How does P affect photosynthesis and metabolite profiles of Eucalyptus globulus?

Phosphorus (P) has multiple effects on plant metabolism, but there are many unresolved questions especially for evergreen trees. For example, we do not know the general effects of P on metabolism, or if P affects photosynthesis via the internal conductance to CO(2) transfer from sub-stomatal cavities to chloroplast or amounts of Rubisco. This study investigates how P?deficiency affects seedlings of the evergreen tree Eucalyptus globulus grown for 2.5 months with four nutrient solutions differing in P concentration. To determine why photosynthesis was affected by P supply, Rubisco was quantified by capillary electrophoresis, internal conductance was quantified from gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination, and biochemical parameters of photosynthesis were estimated from A/C(c) responses. Additional insights into the effect of P on metabolism were provided by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolite profiling. Larger concentrations of P in the nutrient solution led to significantly faster rates of photosynthesis. There was no evidence that stomatal or internal conductances contributed to the effect of P supply on photosynthesis. The increase in photosynthesis with P supply was correlated with V(cmax), and amounts of P, phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate (6-P). Phosphorous supply affected approximately one-third of the 90 aqueous metabolites quantified by GC-MS, but the effect size was generally smaller than reported for experiments on herbaceous species. Phosphorus deficiency decreased concentrations of phosphate, glucose 6-P and fructose 6-P more than it decreased photosynthesis, suggesting faster turnover of smaller pools of phosphate and phosphorylated intermediates. The effect of P supply on most amino acids was small, with the exception of arginine and glutamine, which increased dramatically under P deficiency. P deficiency had small or non-significant effects on carbohydrates and organic acids of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The small effect of P on carbohydrates, organic acids and (most) amino acids likely reflects a functional homeostasis among C metabolism (glycolysis, TCA and pentose P cycles), rates of photosynthesis and growth. The strong functional homeostasis in E. globulus may reflect a conservative, long-term growth and metabolic strategy of evergreen trees.     

Progeny of Eucalyptus globulus Labill ssp. Globulus

The preliminary assessment of progeny test in a seed orchard of Eucalyptus globulus Labill.ssp.globulus at Yipinglang State Farm of Yunnan Province in China was conducted.The trial was composed of 21 replications,with 2 trees on each plot,15 plots in each incomplete block,and 18 incomplete blocks in each replication,laid out in a α-design of 270 open-pollinated families.The families were of three categories (natural populations,local land race and seed orchard).They were further subdivided into 11 regions.The data from an assessment of growth,stem form and other characteristics of the young trees after being planted 2 years were analyzed.Results are as follows:the different categories differed significantly in their growth,with the families from seed orchards being the best.Regions also differed significantly in their growth.The families from the regions of Westem Victoria,Eastern Victoria and all three seed orchards were better than others.The tamilies from Yunnan had the best frost tolerant and its survival was the highest.For growth,stem form and fungal tolerance,the families from Yunnan were similar to that from Southern Tasmania and Eastem Tasmania.Two-tree plots were strongly recommended over singletree plot designs for large-scale progeny trials.     

Representative heights for assessing whole-tree values of cell-type proportions in Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. globulus

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and E. globulus Labill. are economically important species for wood and pulpwood materials. Representative heights for assessing whole-tree values of cell-type proportions(vessels, fibers, ray and axial parenchyma percentages) using increment cores were examined by analysis of within-tree variations. Pattern differences were evaluated between trees and species in both radial and axial directions by statistical data analysis(Moses test). In E. camaldulensis,within-tree variation of vessel percentage was generally higher in the upper and outer regions of the trunk. In contrast, E. globulus within-tree variation was unclear. In both species, although no clear pattern of fiber percentages was observed, within-tree variations of ray and axial parenchyma levels were higher in the lower and inner regions.Significant differences in patterns were observed in the axial variation between species for vessel percentages and in the radial variation between trees of E. camaldulensis for ray parenchyma percentages. The representative heights for assessing whole-tree cell-type proportions were 0.8 mabove the ground for E. camaldulensis and 2.8 m for E.globulus, regardless of differences in tree height and pattern of within-tree variation of cell-type proportions.     

