Variation in leaf trichomes of Wigandia urens: environmental factors and physiological consequences

Seasonal and environmentally induced variation in the type and frequency of leaf trichomes of Wigandia urens (Ruiz & Pavón) Kunth (Hydrophyllaceae) was studied. Depending on the microsite, W. urens plants had smooth leaves with glandular trichomes or bristly leaves with both glandular trichomes and urticant trichomes (stinging hairs). Trichome density (number of urticant trichomes per unit leaf area) was higher in the dry season than in the wet season, and was significantly correlated with both temperature (r = 0.353, P < 0.05) and photosynthetic active radiation (r = 0.313, P < 0.05). Plants established in sun-exposed areas had trichome densities three times higher than those of plants established in shaded areas during the dry season, and 28 times higher during the wet season. At both exposed and shaded sites, trichome densities of the youngest leaves of young plants were higher than those of the youngest leaves of mature plants. In smooth and bristly leaves, transpiration rates decreased with increasing temperature during the day. However, smooth leaves had higher transpiration rates than bristly leaves at both exposed and shaded sites. In laboratory studies, trichome density was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced when small sun-grown plants (0.20-0.30 m tall) were either shaded or irrigated. In larger plants, also, irrigation significantly (P < 0.01) reduced trichome density relative to that of unirrigated controls.     

Differences in the rust resistance of greenhouse and outdoor-grown white birch species,Betula spp.

The 2-year-old seedlings of five different white birch species (Betula platyphylla, Betula papyrifera, Betula pubescens, Betula pendula (two types) and Betula resinifera x Betula pendula) grown both in a greenhouse and outdoors, were inoculated in a leaf disc assay with two different birch rust (Mel-ampsoridium betulinum) isolates from B. pendula and B. pubescens. The resistance of these birch species varied significantly. Resistance to the B. pubescens rust isolate was not related to the resistance of the B. pendula rust isolate. The behaviour of a birch genotype grown in the greenhouse did not correspond to the behaviour of the same genotype grown outdoors. The outdoor growth environment greatly increased the contents of soluble proteins, rubisco, chloro-phyll and nitrogen in the leaves of diploid birch species (B. platyphylla, B. pendula and B. resinifera x B. pendula). For tetraploid and pentaploid species (B. pubescens and B. papyrifera, respectively) there was no such clear difference in the leaf physiological status between the seedlings grown outdoors and in the greenhouse. The C:N ratio was higher for the greenhouse-grown seedlings in all the birch species, but the difference was significant only with the diploid species. The incidence of rust in the birch species did not correlate with any of the leaf physiological parameters studied. The adaptability of birch genotypes to the environment in relation to their resistance to birch leaf rust is discussed.     

Biomass production and allometric above- and below-ground relations for young birch stands planted at four spacings on abandoned farmland

The objective of the study was to quantify above- and below-stumpbiomass of silver (Betula pendula Roth) and downy (Betula pubescensEhrh.) birches planted at four spacing intervals and growingon two soil types on an area of farmland. The 12-year-old bircheshad been grown at four spacings (1.3, 1.5, 1.8 and 2.6 m) ontwo sites: one on medium clay soil and the other on fine sandsoil. The dry weight of the stem, branches, leaves, stumps androots was estimated by drying and weighing sub-samples. Theprojected leaf area (PLA) m^–2 of trees, leaf area indexof stands and basic density (kg m^–3)of stems were alsoestimated. A significant greater dry weight of stem, branches,stump and roots and species and spacing for pendula birch werefound. The root length of silver birch was significantly greaterthan that for downy birch and for both species the root lengthwas greatest at the widest spacing (2.6 m). There was also asignificant difference between leaf weights of birch of thesame species growing on the two soil types. Significant differenceswere also found between PLA and species, and for both species,between PLA spacing. Basic density of stems was significantlydifferent between soil types. Equations for estimating the above-groundbiomass and root biomass from diameter at breast height weredeveloped for birches growing on fine sand and on medium claysoils. The total biomass production per hectare on fine sandwas higher for silver birch (19.9–65.9 tonnes ha^–1),than for downy birch (13.0–48.3 tonnes ha^–1). Onmedium clay soil, total biomass production for silver and downybirches was 30.8–52.8 and 16.8–42.8 tonnes ha^–1,respectively.     

