Variation in stable carbon isotope discrimination among and within exotic conifer species grown in eastern Nebraska,USA

The study involved the measurement of stable-carbon isotope discrimination and specific leaf area on foliage of mature trees of 11 conifer species grown in a common-garden in eastern Nebraska, USA. Each species was represented by three to six trees from at least three populations. Carbon isotope discrimination differed significantly among species (F = 31.41, P < 0.0001) and among populations within species (F = 1.65, P < 0.035). Of the all species, members of the Pinaceae family (Abies, Larix, Picea, Pinus, Pseudotsuga) had much higher discrimination (Δ = 18.87, SE = 0.08, n = 141) than species in the Cupressaceae family (Juniperus) (Δ = 16.26, SE = 0.12, n = 18). A deciduous conifer, Larix (Δ = 19.09, SE = 0.20, n = 16), did not differ significantly from evergreen members of the Pinaceae family. Although specific leaf area differed among species (F = 152.62, P < 0.0001), it was not correlated with discrimination (r = 0.24, P > 0.14). Annual height growth, specific leaf area, and annual precipitation of seed sources were intercorrelated (0.60 ≤ r ≤ 0.67, P < 0.01). No correlation was significant between Δ and the precipitation or evapotranspiration of the seed sources. The results indicate that these species have different genetic structures and acclimation processes. Selecting for better adapted genotypes based on carbon isotope discrimination must be species specific.     

Dynamics and determinants of Quercus alba seedling success following savanna encroachment and restoration

The scattered tree layer that defines savannas is important for structuring the understory community and determining patterns of overstory recruitment. However, encroachment by woody plants has altered overstory tree densities and regeneration dynamics. We characterized seedling success of the savanna-forming species Quercus alba within Midwestern (USA) oak savannas that had been degraded by encroachment (control; n = 4) or experimentally restored by removal of encroaching woody vegetation (treatment; n = 4). In early 2004, 981 seedlings were transplanted along transects radiating from tree boles of overstory Q. alba trees to inter-canopy gaps and monitored for three growing seasons. Seedlings in restored sites had greater survival (>2×), height growth (by >50%), and basal diameter growth (by >20%). In general, seedling survival and growth parameters increased with distance from overstory trees and were greatest in inter-canopy gaps of restored sites. By the final growing season (2006), the seedling survival-by-distance from tree correlation was stronger in control (r² = 0.25) than treatment sites (r² = 0.18), due to relatively uniform (and greater) survival at all distances from trees in treatment sites. In 2006, growth parameters (seedling height, diameter, Δ height, Δ diameter, and # leaves) were significantly (and more strongly) positively correlated with distance from trees in treatment sites. However, seedling herbivory was also greater after treatment and increased with distance from overstory trees. To understand seedling/microenvironment relationships, we created logistic (survival) and linear regression models (Δ height, Δ basal diameter, # leaves in 2006). Control seedling models had consistently greater predictive power and included more variables, suggesting that savanna restoration may decouple seedlings from their microenvironments, potentially by decreasing competition for limiting resources. Encroachment of the savannas in this study is limiting regeneration of Q. alba, suggesting substantially altered regeneration dynamics from those under which these savannas originally formed. Initial responses from our test of restoration, however, were promising and mechanical encroachment removal may be a means to promote overstory regeneration of this species. Finally, the savannas in this study appear inherently unstable and a scattered canopy tree configuration is unlikely to persist without regular disturbance, even in the restoration sites. Repeated mechanical thinning treatments with selected retention of recruiting Q. alba individuals or reintroduction of understory fire or grazing animals may be potential mechanisms for promoting long-term persistence of savannas at these sites.     

Genetic variation in productivity, leaf traits and carbon isotope discrimination in hybrid poplars cultivated on contrasting sites

? We examined the relationships between productivity, leaf traits and carbon isotope discrimination in bulk leaf matter (Δ₁) and in phloem sap (Δ_s) from more than 5-year-old trees belonging to Populus deltoides × P. nigra and Populus trichocarpa × P. deltoides; trees were grown in alluvial and non alluvial sites in a commercial poplar plantation.