Do artificial and natural defoliation have similar effects on physiology of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. seedlings?

? Artificial defoliation is often used to simulate defoliation by herbivory and is usually considered a good indication of a plant’s response to a given type of damage. However, the findings of studies directly comparing the two defoliation types are inconsistent.

? Here, the short term effects of artificial and insect defoliation by larvae of Paropsisterna agricola on growth, biomass allocation and photosynthetic capacity of Eucalyptus globulus seedlings were compared in a glasshouse experiment. The artificial defoliation was carried out to closely resemble the spatial patterns observed for insect defoliation.

? Height and diameter increments were reduced as a result of insect defoliation, whereas artificial defoliation had no significant effect on height. Increased photosynthetic capacity was observed in response to both treatments, but the magnitude of this increase was larger in insect-than in artificially-defoliated seedlings. Significant reductions in foliar carbohydrate content and total biomass were noticeable in artificially-defoliated seedlings. Although the foliar carbohydrate levels also decreased across the crown zones following insect defoliation treatment, seedlings allocated a large amount of their biomass in the branches of the damaged zone.

? Despite our best endeavours to simulate insect defoliation in the artificial treatment, the latter may not reflect accurately the full strength of the effects. However, artificial and insect defoliation were similar in their direction of the responses they caused in E. globulus seedlings.

     

Consequences of resource limitation for recovery from repeated defoliation in Eucalyptus globulus Labilladière

Recovery following defoliation can be modified by co-occurring site resource limitations. The growth response of young Eucalyptus globulus saplings to two defoliation events was examined in an experimental plantation with combinations of low (-) or high (+) water (W) and nitrogen (N) resources. Artificial defoliation was applied at 3 and 9 months of age to remove ~40 and 55% of leaf area in the upper crown, respectively. At 18 months of age, height, stem diameter and leaf area were not significantly different between control and defoliated saplings, across all resource treatments. However, stem volume, bark volume and branch number were significantly increased in defoliated saplings, including a significant interaction with resource treatment. Total above-ground biomass of saplings in response to defoliation was significantly higher (almost double) than controls for the low water (N?+?W-) treatment only. Significantly increased foliar starch content (and a trend for increased soluble sugars) in the upper crown zone was found in the defoliated saplings of the N?+?W- treatment compared with the upper zone of control saplings. Foliar total non-structural carbohydrates were significantly correlated to stem biomass regardless of resource treatment or defoliation, and we suggest that foliar resources are most important for stem growth in E. globulus rather than stored carbon (C) from other tissues. After repeated defoliation and several months recovery, E. globulus saplings were generally not C limited in this study.     

A comparison of planting and coppice regeneration of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla clones in South Africa

Results from two coppice compared to replant trials are presented that originated from clone by site interaction (CSI) trials established on high? and low?productivity sites in subtropical coastal KwaZulu?Natal, South Africa. After the 84?month CSI trial measurements were completed the trees were harvested. Selected plots were allowed to coppice with the remainder replanted to the same four Eucalyptus grandis×Eucalyptus urophylla hybrid clones. Growth was higher at Kwambo Timbers (average mean annual increment [MAI] 34 wet white tonnes [wwt] ha?1 y?1), characterised by a higher mean annual precipitation, than at Palm Ridge (average MAI 11 wwt ha?1 y?1). In these trials coppicing of sufficient stumps per hectare (>1 000 stumps ha?1) resulted in similar volume production on the higher?productivity site and slightly improved (additional 3.4 wwt ha?1 y?1) yield on the lower?productivity site compared with the planted crop. The benefit of coppicing was mainly related to a reduction in the temporary unplanted period and reduced establishment cost. This study showed that coppicing can be a viable, cost?effective alternative to planting in commercial forestry if a number of criteria are met. However, it is recommended that the decision to coppice or to replant should be evaluated on a case?by?case basis.     

