Integration of sapflow velocity to estimate plant water use

The heat pulse technique provides an estimate of sapflow velocity at one position within the xylem of an individual plant. Previous experience has shown that the velocity profile across the conducting area cannot be assumed to be constant, necessitating several such point estimates for a reasonable characterization of the velocity profile with depth. These point estimates must be integrated over the sapwood conducting area to derive flux. The most common method is to fit a one degree of freedom least-squares polynomial to the point estimates, and then to integrate this equation across the sapwood profile and around the bole. An alternative method is presented based on a weighted average approach. The latter is shown to be a more robust estimator of flux when velocity profiles exhibit large curvatures.     

Variation of sapflow velocity in Eucalyptus globulus with position in sapwood and use of a correction coefficient

Sapflow sensors were used to investigate variation in sapflow velocity at different positions in the sapwood of three-year-old Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus Labill. trees. Sapflow velocity was measured at 5-mm intervals across the sapwood by moving two probe sets simultaneously on two opposite radii. Another probe set placed in a fixed position at right angles to the first two sets acted as a control. A sapflow velocity ratio was defined as the velocity given by each moving sensor divided by that given by the static sensor. Correlation between observations of sapflow velocity at different positions exceeded 95%, and the ratio of velocity between any pair of sensors was constant. We observed radial variation in sapflow velocity across the sapwood with the lowest velocities at the center of the tree. Variation due to sensor position was high implying the need for large numbers of sensors for accurate estimates of sap flux. To overcome this need, we used a correction coefficient, namely a simple weighted average of the sapflow ratios with depth in the sapwood, for each fixed sensor. We recommend the use of three probe sets to estimate the correction coefficient. Subsequently, two probe sets can be placed at two fixed positions for routine measurements of sap flux.     

Populations of bacteria in poplar stems

Wetwood taken from euramerican hybrid poplars (Populus×euramericana) generally contained large and diverse populations of bacteria. The distribution of bacteria within tissues was discontinuous in both radial and axial directions. Most of the common bacterial strains were capable of altering wood components. The bacteria most consistently associated with wetwood were identified as Enterobacter and Clostridium species. The Enterobacter was hemicllulolytic and one Clostridium strain could degrade pectin in anaerobic conditions. These bacteria may play an important rote in the development of wetwood in poplar.     

Growth stress patterns in tree stems

Growth stresses originate in maturation strains, induced in cambial layers during the differentiation and the maturation of new cells, impeded by the mass of the whole trunk. To predict stresses in a stem, one must add successive incremental stresses at successively created points of the growing trunk. Usual measurements of released strains at the surface of a stem do not give the evolution of maturation strains with growth. As the assumption that states that maturation strains are constant since the beginning of secondary growth leads to singularities near the pith, an empiric pattern of variation of maturation strains along the radius is proposed, using observations about relationships between released longitudinal strain and microfibril angle. Furthermore, assuming an elastic, orthotropic behavior law and a cylindrical, sufficiently long stem, residual stresses are computed and discussed.For hardwoods, far enough from the pith, patterns of computed longitudinal and tangential stresses agree with distributions already stated by other authors although these stress components are limited near the pith. Computed radial stresses have lower levels than commonly admitted. On the other hand, stress-distributions in young softwoods are found very different, especially near the pith where the longitudinal component appears tensile and the tangential one compressive.     

Variation in nutrient concentrations of Pinus sylvestris stems

Spatial and temporal variation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, B and Al concentrations in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) bark and stemwood was studied in three stands at different stages of development. Concentrations of the mobile nutrients N, P and K increased in stemwood and inner bark towards the youngest tissues vertically towards the top of the stem, and horizontally from the pith to the youngest annual rings. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn were greatest in the oldest tissues and decreased horizontally towards the youngest annual rings. There was a slight increase of most nutrients near the divide between sapwood and heartwood. Seasonal nutrient variation was greatest in the inner bark. The highest nutrient concentrations occurred in winter and spring. Concentrations also varied with stand age, especially in the inner bark, being lowest in the oldest stand.     

Microflora of sound-looking wood in Picea abies stems

Ascocoryne spp. (A. cylichnium and A. cf. sarcoides) were found in 48 % of 262 60-year-old Picea abies stems. They were isolated with increasing frequency towards the pith from the lower 2-3 m, more often from thicker than from thinner stems. Neobulgaria premnophila was present in 10 % of the stems, more evenly distributed, and with no difference in occurrence between thicker and thinner stems. Nectria fuckeliana was situated at random in 8 % of the trees.     

Antimicrobial activity of Pterocarpus osun stems

Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of extractives from Pterocarpus osun elder stems showed significant activities due to different classes of new-isolated constituents.     