? On both sites, a large genetic variability was evidenced for all variables. The genotypic ranking remained stable between years for all variables, while it differed between sites. Δ₁ scaled positively with Δ_s and neither Δ₁ nor Δ_s were correlated with productivity. A significant genotype by site interaction was evident for all variables. The non alluvial site resulted in lower productivity, and in thicker/denser leaves with lower nitrogen and carbon contents. Noteworthy, the genotypic ranking for Δ₁ measured at the alluvial site was similar to that previously established in a glasshouse.

? As observed in previous studies from younger trees, there is a potential to select genotypes, combining high productivity and high water-use efficiency, for growth in moderately drought-prone areas.

     

The successional status of tropical rainforest tree species is associated with differences in leaf carbon isotope discrimination and functional traits

We characterised the among species variability in leaf gas exchange and morphological traits under controlled conditions of seedlings of 22 tropical rainforest canopy species to understand the origin of the variability in leaf carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) among species with different growth and dynamic characteristics (successional gradient). Our results first suggest that these species pursue a consistent strategy in terms of Δ throughout their ontogeny (juveniles grown here versus canopy adult trees from the natural forest). Second, leaf Δ was negatively correlated with WUE and N, and positively correlated with g_s, but among species differences in Δ were mainly explained by differences in WUE. Finally, species belonging to different successional groups display distinct leaf functional and morphological traits. We confirmed that fast growing early successional species maximise carbon assimilation with high stomatal conductance. In contrast, fast and slow growing late successional species are both characterised by low carbon assimilation values, but by distinct stomatal conductance and leaf morphological features. Along the successional gradient, these differences result in much lower Δ for the intermediate species (i.e. fast growing late successional) as compared to the two other groups.     

Associations between growth, wood anatomy, carbon isotope discrimination and mortality in a Quercus robur forest

Observations of forest mortality are increasing globally, but relatively little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms driving these events. Tree rings carry physiological signatures that may be used as a tool for retrospective analyses. We capitalized on a local soil water drainage event in 1982 that resulted in increased mortality within a stand of oak trees (Quercus robur), to examine the underlying physiological patterns associated with survival and death in response to soil water limitations. Pre-dawn water potentials showed more negative values for trees in the process of dying compared with those that survived. We used tree rings formed over the 123 years prior to mortality to estimate productivity from basal area increment (BAI, mm(2)), multiple xylem hydraulic parameters via anatomical measurements and crown-level gas exchange via carbon isotope discrimination (Δ, ‰). Oaks that died had significantly higher BAI values than trees that survived until the drainage event, after which the BAI of trees that died declined dramatically. Hydraulic diameter and conductivity of vessels in trees that died were higher than in surviving trees until the last 5 years prior to mortality, at which time both groups had similar values. Trees that died had consistently lower Δ values than trees that survived. Therefore, tree mortality in this stand was associated with physiological differences prior to the onset of soil water reduction. We propose that trees that died may have been hydraulically underbuilt for dry conditions, which predisposes them to severe hydraulic constraints and subsequent mortality. Measurements of above-ground/below-ground dry mass partitioning will be critical to future tests of this hypothesis. Based on these results, it is probable that pedunculate oak trees will experience greater future mortality if climate changes cause more severe droughts than the trees have experienced previously.     

Tree-ring Δ13C reveals the impact of past forest management on water-use efficiency in a Mediterranean oak coppice in Tuscany (Italy)

? The effects of thinning and heavy stand density reduction was investigated in Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) forests of central Italy, to evaluate the physiological responses and the growth status of trees that survived a past coppice cut and thinning to convert the stand to high-forest.

? The working hypothesis was that a strong decrease in stand density would cause a decreasing in canopy-intrinsic water-use efficiency (measured as the ratio of CO₂ assimilation to stomatal conductance, A/g), thus an increase in tree-ring carbon isotopic discrimination (Δ¹³C).

? The tree-ring Δ¹³C of the remaining trees (“survivors”) was found to have significantly (P < 0.05) raised between year two and year seven since the coppice stand was thinned (high-forest conversion thinnings). This effect was mostly caused by a large decrease in tree-rings Δ¹³C at control site which was characterized by high density and competition by trees. An increase in survivors tree-rings Δ¹³C probably indicates an improved water availability, possibly induced by a decrease in competition and in stand density or a decrease in the precipitation intercepted by the canopy (i.e., a stronger increase in g over A since a decrease in A is highly unlikely). A change in foliar nitrogen, foliar Δ¹³C and content in chlorophylls was also recorded seven years after thinning.