Early growth results of three Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus nitens hybrid clonal trials and their response to snow events

Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus nitens (G×N) hybrid clones are selected to combine complimentary characteristics of E. nitens and E. grandis. G×N hybrid clones also have the potential to increase growth rates and provide adaptability to a changing climate. A series of three trials planted across a range of high-productivity, mid-altitude sites in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands was established to test the suitability of a suite of G×N hybrid clones. Seven commercially available G×N clones together with two widely planted pure species controls, Eucalyptus dunnii and Eucalyptus smithii, were chosen for this study. The trials were set out in random complete block designs with nine treatments and four replications set out in square plots of 25 trees. The trials were measured for diameter at breast height at 23 months and monitored for snow damage over two winter seasons. Snow was noted at the Baynesfield site and subsequent snow damage assessments were performed. Basal area per hectare was calculated for each plot as a function of diameter at breast height and survival. Significant differences were observed between G×N hybrid clones in both growth and snow tolerance. The top-performing clones significantly outperformed both pure species controls in terms of growth and snow tolerance. Early results indicate that G×N hybrids may be better suited to high-potential, mid-altitude sites exposed to light snow risk than the currently recommended pure species.     

Genetic variability of growth and wood chemical properties in a clonal population of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis in the Congo

Thirty-four Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrids were evaluated with a view to selecting for improved growth and wood-quality traits for plantations in the Congo. Height, circumference at breast height and volume were measured at 12, 27, 37, 49 and 60 months. Lignin content, the syringyl/guaiacyl ratio and total extractives content were predicted by near-infrared spectroscopy using wood powder samples collected from trees at breast height. While wood chemical properties were stable and under strong genetic control, growth traits were not. The genetic correlation between lignin content and growth was weak and negative, whereas the environmental correlation was also weak but positive. The genetic improvement of E. urophylla × E. grandis clones, based on growth features, leads to a limited decrease in lignin content and syringyl content and to a limited increase in extractives content.     

Does initial spacing influence crown and hydraulic architecture of Eucalyptus marginata?

Long-term declines in rainfall in south-western Australia have resulted in increased interest in the hydraulic characteristics of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Smith) forest established in the region's drinking water catchments on rehabilitated bauxite mining sites. We hypothesized that in jarrah forest established on rehabilitated mine sites: (1) leaf area index (L) is independent of initial tree spacing; and (2) more densely planted trees have less leaf area for the same leaf mass, or the same sapwood area, and have denser sapwood. Initial stand densities ranged from about 600 to 9000 stems ha(-1), and trees were 18 years old at the time of sampling. Leaf area index was unaffected by initial stand density, except in the most sparsely stocked stands where L was 1.2 compared with 2.0-2.5 in stands at other spacings. The ratio of leaf area to sapwood area (A(l):A(s)) was unaffected by tree spacing or tree size and was 0.2 at 1.3 m height and 0.25 at the crown base. There were small increases in sapwood density and decreases in leaf specific area with increased spacing. Tree diameter or basal area was a better predictor of leaf area than sapwood area. At the stand scale, basal area was a good predictor of L (r(2) = 0.98, n = 15) except in the densest stands. We conclude that the hydraulic attributes of this forest type are largely independent of initial tree spacing, thus simplifying parameterization of stand and catchment water balance models.     

Comparative microsporogenesis and flower development in Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis

Microsporogenesis and flower development in Eucalyptus urophylla 9 E. grandis were examined using chromosome tableting to provide a method to predict the meiotic stages in this species. Although microsporogenesis was normal, cytokinesis during meiosis of pollen mother cells occurred simultaneously, with strong asynchronism observed in the two different lengths of stamens in a flower bud. In a single flower, the developmental period of microsporogenesis in anthers on the longer stamens was always ahead of those on the shorter stamens. Flower development was also asynchronous at different locations on a branch. Flower buds on the upper side of the branch were larger in diameter than those on the lower side. In addition,a correlation was observed between microsporogenesisdevelopment and flower bud diameter growth. The pachytene stage was first observed when the diameter of the flower buds increased to 3.0 mm, and the majority of the meiotic stages were observed when bud diameters ranged from 3.5 to5.0 mm. This study showed that the developmental stages of microsporogenesis in Eucalyptus urophylla 9 E. grandis could be distinguished readily, which may be applicable to future breeding studies.     