Wound occlusion and decay in Picea abies stems

In forest stands, Picea abies is commonly subjected to logging and bark stripping injuries. Most mechanical wounds do not exceed 300 cm², but their pathological consequences are unclear. The aim of the study was to estimate the rate of wound occlusion and the probability of decay in P. abies stems in relation to initial wound size and wounding season. The study included forty-five stems with 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-cm-wide by 15-cm-long wounds (15–75 cm²), and eighty-three stems with 15-cm-wide by 20-cm-long wounds (300 cm²), made either in January or in August. After 19–21 years, each wound was assessed for occlusion rate and the presence of decay. All 1- to 2-cm-wide wounds were occluded, compared to 58–70% of the 3- to 4-cm-wide wounds, 25% of the 5-cm-wide wounds, and 0% of the 15-cm-wide wounds. On average, it took 3.6, 5.5, 10.4, 12.7 and 14.7 years to occlude wounds ranging in size from 1- to 5-cm-wide, respectively. After 21 years, the observed size of wounds comprising an initial area of 300 cm² ranged between 14 and 481 cm². Wounding season and stem DBH had no impact on wound healing. Wound decay incidence correlated positively with the initial width of injury (r = 0.925; P < 0.05). All 1- to 2-cm-wide wounds lacked any decay, while the proportions of decay among 3-, 4-, 5- and 15-cm-wide wounds were 58.3, 50.0, 83.3 and 100%, respectively. Length of decay comprised 35–225 cm. Consequently, wounds on P. abies stems greater than 5 cm width are unlikely to be occluded and more prone to decay development.     

Measurement of cankers on small woody stems

Presents a method and provides a table of numerical values for quickly determining the extent of a stem's circumference affected by a canker when stem is too small for a direct measurement. Two measurements are taken with an inside and outside vernier caliper: 1. canker width, and 2. diameter of the stem at the midpoint of the canker location.     

Anatomy of the primary-secondary transition zone in stems of Populus deltoides

Summary The transition from primary to secondary stem tissues occurs as a continuum, and a precise anatomical definition of the transition does not exist. A definition was derived for Populus deltoides based on the birefringent properties of the fiber wall. This definition was quantitatively reproducible in the 9 plants tested, and the secondary transition was found to occur in the internode associated with the first mature leaf from the apex. The primary-secondary transition did not occur uniformly around the periphery. It was first observed in the vascular bundles opposite the incoming trace, and from there it progressed in a counter-clockwise direction. Within the transition internode, each vascular bundle and each tissue comprising the bundle differentiated in accord with the physiological age and the phyllotactic disposition of the developing leaf to which it led. Within any one vascular bundle, differentiation occurred first in the metaxylem vessels and associated fibers, followed closely by extension of fibers into the interfascicular regions and centripetal differentiation of the phloem fibers. The ontogenetic sequence of differentiation for each of the principal tissues of the secondary transition zone is described.The technical assistance of Mr. Gary Buchschacher with the ultramicrotomy and photomicrography is gratefully acknowledged.     

Fluctuation of temperature inside poplar stems in relation to air temperature

Two Euramerican poplar clones, ‘I-214’and ‘I-45/51′, were badly damaged by frost cracks in 1981 and 1985. Thermocouples attached to 12 trees showed that clone ‘I-45/51’was more resistant to winter and late frosts, possibly due to its significantly thicker and rougher bark in comparison to ‘I-214′.     

Circumferential variation of heartwood and stem quality in maritime pine stems

Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is an important timber and pulpwood species covering about 4 million ha in Portugal, Spain and France. This work studied the cross-sectional distribution of heartwood and sapwood along the stem using 3D modelling on 20 trees. The target was to assess the potential of this species for the industrial production of heartwood sawn products. The maritime pine stems were characterized by wide sapwood of 10 cm, in average, and the presence of heartwood at all height levels with constant diameter up to 35 % tree height, decreasing afterwards. In the radial section, the heartwood follows a circumferential-like shape which changes along the stem. Pith eccentricity index values were low and homogeneous regarding to stem and higher for heartwood. Heartwood cross-sectional shape was constant up to 45 % of total height of the tree and more elongated upwards. The constant heartwood diameter, low taper and pith eccentricity index, and an approximate circular shape up to 10 m height indicated these species’ potential to produce solid wood products made out of heartwood.     