? Thinnings carried out to convert old abandoned coppices into high-forest stands induce short-term stimulation of Turkey oak growth by increasing light and water availability. We were able to make a detailed reconstruction of the impact of past silvicultural treatment on the stand using a tree-ring wood Δ¹³C time-series.

     

Effects of water status and soil fertility on the C-isotope signature in Pinus radiata

The efficiency with which trees use water is a major determinant of growth under water-limited conditions. We investigated whether increased access to water and nutrients alters water-use efficiency in Pinus radiata D. Don. Intrinsic transpiration efficiency, defined here as the ratio of CO(2) assimilated and water transpired at a given vapor pressure deficit, is determined by the difference between ambient atmospheric CO(2) concentration (c(a)) and leaf intercellular CO(2) concentration (c(i)). The mean value of c(i)/c(a) can be inferred from an analysis of carbon isotope discrimination (Delta) in wood samples. A total of 117 trees, growing at sites with widely varying soil and climatic conditions in Australia and New Zealand, were cored and distinct annual rings were analyzed for their carbon isotope ratio, and correlated with rainfall during the July-June growing season in the year in which the wood was grown. Where possible, carbon isotope ratios were compared for different years within the same trees. The c(i)/c(a) ratio decreased with decreasing water availability, suggesting that intrinsic transpiration efficiency increased with decreasing water availability. An increase in growing season rainfall of 900 mm resulted in an increase in Delta of about 2.0 per thousand, corresponding to a decrease in intrinsic transpiration efficiency of approximately 24%. A stronger relationship was obtained when carbon isotope discrimination was expressed as a function of the ratio of rainfall to potential transpiration. Carbon isotope discrimination was also negatively correlated with mean annual vapor pressure deficit at different sites. In contrast, nutrient availability had no significant effect on carbon isotope discrimination.     

Quarantining the Sahara desert: growth and water-use efficiency of Aleppo pine in the Algerian Green Barrier

The Algerian Green Barrier, mainly composed of native and artificial Aleppo pine forests, spreads along the pre-Saharan steppes and is threatened by anthropogenic and natural disturbances, including climate change. We hypothesized that the ecophysiological functioning of this conifer has been substantially modified in reaction to recent warming and drought much beyond the expected effect of CO₂ fertilization. Our aim was to characterize the long-term performance (1925–2013) of native Aleppo pines thriving at their southernmost distribution. We used tree-ring width (TRW) and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C) to characterize basal area increment (BAI) and intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi) at three sites. BAI remained stable or slightly increased over time, with mean values ranging between 4.0 and 6.3 cm² year^?1. Conversely, site-Δ¹³C decreased from ?0.022 to ?0.014‰ year^?1 along time, which translated into WUEi increases of ca. 39%. This strong physiological reaction indicated that pines were responding simultaneously to rising CO₂ and drier conditions, inducing a progressively tighter stomatal control of water losses. However, WUEi increments were essentially unrelated to BAI and did not affect carbon reserves, which suggests a high resilience to climate change. This finding could be due to shifts in growing season towards earlier months in winter–spring, as suggested by temporal changes in climate factors underlying Δ¹³C and TRW. Our study highlights the substantial plasticity of Aleppo pine, but this species is unlikely to follow a similar pace of ecophysiological adjustments according to unprecedented low Δ¹³C records and lack of WUEi stimulation observed from 2000 onwards.     

Quantification by allometric equations of carbon sequestered by Tectona grandis in different agroforestry systems

Non destructive methods for quantification of carbon seques-tration in tropical trees are inadequately developed. We described a stan-dardized method for estimating carbon stock in teak (Tectona grandi...     