Growth and chemical composition of silver birch: Comparative study between Lithuania and Romania

The effects of different climatic conditions on growth and chemical composition of Betula pendula in geographically different European regions,Lithuania and Romania,were compared.Birch species in the entire area have a wide natural distribution,but B.pendula is commercially more important in Lithuania than in Romania.Here we evaluated tree ring width,wood density and foliar chemical composition of mature birch trees in two European regions.Trees at the Lithuanian sites had greater radial growth and wood density with no clear changes in foliar chemistry than those at the Romanian sites.Mean wood density was 600-700 kg m~(-3) at Lithuanian and 350-450 kg m~(-3) at Romanian sites.Mean width of wood ring,earlywood and latewood for Lithuanian birch trees were several times higher than the means for Romanian birch trees.We hypothesized that the main differences in birch radial growth and wood density were due to the different climatic conditions in the studied regions.Ca,K and Mg concentrations were significantly higher and Fe and Mn were lower in the birch foliage at the Lithuanian sites compared those at the Romanian sites.Overall assessment of growth showed that silver birch cultivation is more appropriate for colder climate regions and that birch growth may change in the context of a warming climate.     

Expression of BpPIN is associated with IAA levels and the formation of lobed leaves in Betula pendula ’Dalecartica’

Auxin polar transport genes PIN(PINFORMED)determine the concentration gradient of auxin in plants.To understand the relationship between the development of different tissues in Betula pendula‘Dalecartica’,BpPIN gene expression and indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)content were analyzed using qRT-PCR,ELISA,and GUS staining.Gene expression of BpPIN genes and IAA levels in the leaves,buds,stems,xylem,and roots of B.pendula‘Dalecartica’and B.pendula as a control were measured.BpPIN1,BpPIN5 and BpPIN6 were upregulated during development in both species,suggesting a dominant role in the development of B.pendula‘Dalecartica’leaves.Moreover,BpPIN1 gene expression was positively associated with IAA levels during leaf,vein and petiole development in B.pendula‘Dalecartica’only.The correlation coefficient of the first three leaves was 0.69(P=0.04),while that of the first three petioles was 0.85(P=0.001).In addition,GUS staining of the pro-DR5::GUS transgenic line of cultivar was correlated with the results of BpPIN1 expression.Overall,these findings suggest that BpPIN1 is associated with the formation of lobed leaves in B.pendula‘Dalecartica’.     

Response of Somatal Characteristics and its Plasticity to Different Light Intensities in Leaves of Seven Tropical Woody Seedlings

1 INTRODUCTIONAs an important structure in the leaves of terrestrialplants, stomata play a key role in the gas exchangebetween plants and atmosphere, and provide the mainchannels of water dissipation for plants. They also playa significant part in the regulation of photosynthesisand evaporation process. Researches have long beenconducted on stomata, and one of the most importantfields in plant physiological and ecological research isconcerned with the physiological and ecologicalcharacteri…     

辽宁省小叶杨叶片解剖学特征研究

小叶杨是我国三北地区重要的耐旱耐瘠薄的乡土杨树。对辽宁省境内的小叶杨进行叶片解剖学研究,结果表明：小叶杨叶片远轴面气孔密度明显高于近轴面,个体间变异较大,与产地没有明显相关性;气孔长度与气孔密度呈极显著负相关;叶片着生部位对小叶杨近轴面气孔密度有明显影响;栅栏组织与海绵组织之比值与耐旱性没有明显相关性。文章同时讨论了国内杨属树种叶片解剖学特点及影响解剖学观测的因素。     