Effects of chemical sterilization of the culture media,porous membranes and luminosity on in vitro culture of Eucalyptus grandis×Eucalyptus urophylla

Hybrid combinations of Eucalyptus have increased due to expansion of plantations into unconventional areas and to the search for higher quality timber.However,most of these species have difficulties surviving in vitro cultivation.Active chlorine and sealing systems are often used to reduce contamination and increase gas exchange.The aim of the present study is to evaluate the establishment,multiplication,elongation and adventitious rooting of E.grandis × E.urophylla.Two clones(C1 and C2) and four active chlorine concentrations(0.000%,0.001%,0.003%,and 0.005%) were tested in the establishment and multiplication phases.Three sealing forms(W/M,1/M and 3/M) and the same four active chlorine concentrations were applied to the elongation phase.Two luminosities(dark and light)and three sealings(W/M,1/M and 3/M) were tested during adventitious rooting.Active chlorine concentration of0.005% led to the lowest fungal contamination rate and to the highest in vitro establishment.Active chlorine concentration of 0.003% resulted in the greatest length and highest number of shoots per explant in the multiplication phase.There were no phytotoxicity problems and the quality of plants grown in an environment with active chlorine was maintained in comparison with those grown in an autoclave.The increase in gas exchange in ventilation systems had a positive impact on the in vitro growth and development of plants.     

赤桉（Eucalyptus camaldulensis）

赤桉（Ｅｕｃａｌｙｐｔｕｓｃａｍａｌｄｕｌｅｎｓｉｓ）曾龄英（云南林业科学院昆明６５０２０４）赤桉是桉树中的一个重要树种，其用途最广泛，木材工业特性好，生长快，适应性强，是世界上干旱半干旱地区的主要造林树种，在适宜条件下产量很高。本文对赤桉作了全面介...     

Differentiation of Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Ten Provenances of Eucalyptus Microtheca

INTRODUCTIONEllca{opIusmicrolhccaF.MucII.(coolibal1)l1asawidegeographicrangemainly``-itl1intl1caridandscl11i-aridzonesofAustralia(Bola11dctal.l984).Tl1erangcoflatitlldeisl4-33Su-itl1analtitudinalrangeofJustabovesealeveIto7oom.Tl1crcislcssvariationincli-ma…     

谷桉(Eucalyptus smithii)

谷桉,澳大利亚俗称黑基杏仁桉,引进中国有的叫史密斯桉。在澳大利亚,天然分布于新南威尔士州南部和维多利亚洲东部的高地和悬崖上。分布纬度范围为南纬33.5°—37.75°;海拔500m;年降雨量750—1250mm,降雨量分布均匀,年中有3个月旱季。温度范围,最热月平均最高温度22°—28℃,最冷月平均最低温度2°—9℃,每年约有20天霜冻天气。谷桉在起源于玄武岩的肥沃土壤上可以长成巨树,高可达40-45m。多生长在冲积土和火山土上。谷桉的树冠浓密有光泽,树干下部为杏仁按类型树皮;即下部树皮纵深裂,粗糙;树皮黑色,树干上部和树枝为淡褐色,光滑,     

邓恩桉(Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden)

邓恩桉在分类上属桉树属的双蒴盖亚属(subgenus symphyomyrtus)、蓝桉组(section maidenaria)多枝桉系(series viminales),形态特征和柳桉、巨桉相似。邓恩桉的天然分布在澳大利亚新南威尔士州东北和昆士兰州东南的较小区域,目前在新南威尔士州的天然林面积约800hm2,数量已不足82 000株,在昆士兰州的面积和数量都更小。因为数量小,邓恩桉在澳大利亚已被看作濒危树种,其天然分布区大多被划入国家公园或保护区,被保护了起来。邓恩桉的树体中等偏大,在开阔的生长条件下,分树大而浓密。它的成熟植株可高达50m,树干通直,枝下高能达到30￣35m。作…     

Eucalyptus grandis plantations:effects of management on soil carbon,nutrient contents and yields