Relating the survival and growth of planted longleaf pine seedlings to microsite conditions altered by site preparation treatments

Pine plantations in the southeastern United States are often created using site preparation treatments to alleviate site conditions that may limit survival or growth of planted seedlings. However, little is understood about how site preparations affect longleaf pine (Pinus palustris P. Miller) seedlings planted on wet sites. In a 2-year study (2004 and 2005) on poorly drained, sandy soils of Onslow County, North Carolina, we examined the effects of common site preparation treatments on microsite conditions and quantified relationships between microsite conditions and longleaf pine seedling survival and growth. Treatments used in the study included site preparations designed to control competing vegetation (chopping and herbicide) combined with those that alter soil conditions (mounding and bedding). During both years, mounding and bedding treatments reduced the amount of moisture within the top 6 cm of soil and increased soil temperatures when compared to flat planting (p < 0.001). Soil moisture was inversely related to seedling mortality in 2004 (r² = 0.405) and inversely related to root collar diameter in 2005 (r² = 0.334), while light was positively related to root collar diameter in 2005 (r² = 0.262). Light availability at the seedling level was highest on treatments that effectively reduced surrounding vegetation. Herbicides were more effective than chopping at controlling vegetation in 2004 (p < 0.001) and 2005 (p = 0.036). Controlling competing vegetation, especially shrubs, was critical for increasing early longleaf pine seedling growth.     

Carbon density and accumulation in woody species of tropical dry forest in India

We studied the carbon density and accumulation in trees at five sites in a tropical dry forest (TDF) to address the questions: how is the TDF structured in terms of tree and carbon density in different DBH (diameter at breast height) classes? What are the levels of carbon density and accumulation in the woody species of TDF? Is the vegetation carbon density evenly distributed across the forest? Does carbon stored in the soil reflect the pattern of aboveground vegetation carbon density? Which species in the forest have a high potential for carbon accumulation? The WSG among species ranged from 0.39 to 0.78 g cm⁻³. Our study indicated that most of the carbon resides in the old-growth (high DBH) trees; 88-97% carbon occurred in individuals ?19.1 cm DBH, and therefore extra care is required to protect such trees in the dry forest. Acacia catechu, Buchanania lanzan, Hardwickia binata, Shorea robusta and Terminalia tomentosa accounted for more than 10 t ha⁻¹ carbon density, warranting extra efforts for their protection. Species also differed in their capacity to accumulate carbon indicating variable suitability for afforestation. Annually, the forest accumulated 5.3 t-C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ on the most productive, wettest Hathinala site to 0.05 t-C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ on the least productive, driest Kotwa site. This study indicated a marked patchy distribution of carbon density (151 t-C ha⁻¹ on the Hathinala site to 15.6 t-C ha⁻¹ on the Kotwa site); the maximum value was more than nine times the minimum value. These findings suggest that there is a substantial scope to increase the carbon density and accumulation in this forest through management strategies focused on the protection, from deforestation and fire, of the high carbon density sites and the old-growth trees, and increasing the stocking density of the forest by planting species with high potential for carbon accumulation.     

Effects of human disturbances and plant invasion on liana community structure and relationship with trees in the Tinte Bepo forest reserve,Ghana

There are conflicting reports on the role of disturbances in maintaining liana community structure, and in determining their relationship with trees. The effects of plant invasion on these attributes of lianas are not known. The study investigated the effects of human disturbances and plant invasion on liana community structure and relationship with trees in the Tinte Bepo forest reserve, Ghana, in three distinct forest types to reflect both human disturbances and invasion: Undisturbed, Disturbed-Invaded and Disturbed Forests (UF, DIF and DF respectively). Trees ≥10 cm dbh were identified and their dbh measured in two 0.25 ha plots in each forest type. The trees were examined for the presence of lianas (≥2 cm dbh) and their dbh measured. A total of 380 lianas ≥2 cm dbh belonging to 20 genera and 12 families were identified in the 1.5 ha forest. Twelve liana species were unique to the DIF suggesting the probable positive influence of plant invasion on their colonisation. Liana density differed significantly across the forest types (df = 2, p = 0.043) with the UF recording the greatest number. The mean liana stem diameter and basal area were greater in the DF. Large diameter lianas were absent in the UF. Tree density and number of trees hosting lianas were greater in the UF followed by the DIF and DF. Liana infestation was generally high with 90% in the DF, 88.2% in the UF, and 85.7% in the DIF. Both liana load per tree species and mean liana load per infested tree were highest in the UF followed by the DIF and then the DF. Liana density was highly dependent on tree density in all the forest types (df = 1, r² = 0.50, p = 0.007; df = 1, r² = 0.99, p = 0.000 and df = 1, r² = 0.72, p = 0.000 in the UF, DIF and DF respectively). There was a significant positive relationship between liana dbh and host dbh in the UF (df = 1, r² = 0.096, p = 0.000), DIF (df = 1, r² = 0.11, p = 0.000) and DF (df = 1, r² = 0.16, p = 0.008). There was no significant relationship between host dbh and liana loads in all the forest types.     