引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源苗期选择研究

以引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源为对象,并以本地白桦种源作为对照,研究引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源的种子形态特征、发芽特性和在黑河地区的苗期生长表现。结果表明:引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源在种子长度、种子宽度、种翅长度、种翅宽度、千粒重、发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数、苗高、地径、地上生物量、地下生物量和全株生物量存在显著差异,而且引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源这些指标都显著高于本地白桦对照种源,综合分析表明,引进欧洲垂枝桦新西伯利亚种源在种子形态特征、发芽特性和在黑河地区的苗期生长表现均优,可作为黑河地区欧洲垂枝桦育苗的首选种源。     

Biomass investment in leaf lamina versus lamina support in relation to growth irradiance and leaf size in temperate deciduous trees

Foliar biomass investment in support and assimilative compartments was studied in four temperate deciduous tree species along a natural light gradient across the canopy. The species ranked according to shade tolerance as Betula pendula Roth. < Populus tremula L. < Fraxinus excelsior L. < Tilia cordata Mill. Long-term light conditions at sampling locations were characterized as seasonal mean integrated quantum flux density (Q(int), mol m(-2) day(-1)) estimated by a method combining hemispherical photography and light measurements with quantum sensors. Leaf morphology was altered by Q(int) in all species. Both lamina and petiole dry mass per lamina area (LMA and PMA, respectively) increased with increasing Q(int). Shade-tolerant species had lower LMA at low Q(int) than shade-intolerant species; however, PMA was not related to shade tolerance. Across species, the ratio of petiole dry mass to lamina dry mass (PMR) varied from 0.07 to 0.21. It was independent of Q(int) in the simple-leaved species, but decreased with increasing Q(int) in the compound-leaved F. excelsior, which also had the largest foliar biomass investment in petioles. Differences in leaf mass and area, ranging over four orders of magnitude, provided an explanation for the interspecific variability in PMR. Species with large leaves also had greater biomass investments in foliar support than species with smaller leaves. This relationship was similar for both simple- and compound-leaved species. There was a negative relationship between PMR and petiole N concentration, suggesting that petioles had greater carbon assimilation rates and paid back a larger fraction of their construction cost in species with low PMR than in species with high PMR. This was probably the result of a negative relationship between PMR and petiole surface to volume ratio. Nevertheless, petioles had lower concentrations of mineral nutrients than laminas. Across species, the ratio of petiole N to lamina N varied from only 3 to 6%, demonstrating that petiole costs are less in terms of nutrients than in terms of total biomass, and that the petiole contribution to carbon assimilation is disproportionately lower than that of the lamina contribution.     

西南桦与光皮桦幼苗叶片表型特征研究

西南桦和光皮桦幼苗外形特征十分相似,在种源不明确的情况下,苗木调运时很难在现场快速鉴别与区分。由于两个树种各自适宜栽培的海拔和气候条件不尽相同,为避免混淆造成不良影响,对两个树种的幼苗叶片表型特征进行调查对比研究。结果表明,光皮桦与西南桦幼苗的叶柄区别显著,前者明显长于后者;光皮桦与西南桦幼苗叶片长宽比区别显著,前者长宽比小,叶形团圆,后者长宽比大,叶形细长;西南桦与光皮桦幼苗叶片基尖比无明显差别。幼苗叶片表型特征的差异性可作为现场快速鉴别区分西南桦与光皮桦幼苗的依据。     