Xylem cavitation in roots and stems of Douglas-fir and white fir

Roots of hardwoods have been shown to be more vulnerable to xylem cavitation than stems. This study examined whether this pattern is also observed in a conifer species. Vulnerability to cavitation was determined from the pressure required to inject air into the vascular system of hydrated roots and stems, and reduce hydraulic conductance of the xylem. According to the air-seeding hypothesis for the cavitation mechanism, these air pressures predict the negative xylem pressure causing cavitation in dehydrating stems. This was evaluated for stems of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and white fir (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl.). The air-injection method was applied to roots and stems of different sizes and positions in Douglas-fir trees. Roots, especially smaller roots with a xylem diameter < 5 mm, were more vulnerable to cavitation than stems. Mean cavitation pressure for smaller roots was -2.09 +/- 0.42 versus -3.80 +/- 0.19 MPa for larger roots (> 8 mm diameter). Within the shoot system, smaller stems (< 5 mm diameter) were most vulnerable to cavitation, having a mean cavitation pressure of -4.23 +/- 0.565 versus -5.27 +/- 0.513 MPa for large stems (> 8 mm diameter). There was no correlation between tracheid diameter and mean cavitation pressure within root or stem systems, despite larger tracheid diameters in roots (23.3 +/- 3.9 micro m) than in stems (9.2 +/- 1.6 micro m). Smaller safety margins from cavitation in roots may be beneficial in limiting water use during mild drought, and in protecting the stem from low xylem pressures during extreme drought.     

A novel isoflavone from the stems of Ageratum conyzoides

A novel isoflavone glycoside, 5,7,2′,4′-tetrahydroxy-6,3′-di-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-isoflavone 5-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (1), was isolated from the stems of Ageratum conyzoides.     

Influence of early thinning in broadleaved stands on development of remaining stems

Abstract

Precommercial thinning studies were performed in eight hardwood stands in southern Sweden. Birch (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh.) was the dominating tree species, but aspen (Populus tremula L.), black alder [Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.] and lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) were also present. Main stems were selected before thinning. Three treatments were applied in each stand: (1) no thinning (control), (2) standard thinning, and (3) strong thinning, i.e. leaving about two-thirds of the stem number of treatment 2. Each treatment was replicated three times on all sites. The development of the main stems were recorded during the five consecutive years. Breast height diameter and green crown size (length and width) developed significantly more slowly in the control treatment than in the thinned ones, whereas tree height development was little affected by treatment. Simulation of 10 years’ future growth from the time of the end of the study indicated that future diameter growth will be lower in initially non-thinned stands than in immediately thinned ones. The study results stress the importance for future growth of proper early silviculture in young broadleaved stands (i.e. early and high intensity thinning), a topic that has not been fully evaluated before.     

Photogrammetric measurement of tree stems from vertical fisheye images

Forest variables are typically surveyed using sample plots, from which parameters for large areas are estimated. The diameter at breast height (DBH) is one of the main variables collected in the field and can be used with other forest measures. This study presents an automatic technique for the mapping and measurement of individual tree stems using vertical terrestrial images collected with a fisheye camera. Distinguishable points from the stem surface are automatically extracted in the images, and their 3D ground coordinates are determined by bundle adjustment. The XY coordinates of each stem define an arc shape, and these points are used as observations in a circle fitting by least squares. The circle centre determines the tree position in a local reference system, and the estimated radius is used to calculate the DBH. Experiments were performed in a sample plot to assess the approach and compare it with a technique based on terrestrial laser scanning. In the validation with measurements collected on the stems using a measuring tape, the discrepancies had an average error of 1.46?cm with a standard deviation of 1.09?cm. These results were comparable with the manual measurements and with the values generated from laser point clouds.     

月季品种‘博’茎段离体培养的研究

以现代月季主栽品种‘博’的茎段为外植体进行研究,结果表明：茎段消毒以0．1％升汞溶液消毒10min最为适宜;最佳继代培养基为MS＋BA1．0mg／L＋IBA0．1mg／L,此培养基上诱导出的丛生苗长势较强,节间长度适宜,叶片大小正常,颜色鲜绿,平均增殖系数最高,达到4．25;最佳生根培养基为1／2MS＋NAA0．1mg／L,生根率为75．3％,平均根数3．8条;试管苗移栽基质以珍珠岩最适,其长势最好,成活率最高,可达91．0％。     

Traumatic resin ducts in Larix decidua stems impacted by debris flows

Following mechanical injury, stems of many conifers produce tangential rows of traumatic resin ducts (TRDs), the distribution of which has been used to date geomorphic events. However, little is known about how far TRD formation extends tangentially and axially from the point of injury or what the time course of TRD appearance is. We analyzed 28 injuries in eight Larix decidua Mill. tree stems resulting from debris flows in October 2000 and November 2004. Injuries occurred outside the period of cambial activity, and TRD formation occurred in the first layers of the growth ring formed in the year following that of injury. The axial extent of TRD formation averaged 74 cm and was greater above the injury than below it. At the height of the wound center, TRDs extended horizontally to a mean of 18% of the stem circumference excluding that portion where the cambium had been destroyed. In subsequent growth rings, TRDs, if present, were confined mainly to the height of the center of injury. Both the vertical and horizontal extent of TRD formation was related to the injury size. Within growth rings, the position of TRD formation changed with increasing distance from the wound progressing from early earlywood to later portions of the growth ring.