Effects of biotic and abiotic factors on δ15N in young Pinus radiata

In a 12-year-old Pinus radiata plantation, three dominant and three suppressed trees removed by thinning were randomly selected, and needles, annual rings from basal stem disks and bark were collected and analyzed to study the relationships of climate, tree age, dominance and growth with tree δ¹⁵N. The high foliar N concentration (1.35–2.73 % N, dw) suggested that N was not limiting tree growth, therefore allowing plants to fractionate versus δ¹⁵N, leading to differences in δ¹⁵N among trees. Most wood δ¹⁵N_air values were below the δ¹⁵N_air natural abundance in the dominant pines (?2.43 to +1.69 ‰) and above it in the suppressed trees (+0.73 to +3.35 ‰), likely due to the access of dominants to exogenous N sources with lower δ¹⁵N_air than those of suppressed. However, no dominance effect was detected in δ¹⁵N_air of bark and needles that decreased in the order: buds (+1.20 to +2.44 ‰) > needles 1 year (?0.27 to +1.43 ‰) > needles 2 years (?0.97 to +0.41 ‰) > bark (?1.18 to +0.15 ‰). Compared with the soil N in the 0–15 cm layer (δ¹⁵N_air = +4.8 ‰), all plant material was ¹⁵N-depleted. Results suggest that seedlings and foliar buds have a less efficient system for N conservation and recycling, with higher losses. The linear regression models showed that both biotic (dominance and tree age) and abiotic factors (temperature in spring–summer and annual precipitation) are needed to explain the wood δ¹⁵N_air satisfactorily.     

Growth performance and gum arabic production of Acacia senegal in northwest lowlands of Ethiopia

Despite the wide distribution of natural stands of Acacia senegal in Ethiopia, commercial exploitation of gum arabic is constrained by lack of tapping and development techniques. We evaluated the gum arabic yield from natural stands of A. senegal and the growth of 6 provenances in different parts of the country. For the gum yield evaluation from natural stands, four tapping positions and three tapping seasons were tested in a factorial RCB design. The second experiment in Metema evaluated survival and growth of six provenances. A. senegal trees in natural stands respond well to tapping if tapped during the appropriate season and at the correct position on the tree. The mean gum yield did not vary significantly by tapping season (p=0.63). Higher mean yield was, however, collected from trees tapped in October (96 g·tree^?1 per two harvests). The mean yield differed significantly (p=0.009) between the tapping positions. Mean separation (α=0.05) shows that trees tapped at mid stem gave higher yield (160 g·tree^?1 per two harvests). The interaction effect of tapping season and position was not significant. Higher mean yield ((70 ± 112) g·tree^?1) was recorded in mid October-mid stem in two harvests. The second experiment indicated statistically significant difference in mean survival (p=0.0298), height (p=0.000) and root collar diameter (RCD), (p=0.012) between the six provenances. Highest survival, height and root collar diameter growth was observed from Abderafi provenance (100%, (148±11) cm, (38±11) mm, respectively). We recommend October and mid-stem and branches as appropriate tapping season and position. We recommend planting of the Abderafi provenance for the study area due to its superior growth and survival. Our study contributes to the proper selection of provenances for plantation development and improved tapping technology for better production of gum arabic in the country.     