Effects of light quality on growth and N accumulation in birch seedlings

We studied the effects of light quality and nutrient supply on growth and nitrogen accumulation in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) seedlings to test three hypotheses: (1) growth of birch seedlings is sensitive to changes in light quality; (2) the response of birch seedling growth to light quality depends on nutrient supply; and (3) assimilation and allocation of nitrogen by birch seedlings are affected by light quality. The two light regimes simulated the spectral quality of sunlight and shadelight, but did not differ in photosynthetic photon flux density, and the two nutrient supply regimes differed in the rate of supply, but not in the composition, of mineral nutrients. Accumulation and allocation of dry weight and nitrogen were strongly affected by nutrient supply regime, but light quality had little effect. During the first 15 days of the experiment, the largest effect of light quality was on height growth, which was greater in seedlings in simulated shadelight than in seedlings in simulated sunlight. Light quality had little effect on dry weight and nitrogen allocation to the stem during this period. However, at the end of the experiment (Day 29), there was an increase in N concentration per unit dry weight in leaves and stems of seedlings in the simulated shadelight plus high nutrient supply treatment.     

Biochemical acclimation patterns of Betula pendula and Pinus sylvestris seedlings to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations

Acclimation of photosynthesis to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]; 350 to 2,000 micromol mol-1) was followed in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings for two years. Chlorophyll fluorescence and concentrations of Rubisco, chlorophyll, total soluble protein and nitrogen were monitored together with steady-state gas exchange at three CO2 concentrations (ambient [CO2] (345 +/- 20 micromol mol-1), the growth [CO2] and 1950 +/- 55 micromol mol-1). Rubisco and chlorophyll concentrations decreased in birch and Scots pine with increasing growth [CO2]. A nonlinear response was recorded for Rubisco and chlorophyll concentrations in birch, which was correlated with a significant decrease in specific leaf area. Nitrogen concentration decreased in birch leaves, but was unchanged in Scots pine needles. The species differed substantially in their steady-state CO2 exchange response to increasing growth [CO2]. The principal effect in birch was a significant nonlinear decrease in the steady-state gas exchange rate at the ambient [CO2], whereas in Scots pine the main effect was a significant increase in the steady-state gas exchange rate at the growth [CO2].     

Fine root morphological adaptations in Scots pine, Norway spruce and silver birch along a latitudinal gradient in boreal forests

Variability in short root morphology of the three main tree species of Europe's boreal forest (Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth)) was investigated in four stands along a latitudinal gradient from northern Finland to southern Estonia. Silver birch and Scots pine were present in three stands and Norway spruce was present in all stands. For three fertile Norway spruce stands, fine root biomass and number of root tips per stand area or unit basal area were assessed from north to south. Principal component analysis indicated that short root morphology was significantly affected by tree species and site, which together explained 34.7% of the total variability. The range of variation in mean specific root area (SRA) was 51-74, 60-70 and 84-124 m(2) kg(-1) for Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver birch, respectively, and the corresponding ranges for specific root length were 37-47, 40-48 and 87-97 m g(-1). The range of variation in root tissue density of Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver birch was 113-182, 127-158 and 81-156 kg m(-3), respectively. Sensitivity of short root morphology to site conditions decreased in the order: Norway spruce > silver birch > Scots pine. Short root SRA increased with site fertility in all species. In Norway spruce, fine root biomass and number of root tips per m(2) decreased from north to south. The differences in morphological parameters among sites were significant but smaller than the site differences in fine root biomass and number of root tips.     

榆属树种的叶子结构与抗虫性的关系

榆树是我国重要的造林树种，在全国各地尤其是“三北”地区有大面积栽植。但最近几年来，榆树一直遭受着严重的虫害，特别是食叶害虫榆蓝叶甲，使榆树的生长发育和木材产量受到严重的影响。因此，选育抗虫品种和进行科学管理已成为当务之急。据观察，榆树在遭受虫害后，不同的树种或同一树种的不同无性系间的受害程度差别很大，是什么原因引起受害程度的不同呢？现有的研究己清楚指出，物理因素和化学因素共同构成了植物抵御害虫的防御体系。植物可以利用存在于它们组织的，经长期进化而形成的物理因素（形态结构）来阻止或破坏害虫的为害。本研究采用了电镜扫描和石蜡切片法，结合生物测定和田间调查，分析了榆属树种的叶子结构与其抗虫性之间的关系。结果表明，①榆属树种的气孔以大密度分布在叶子的下表面，气孔的保卫细胞具有角质层和木质化的壁。这种特点使幼虫不易从叶子下表面取食到叶肉，所以它们往往转移到叶子上表面取食，从而造成叶子上表面的结构特点与抗虫性的强弱直接相关；②抗虫性强的树种或无性系的叶子表面有很厚的蜡质层，而易感虫的树种或无性系的叶子上表面蜡质较薄。下表面无此规律；③叶子上表面的表皮毛密度（Ｘ１）和角质层厚度（Ｘ２）与叶面积受害指数（Ｙ）呈高度负相关（     

