. Also, more brooms occurred on brandies than on tree trunks. Height and diameter growth was less in infected trees than in uninfected trees of both the species.     

Particleboard made from hammer milled black spruce bark residues

Summary  The disposal of bark residues is an important problem for the forest industry. An important proportion of the bark produced by the paper and lumber industries is used for energy production, but a significant amount of bark is still unused. The objective of this study was to determine the technical feasibility of making particleboards from black spruce bark residues bonded with urea formaldehyde resin and meeting the indoor performance requirements for wood particleboards. In the positive case, this would define a new use for black spruce bark residues. Fresh black spruce bark residues were obtained from a sawmill located in the northeast part of the province of Quebec, Canada. The bark was kiln-dried at 60 °C, the particles were generated from a hammermill and sieved. Particles from 0.02 to 2.0 mm were used in the surface layers and particles from 2.0 to 6.0 mm were used in the core layer. Particleboards of 540 × 560 × 16 mm were made with a laboratory hot press following a factorial design with two manufacturing variables at three levels: (1) wood particles content of the surface layers (0, 25, 50 percent); and (2) UF resin content of the surface layers (12, 14 and 16 percent) with a UF resin content in the core of 8 percent. This resulted in a factorial design of 9 different combinations repeated 3 times for a total of 27 boards. It was observed that the heating kinetics varied according to the wood particles content in the surface layers. The compression ratio of the mat and the board internal bond, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, linear expansion and thickness swell were determined. The results show that it is technically possible to make particleboard from bark residues meeting the American National Standard Institute indoor requirement for wood particleboard under certain conditions. The modulus of rupture of the boards was the most critical property in this study. The best mechanical properties were obtained with a 50 percent wood content and 14 percent resin content in the surface layers. The particleboards produced in this study did not meet the minimal requirements for linear expansion. The temperature measurements performed in the core of the mat during hot pressing show that heat transfer improves with an increase in wood particles content in the surface layers. Received 15 June 1998     

Efficacy of six antitranspirants on black spruce container seedlings

The antitranspirants Plantco, Cloudcover, Vapor Gard and Dow X2-1337 were effective in reducing water loss from black spruce container seedlings. Clearspray and Folicote were unable to reduce moisture loss. Toxicity symptoms and abnormal bud flushing were evident in Vapor Gard treated seedlings. Surfactants failed to increase the effectiveness of Vapor Gard at lower, non-toxic concentrations.     

Stand-level diameter distribution yield model for black spruce plantations

The objectives of this study were to develop and demonstrate a stand-level diameter distribution yield model and associated algorithm for black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P) plantations. Employing a parameter prediction approach within the context of a stand density management diagram (SDMD), model development consisted of four sequential steps: (1) obtaining maximum likelihood estimates for the location, scale and shape parameters of the Weibull probability density function (PDF) for 296 empirical diameter frequency distributions; (2) developing and evaluating parameter prediction equations in which the parameter estimates of the Weibull PDF were expressed as functions of stand-level variables employing stepwise regression and seemingly unrelated regression techniques; (3) explicitly incorporating the parameter prediction equations into the SDMD modelling framework; and (4) developing an associated PC-based algorithm and demonstrating its utility in density management decision-making. The results indicated that the parameter prediction equations described 74.4, 87.1 and 66.8% of the variation in location, scale and shape parameter estimates, respectively. Incorporating the parameter prediction equations into the structure of the SDMD enabled the prediction of the temporal dynamics of the diameter frequency distribution by density management regime, site quality and region. An algorithmic version of the model is provided as a decision-support aid in which forest managers are able to simultaneously contrast multiple density management regimes in terms productivity, product value and optimal site occupancy.     

Strength properties of black spruce wood under different treatment

Summary The effect of various forms of treatment — chemical, thermal and pressure — on the tensile properties of wood was investigated. Spruce was impregnated in water, sodium sulfite and/or sodium bicarbonate, and heated at temperatures ranging from 20 to 190 °C. At the end of cooking (190 °C), decompression was applied both slowly and suddenly.A rise in temperature, an increase in heating time, from 4 to 10 min. at 190 °C, as well as fast pressure release influenced the tensile strength. The chemical treatment resulted in lignin sulfonation while carboxylation produced fiber swelling and, consequently, tensile strength decreased.The authors wish to thank the FCAR (Québec), NSERC (Canada) and Stake Tech. Co. for their financial support     