Effect of multipurpose tree species on soil fertility and CO2 efflux under hilly ecosystems of Northeast India

A 26 years old agroforestry plantation consisting of four multipurpose tree species (MPTs) (Michelia oblonga Wall, Parkia roxburghii G. Don, Alnus nepalensis D. Don, and Pinus kesiya Royle ex-Gordon) maintained at ICAR Research Complex, Umiam, Meghalaya, India were compared with a control plot (without tree plantation) for soil fertility status and CO₂ efflux. The presence of trees improved all the physico-chemical and microbial biomass parameters studied in this experiment. Relative to control, soils under MPTs showed significant increases of 17 % soil organic carbon, 26 % available nitrogen (AN), 28 % phosphorus (AP), 50 % potassium (AK), 65 % mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates, 21 % moisture and 34 % soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) while reducing the mean bulk density (7 %). However, these parameters significantly differed among the tree species i.e., soils under A. nepalensis and M. oblonga had higher values of these attributes except bulk density, than under other species. Irrespective of treatments, the values of all these attributes were higher in surface soils while bulk density was highest in subsurface (60–75 cm). Cumulative CO₂ efflux under MPTs was significantly higher (15 %) and ranged from 1.71 g 100 g^?1 (M. oblonga) to 2.01 g 100 g^?1 (A. nepalensis) compared to control at 150 days of incubation. In all the treatments, increment in temperature increased the oxidation of soil organic matter, thereby increased the cumulative CO₂ efflux from soils. Of the tree species, with increment in temperature, A. nepalensis recorded more CO₂ efflux (2.50 g 100 g^?1) than other MPTs but the per cent increase was more in control plot. P. kesiya and A. nepalensis recorded highest activation energy (59.1 and 39 kJ mol^?1, respectively). Net organic carbon sequestered in soil was highest under A. nepalensis (25.7 g kg^?1) followed by M. oblonga (19.3 g kg^?1), whereas control showed the lowest values. Amount of net carbon stored in the soil had significant and positive correlation with MBC (r = 0.706**), MWD (r = 0.636*), and AN (r = 0.825**).     

Effects of site management on growth,biomass partitioning and light use efficiency in a young stand of Eucalyptus grandis in South Africa

The effects of intensive site management treatments at establishment on the production ecology of a stand of Eucalyptus grandis were evaluated in South Africa. Treatments mimicked common operational practices in the region, and included slash removal, slash conservation, slash burning, topsoil disturbance through mechanised harvesting and fertilisation. We calculated the carbon distribution in the standing biomass from allometric relationships. Fine root turnover and litterfall measurements were determined using sequential coring techniques and litter traps, respectively, and this data was used to construct a full model of biomass allocation among stand components. Differences in nutrient availability to young trees, brought about by the most extreme site management treatments, produced several small but significant changes in the elements of the system's production ecology: Absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) increased from 210 to 247 Mmol photons ha⁻¹ over the 3-year monitoring period, apparent canopy quantum efficiency (α; defined as gross primary production per unit of APAR) from 0.026 to 0.029 mol C (mol photon)⁻¹, and the fraction of carbon allocated to stem wood from 32.7% to 35.6% of net primary production. The magnitudes of these individual responses collectively described the increase in net primary productivity and the Type 1 timber volume response obtained. The biggest changes occurred in APAR, in contrast to published studies from higher rainfall environments where differences in nutrient availability caused greater changes in α than in APAR.     

Potential of the APSIM model to simulate impacts of shading on maize productivity

A number of agroforestry models have been developed to simulate growth outcomes based on the interactions between components of agroforestry systems. A major component of this interaction is the impact of shade from trees on crop growth and yield. Capability in the agricultural production systems simulator (APSIM) model to simulate the impacts of shading on crop performance could be particularly useful, as the model is already widely used to simulate agricultural crop production. To quantify and simulate the impacts of shading on maize performance without trees, a field experiment was conducted at Melkassa Agricultural Research Centre, Ethiopia. The treatments contained three levels of shading intensity that reduced incident radiation by 0 (control), 50 and 75% using shade cloth. Data from a similar field experiment at Machakos Research Station, Kenya, with 0, 25 and 50% shading were also used for simulation. APSIM adequately simulated maize grain yield (r² = 0.97) and total above-ground biomass (r² = 0.95) in the control and in the 50% treatments at Melkassa, and likewise in the control (r² = 0.99), 25% (r² = 0.90) and 50% (r² = 0.98) treatments at Machakos. Similarly, APSIM effectively predicted Leaf Area Index attained at the flowering (r² = 0.90) and maturity (r² = 0.94) stages. However, APSIM under-estimated maize biomass and yield at 75% shading. In conclusion, the model can be reliably employed to simulate maize productivity in agroforestry systems with up to 50% shading, but caution is required at higher levels of shading.     