The expansion of fast-growing tree plantations is a worldwide process,with consequences on soil fertility and soil carbon storage.Disparate results were found on the effects of afforestation with Eucalyptus on soil carbon and other nutrient contents.These discrepancies are usually caused by differences in climate,land use history,soil texture as well as by management related factors such as plantation age,number of rotations,method of establishment(plantation or coppice),harvest residue management and soil preparation.We studied the effect of plantation age,number of rotations,and method of establishment on soils and plant nutrient concentrations in Eucalyptus grandis plantations in NE Argentina on different textured soils.We also determined if yields changed with nutrient variations in soils,and compared soils under plantations to soils under grasslands they replaced.Thirty-one E.grandis stands of different ages,number of rotations and method of establishment were evaluated as well as eight grassland sites.Levels of carbon,nitrogen,phosphorus,potassium,calcium and magnesium were determined for soils and plants.Soil carbon and nitrogen decreased over the number of rotations and were more pronounced in soils with 50-60%sand than soils with>75%sand.Coppice stands showed higher soil carbon and nitrogen levels than plantations,suggesting a negative effect of site preparation before planting on soil nutrient conservation,especially in fine-textured soils.Foliar nutrient concentrations did not follow the trends observed for soil nutrients nor did they reflect nutrient limitations.There was no evidence of decreased yields over successive rotations.Soil carbon and nitrogen contents decrease when grasslands are replaced by E.grandis plantations,and therefore a yield limitation may occur in a medium to long-term frame,especially in stands re-established for short-rotation management.Harvest residue management and site preparation must be specifically designed for improving soil nutrient management.     

Study on Growth and Genetic Gains of Different Families in Eucalyptus urophylla Second Generation Seed Orchards

A second-generation seedling seed orchard including 32 open-pollinated families of Eucalyptus urophylla was built at Gaoyao City, Guangdong Province to examine the genetic performance of the orchard, which were selected from the superior trees in an improvement seed orchard. Compared to the characteristics of height, DBH, individual volume, stem form, branch and blossom quantities among different families at 22 months. The results indicate that: (1) The most superior families in individual volume and blossom quantities include No. 11,8,40,27 and 2 families; (2) With the 50%-selected rate, the genetic gain of individual volume of the superior families from seed orchard was estimated to be 4.84%.     

Harvesting and extraction impacts on Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla coppicing potential and rotation-end volume in Zululand,South Africa

From the early 2000s there has been a general shift in South Africa in harvesting and extraction systems from the use of semi- to fully-mechanised systems. Any increase in mechanisation, as is occurring in Zululand, will need to take into consideration damage to stumps and the subsequent ability to regenerate by coppice. In 2002, four types of harvesting and extraction systems, arranged in a randomised complete block design, were used to clearfell a stand of E. grandis × E. urophylla. A motor-manual harvesting system was used to carry out the manual harvesting system (Man). The fully mechanised system (Mech) consisted of a single-grip harvesting head used with a tracked excavator to carry out all felling and processing operations. Two additional systems (Man_Mech_3W and Man_Mech_Flexi) had increased levels of mechanisation over that of the Man treatment. Both these harvesting systems made use of a Bell debarker, with loading carried out by a Bell three-wheeled loader in the Man_Mech_3W, and by a Flexiloader in the Man_Mech_Flexi treatments. Data collected from these four treatments were used to determine the effects of mechanised harvesting systems on type and severity of stump damage, coppicing potential and coppice growth over the rotation. Irrespective of harvesting system, more damage occurred to the top than bottom half of the stump, with a significant decrease in coppice regrowth with increasing stump damage. Most damage and least coppice regrowth occurred in the extraction rows where the damage recorded could be attributed to vehicle movement, tear-outs and/or log stripping. There was no significant difference between the harvesting systems in terms of stump mortality, final stem stocking and rotation-end volume. Thus, individual components within each harvesting system can have a larger impact than the overall harvesting system used. Future research should focus on these components, and where associated damage occurs for a specific component, this should be lessened through management intervention, training or technological improvements.