Variation in water relations of black spruce stock types planted in Ontario

Upland, intermediate and lowland sites in northeastern Ontario were planted between May 28 and June 8 with three types of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) nursery stock: (1) spring-lifted, 1.5 + 1.5 bareroot plants (BR); (2) 24-week-old, winter-sown, container stock (CWS); and (3) spring-sown, overwintered, container stock (CO). At the beginning of the growing season, the BR stock had the lowest xylem pressure potentials (Psi(x)), stomatal conductances (g(wv)), and net photosynthetic (P(n)) rates. By the end of the growing season, the BR stock still had lower g(wv)s than the container stock types, but had higher shoot Psi(x) values. In August, the turgor loss points for the BR, CO and CWS stock types were -2.8, -1.93 and -1.6 MPa, respectively, while the minimum observed shoot Psi(x) values were -1.4, -1.7 and -1.9 MPa, respectively. The BR stock produced the greatest dry weight of new shoots and unsuberized roots. No new shoots were produced by the CWS stock, but they produced a greater dry weight of unsuberized roots than the CO stock. As a percent of the dry weight of suberized roots, the greatest production of unsuberized roots was by the CWS stock, the least by the BR trees.     

Reduction in turgid water volume in jack pine,white spruce and black spruce in response to drought and paclobutrazol

Significant reductions in needle water content were observed in white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.), and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings in response to a 10-day drought, although turgor was apparently maintained. When the seedlings were re-watered after the drought, jack pine needles regained their original saturated volume, whereas white spruce and black spruce needles did not. Significant drought-induced reductions in turgor-loss volume (i.e., tissue volume at the point of turgor loss) were observed in shoots of all three species, especially jack pine. Repeated exposure to 7 days of drought or treatment with the cytochrome P(450) inhibitor, paclobutrazol ((2RS,3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-pentan-3-ol), reduced seedling height relative to that of untreated controls in all three species. The reductions in saturated and turgor-loss needle volumes in the paclobutrazol-treated seedlings were comparable with those of seedlings subjected to a 10-day drought. The treatment-induced reductions in shoot and needle water contents enabled seedlings to maintain turgor with tissue volumes close to, or below, the turgor-loss volume of untreated seedlings. Paclobutrazol-treated seedlings subsequently survived drought treatments that were lethal to untreated seedlings.     

Leaf area dynamics of a boreal black spruce fire chronosequence

Specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area index (LAI) were estimated using site-specific allometric equations for a boreal black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) fire chronosequence in northern Manitoba, Canada. Stands ranged from 3 to 131 years in age and had soils that were categorized as well or poorly drained. The goals of the study were to: (i) measure SLA for the dominant tree and understory species of boreal black spruce-dominated stands, and examine the effect of various biophysical conditions on SLA; and (ii) examine leaf area dynamics of both understory and overstory for well- and poorly drained stands in the chronosequence. Overall, average SLA values for black spruce (n = 215), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb., n = 72) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx., n = 27) were 5.82 +/- 1.91, 5.76 +/- 1.91 and 17.42 +/- 2.21 m2 x kg-1, respectively. Foliage age, stand age, vertical position in the canopy and soil drainage had significant effects on SLA. Black spruce dominated overstory LAI in the older stands. Well-drained stands had significantly higher overstory LAI (P < 0.001), but lower understory LAI (P = 0.022), than poorly drained stands. Overstory LAI was negligible in the recent (3-12 years old) burn sites and highest in the 70-year-old burn site (6.8 and 3.0 in the well- and poorly drained stands, respectively), declining significantly (by 30-50%) from this peak in the oldest stands. Understory leaf area represented a significant portion (> 40%) of total leaf area in all stands except the oldest.     

Ericaceous shrubs affect black spruce physiology independently from inherent site fertility