Susceptibility of provenances and families of Pinus maximinoi and Pinus tecunumanii to frost in South Africa

The future of South Africa’s most important pine species, Pinus patula, is threatened by the pitch canker fungus, Fusarium circinatum. Pinus maximinoi and P. tecunumanii represent two subtropical species that provide an alternative to planting P. patula on the warmer sites of South Africa. Extending the planting range of P. tecunumanii and P. maximinoi to include higher and colder altitude sites will reduce the area planted to P. patula and the risk of F. circinatum. During 2007 progeny trials of P. tecunumanii and P. maximinoi were planted on a sub-tropical and sub-temperate site. Shortly after the establishment of these trials, unusually cold weather conditions were experienced across South Africa (?3°C at the sub-temperate site) resulting in severe mortality. This provided the opportunity to assess the variation in survival as a measure of frost tolerance within these two species to determine whether it could be improved upon through selection. Results indicated that the variation in survival was under genetic control in P. tecunumanii (h _(0,1) ²  = 0.16, h _L ²  = 0.27) and P. maximinoi (h _(0,1) ²  = 0.11, h _L ²  = 0.23) at the sub-temperate site. Correlations in provenance ranking for survival across sites were high for both species. Moderate correlations in family survival for P. tecunumanii (r = 0.52) were found at the two sites. Improvements in cold tolerance can thus be made in both species extending their planting range to include greater areas planted to P. patula thereby limiting the risk of F. circinatum.     

The response of planted trees to vegetation zonation and soil redox potential in created wetlands

We examined interrelationships among natural vegetation zones, soil redox potential (Eh), and metrics of tree seedling performance (i.e survival, growth, and photosynthesis) for planted Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Acer saccharinum, Quercus palustris, and Quercus bicolor at two created perched wetlands (two years and five years old) in Michigan, USA. Vegetation zones apparently associated with hydrology were fully developed at both sites. Wetland zones always had lower mean Eh than upland zones, indicating mostly anaerobic and aerobic root environments, respectively. Eh values for transition zones were similar to aerobic upland zones at the five-year-old site, and changed from anaerobic to aerobic conditions over the growing season at the two-year-old site. At the five-year-old site, transition zone trees of all species generally had greater height growth, survival, and were less likely browsed by deer than upland trees. They also had much greater survival and endured shorter periods of anoxia stress than wetland trees. Photosynthesis was positively related to survival and Eh, suggesting that unfavorable carbon balance may help explain low survival in the anoxic wetland zone. Management implications include: (1) vegetation zonation is a good indicator of wetland hydrological factors important to planted tree performance; (2) targeting developed transition vegetation zones for tree planting could increase the success and efficiency of efforts to create forested wetlands; and (3) transition zones extended over only a 9.3 cm vertical elevation gradient, indicating the importance of precise grading when creating perched forested wetlands.     

Radiation use efficiency in adjacent hardwood and pine forests in the southern Appalachians

The efficiency with which trees convert photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to biomass has been shown to be consistent within stands of an individual species, which is useful for estimating biomass production and carbon accumulation. However, radiation use efficiency (?) has rarely been measured in mixed-species forests, and it is unclear how species diversity may affect the consistency of ?, particularly across environmental gradients. We compared aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), intercepted photosynthetically active solar radiation (IPAR), and radiation use efficiency (? = ANPP/IPAR) between a mixed deciduous forest and a 50-year-old white pine (Pinus strobus L.) plantation in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Average ANPP was similar in the deciduous forest (11.5 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹) and pine plantation (10.2 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹), while ? was significantly greater in the deciduous forest (1.25 g MJ⁻¹) than in the white pine plantation (0.63 g MJ⁻¹). Our results demonstrate that late-secondary hardwood forests can attain similar ANPP as mature P. strobus plantations in the southern Appalachians, despite substantially less annual IPAR and mineral-nitrogen availability, suggesting greater resource-use efficiency and potential for long-term carbon accumulation in biomass. Along a 260 m elevation gradient within each forest there was not significant variation in ?. Radiation use efficiency may be stable for specific forest types across a range of environmental conditions in the southern Appalachian Mountains, and thus useful for generating estimates of ANPP at the scale of individual watersheds.