Natural Regeneration in Clear-cuts: Effects of Scarification,Slash Removal and Clear-cut Age

The effects of soil scarification (mounding), slash removal and clear-cut age on the natural regeneration in clear-cuts was evaluated using data from four sites in southern Sweden. The treatments were carried out during a good seed and establishment year for birch ( Betula pubescens Ehrh. and B. pendula Roth). Scarification had the strongest positive effect on the density of naturally regenerated seedlings, especially in birch, but also in pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) and spruce [ Picea abies (L.) Karst]. Slash removal had a positive effect on birch density. No statistically significant effect of clear-cut age was found. In addition, no statistically significant interactions between clear-cut age and scarification or slash removal were found. The ingrowth of field vegetation was the fastest in areas that were not scarified, less rapid in areas scarified on old clear-cuts, and the slowest after scarification in fresh clear-cuts. In conclusion, it may be possible to control the density of birch during a good establishment year for birch. If birch is desired, the best combination of treatments is to remove the slash and scarify; otherwise, these treatments should be avoided.     

Ultraviolet-B-induced flavonoid accumulation in Betula pendula leaves is dependent upon nitrate reductase-mediated nitric oxide signaling

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule involved in many physiological processes in plants. Nitric oxide generation and flavonoid accumulation are two early reactions of plants to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation. However, the source of UV-B-triggered NO generation and the role of NO in UV-B-induced flavonoid accumulation are not fully understood. In order to evaluate the origin of UV-B-triggered NO generation, we examined the responses of nitrate reductase (NR) activity and the expression levels of NIA1 and NIA2 genes in leaves of Betula pendula Roth (silver birch) seedlings to UV-B irradiation. The data show that UV-B irradiation stimulates NR activity and induces up-regulation of NIA1 but does not affect NIA2 expression during UV-B-triggered NO generation. Pretreatment of the leaves with NR inhibitors tungstate (TUN) and glutamine (Gln) abolishes not only UV-B-triggered NR activities but also UV-B-induced NO generation. Furthermore, application of TUN and Gln suppresses UV-B-induced flavonoid production in the leaves and the suppression of NR inhibitors on UV-B-induced flavonoid production can be reversed by NO via its donor sodium nitroprusside. Together, the data indicate that NIA1 in the leaves of silver birch seedlings is sensitive to UV-B and the UV-B-induced up-regulation of NIA1 may lead to enhancement of NR activity. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that NR is involved in UV-B-triggered NO generation and NR-mediated NO generation is essential for UV-B-induced flavonoid accumulation in silver birch leaves.     

Afforestation of low-productivity peatlands in Sweden — the potential of natural seeding

In 1971, a series of five afforestation trials were established along a north-south gradient on open peatlands in Sweden. All areas were drained, fertilized and planted with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Survival and height of the planted trees as well as the amount of natural establishment, i.e. downy birch (Betula pubescens), silver birch (Betula pendula), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), and other deciduous species: (e.g. Salix sp., Sorbus aucuparia), by seeding from nearby forests were measured 18–22 years later. The amount of naturally established trees exceeded the number of living planted trees in all five areas. Next to downy birch, Scots pine was the most common naturally established species. Large variations in both amount and height of natural establishment were found along the climatic gradient. Planted trees were taller than naturally established trees, except for the northernmost area. Number and height of naturally established trees correlated positively to closeness to nearest forest and to nearest ditch. These trees also responded positively to PK fertilization in the three southernmost areas. In the two northernmost areas no such response was found. It was concluded that natural seeding from neighbouring forests can be counted on and recommended in afforestation of low-productive peatlands in Sweden, provided that downy birch is accepted as a dominant tree species.     