Vegetative layering of black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) is the principal mode of regeneration for over mature, uneven-aged stands subject to long fire cycles (>300 years) in northeastern Québec, Canada. However, growth response of black spruce layers following disturbance by fire or harvest can be slow, due to a lag of morphological acclimation and potential nutrient limitation. This phenomenon can be accentuated if black spruce is associated with ericaceous shrubs such as Kalmia angustifolia and Rhododendron groenlandicum, which are known to interfere with conifer growth through direct and indirect competition. Such interactions can result in productive stands being converted to unproductive heathlands. It is not known whether these effects of ericaceous shrubs on black spruce are accentuated on low fertility sites, or if the impacts are independent of inherent site fertility. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of ericaceous shrubs on both resource availability and on functional traits of black spruce advance regeneration across a gradient of site fertility (as defined by a site classification system). We monitored black spruce advanced regeneration physiology and soil nutrient availability over two growing seasons on a gradient of ecological site types in northeastern Québec (Canada). The eradication of competing vegetation favored higher soil NH₄-N and K availability, with increases of 67% and 28% compared to control conditions, respectively. Black spruce photosynthesis rate (A) and foliar K content were higher in plots where vegetation was eradicated, compared to the control plots, but did not vary among ecological site types. Photosynthesis did not appear to be limited by nitrogen or water relations, but was possibly limited by a deficit of foliar K⁺, probably resulting from reduced availability following sequestration by the ericaceous root systems. The absence of interaction between inherent site fertility and the eradication of ericaceous shrubs suggests that vegetation management of ericaceous shrubs must be planned independently from the ecological site type.     

Characterizing the frost sensitivity of black spruce photosynthesis during cold acclimation

We used photosynthetic light response curves to measure and model the responses of two provenances of 3-year-old black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) seedlings to severe artificial frost treatments applied at 2-week intervals during cold acclimation. Black spruce seedlings responded to cold acclimation with long-term suppression of photosynthetic capacity (Amax) and apparent quantum-use efficiency (alpha'). Short-term reductions in both photosynthetic parameters following frost treatments were dependent on the extent of cold acclimation of the seedlings and the severity of the frost treatments. Large reductions in Amax in response to the frost treatments were observed in seedlings that had undergone little cold acclimation and these reductions were associated with an irreversible reduction in alpha'. Such seedlings recovered only partially during the subsequent 23 days, whereas seedlings in most other treatments showed complete recovery of Amax after 13 days. The impact of frost treatments on Amax and alpha' did not vary with seedling provenance. We propose an algorithm that predicts the combined effects of cold acclimation and severe freezing temperatures on the extent of the suppression of A(max) during autumn. The algorithm is based on (1) the maximum Amax observed during the growing season, (2) the accumulation of cold degree-days, based on a minimum nocturnal temperature < 5 degrees C, and (3) the severity of freezing temperatures during autumn. The parameters developed in the algorithm showed that cold acclimation of black spruce seedlings had a greater impact on the reduction of Amax in autumn than did the severe frost treatments. Mean Amax of seedlings subjected to artificial frosts showed a strong correlation with values predicted by the algorithm (r2 = 0.91).     

Sphagnum community change after partial harvest in black spruce boreal forests

In eastern Canada, boreal forests develop structural diversity in association with time since stand replacing fire. In some regions, this is associated with significant changes in the bryophyte community (Sphagnum moss invasion) and paludification (thick waterlogged forest floor development). The bryophyte community responds to opening of the canopy, and increasing moisture by replacement of slow growing species by faster growing Sphagnum spp. (e.g. magellanicum, fallax) that are dependent on constant hydration. Within a forest management context, partial harvest systems have been proposed as a strategy to maintain structural diversity, which is currently not accomplished with low retention systems. However, it is unknown whether these interventions will effectively accelerate community succession. The questions addressed in this study were: (1) is the composition of Sphagnum colonies in partially cut stands more similar to old-growth communities than in control, and low retention cut stands, (2) what aspects of harvest disturbance drive these changes, and (3) is the growth rate of Sphagnum capillifolium (an early successional shade tolerant species) different in partial versus low retention harvest systems? After harvest, Sphagnum patch size was reduced by 19.8% and 11.7% after low retention and partial harvest, respectively. While trends were not constant across three separate partial cut trials, the proportion of Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum fallax and Sphagnum fuscum increased compared to controls and low retention 1–2 years after harvest. Models of percent Sphagnum cover indicated machinery track cover, percent cover of vascular plants, and patch depth were positive factors, while the influence of open canopy varied among species. Despite the inclusion of individual disturbance variables, the summary variable ‘treatment’ was significant in all models. Growth of S. capillifolium in partial cuts was intermediate to growth rates in control and low-retention cuts. Growth was positively influenced by slash cover and, contrary to the patch level, negatively influenced by track cover. These results indicate that partial harvest does represent an intermediate level of disturbance, as direct and indirect harvest effects were reduced, as was Sphagnum death. Change in composition 1 and 2 years after harvest indicates that partial harvests may effectively shift the bryophyte community towards an older community type and may thus be used to create landscape diversity. Long term trends and entire community compositions need to be assessed before this can be stated definitively. However, as paludified stands are less productive, the capacity of these partially harvested sites to produce merchantable timber is questioned.