Diurnal pattern of leaf extension in Salix viminalis relates to the difference in leaf turgor before and after stress relaxation

Relations between leaf dry weight to leaf area (LWA), leaf nitrogen concentration and irradiance inside a natural canopy were studied in Betula pendula Roth., Corylus avellana L. and Lonicera xylosteum L. In all species, LWA increased with increasing irradiance. Relative variability in LWA was smaller in Betula pendula than in the other two species. In Corylus avellana, LWA also depended on total plant height. Foliar nitrogen concentration (on a dry weight basis) increased with increasing irradiance and LWA in Betula pendula, but decreased in the other two species. The interspecific variation in response to light availability and in nitrogen partitioning may be caused by different light demands or different life forms (trees versus shrubs), or both, of the species examined, and must be considered in contemporary canopy models.     

Static bending properties of Finnish birch wood

The purpose of this study was to determine the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and the modulus of rupture (MOR) in the radial bending test for small, clear specimens of Finnish birch (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh) wood originating from mature trees. The dependency of MOE and MOR on the specific gravity of birch wood was studied, and the relationship between MOE and MOR was modelled at the different heights and at the different distances from the pith of the tree. For B. pendula, the mean values for MOE and MOR were 14.5 GPa and 114 MPa, whereas B. pubescens had means of 13.2 GPa and 104 MPa, respectively. At the corresponding specific gravity, the bending stiffness and strength values did not differ between the two species. The results indicated a linear relationship between the MOE and MOR, irrespective of the birch species or the within-stem location. Both MOE and MOR increased clearly from the pith towards the surface of the tree and decreased slightly from the base to the top of the tree. It seems that if products with as high stiffness and bending strength as possible are wanted, sorting of raw materials into different grades according to their within-tree origin can be of value.     

Stomatal characteristics of riparian poplar species in a semi-arid environment

Several native poplar species meet at the margins of their natural distributions in southern Alberta, Canada. In this semi-arid area, poplars are obligate riparian species but they occupy several intergrading ecoregions. Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh predominates in the warmest and driest eastern prairie ecoregions; P. balsamifera L. occupies the cooler and wetter western parkland and montane ecoregions; and P. angustifolia James and hybrids between the species occur in the intermediate grassland ecoregions. We investigated stomatal characteristics of these poplars in 51 genotypes collected across the range of ecoregions and grown in a semi-arid common garden. Stomatal length differed among genotypes within species but did not differ among species, ranging from 19 to 22 microm. Total stomatal densities (adaxial plus abaxial) differed among genotypes within species but were similar among species (290-420 stomata mm(-2)). Single-surface stomatal densities differed among species and consequently, the ratio of adaxial:abaxial stomatal density also differed, ranging from 0.94 for P. deltoides to 0.27 for P. balsamifera, with intermediate stomatal density ratios in P. angustifolia and hybrids. In a subsequent study of a subset of the same genotypes, stomatal density was correlated with stomatal conductance (r2 = 0.75) and the conductance ratios differed among species in the same manner as the stomatal density ratios. We conclude that: (1) diverse poplar genotypes respond similarly to a semi-arid environment by producing comparatively small and dense stomata; (2) differences in stomatal density underlie differences in stomatal conductance and differences among species in stomatal density ratio or conductance ratio may reflect adaptation to climatic differences among ecoregions; and (3) there is substantial variation in stomatal characteristics within and among species and hybrids in this area that could be useful for the selection and breeding of poplars adapted to different climatic conditions.