Phenotypic variation among five provenances of Populus simonii in northern China

We investigated phenotypic variation of Populus simonii from five provenances in northern China. Our results show that significant differences exist between plants of different provenances in morphological and physiological traits, except for leaf-stalk length and the number of leaf margins. The coefficient of variation for all traits ranges from 14.77% to 81.49%. The mean phenotypic coefficient of differentiation (V ST ) is 47.1%, which means that the variation within provenances is the major source for phenotypic variation in P. simonii. Given our cluster analysis of provenances based on an average linkage computing method, the five provenances of P. simonii investigated could be divided into three groups. Our results provide a theoretical basis for genetic resource conservation and provenance selection of natural P. simonii in northern China.     

Can distribution of trees explain variation in nitrous oxide fluxes?

Abstract

The impact of distance to tree stems on nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes was examined to determine whether it is possible to improve the accuracy of flux estimates from boreal forest soils. Dark static chambers were placed along transects between pairs of trees within a Norway spruce stand and fluxes of N₂O and carbon dioxide (CO₂) were measured during the period 1999–2003. The groundwater table was measured on every sampling occasion along the transects. In addition, radiation transmission, potential diffusion rate and biomass of forest floor vegetation were measured once at each chamber site along one of the transects and soil samples were collected at three depths, from which pH, denitrification enzyme activity, soil moisture, organic matter, and carbon and nitrogen content were determined. There was a high level of variation in the N₂O fluxes, both spatially and temporally. However, the spatial variation in the N₂O fluxes within the transect could not be explained by differences in any of the measured variables. Sometimes, mainly when no major peaks occurred, N₂O fluxes were significantly correlated with CO₂ release. It is concluded that distance to stems cannot be used to improve the design of sampling schemes or for extrapolating flux levels to larger scales.     

Phenotypic variation in thirteen native provenances of Lespedeza bicolor Turcz

Lespedeza bicolor Turcz is a native shrub in the temperate region of China. Thirteen provenances of L. bicolor were inves-tigated in our study. Morphological diversity among and within provenances were analyzed based on 19 phenotypic traits, including seven vegetative growth characteristics, nine floral traits and three pod characteristics. The coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 6.4% to 65.4% and the phenotypic differentiation coefficient from 43.3% to 97.3%. Analyses of variance showed that there were extremely significant variations among and within provenances in pod length. Differences in plant height, inter-nodal length, number of branches, leaf width, leaf length and leaf area were not remarkable among provenance, but distinct within provenances. Other traits showed evidence of contrasts. Variation among provenances was the main part of phenotypic variation. Correlation analysis indicated that there were highly significant positive correlations between plant height and other vegetative growth characteristics. Floral traits were not associated with vegetative growth characteristics. The 13 provenances of L. bicolor investigated can be classi-fied into three groups according to a UPGMA cluster analysis.     

How much variation in tree mortality is predicted by soil and topography in Central Amazonia?

Tree mortality in Amazonia has been related to regional variation in soil, topography and climatic disturbances, but the magnitude of the effect of these factors on tree mortality at local and mesoscales remains poorly determined. We investigated tree mortality in 72 1-ha permanent plots spanning 64 km² of tropical moist forest in Reserva Ducke, Manaus, Brazil. Plots were censused three times (2000-2003, 2003-2005, and 2005-2008), resulting in two census intervals. The relationships of soil and topography to tree mortality were dependent on tree size. Small- and medium-sized trees (1 ? dbh < 30 cm) had similar relationships of mortality with soil and topography, while large trees (dbh ? 30 cm) showed different (or no) relationships. The effects of soil and topography on tree mortality also varied temporally. In the second census interval after storms, soil and topography explained about one-fourth of the spatial variation in mortality of small- and medium-sized trees (<30 cm dbh), whereas no effects were detected in the first census interval. In particular, soil fertility was the most important predictor of tree mortality in the study area. Topography alone (altitude and slope) was associated with only 12% of the spatial variation in tree mortality and the magnitude of the effect of soil and topography on tree mortality also increased after storms. In general, plots on more fertile soils, on steep slopes and sandy soils in valleys showed greater tree mortality than those on plateau with well-drained clayey soils. Therefore, disturbance history and tree size should be included when scaling up tree mortality from local to regional scales. As much variation remains unexplained, other landscape features, such as watershed morphology and wind exposure, may be necessary to make more precise predictions on patterns of tree mortality in Central Amazonia.     

Genetic variation and inheritance in a 9 × 9 diallel in silver birch (Betula pendula)

A complete diallel cross was made among nine Betula pendula trees growing in a natural population and a trial was planted on agricultural soil at one site. This exceptional trial has provided estimates of genetic parameters that can only be estimated in complete diallels. Traits measured were height and diameter during a period of 37 years, and assessments were made of bud burst, leaf abscission and rust infection at the early ages. All traits showed genetic variation and the variance components of general combining ability (GCA) effects were dominating, with heritability estimates of 0.16 and 0.23 for height and diameter at age six years. The best-growing families could be identified at that age. At age 37 years, when the trial had been thinned twice, the offspring from the highest and lowest ranked parent for growth contributed with 19% and 6% of the total volume of the stand, respectively. The GCA effects were also highly significant for the assessment traits, but with an interaction with year for bud burst. High values of estimates of genetic correlations proved that bud burst, leaf abscission and rust infection are interrelated, and also to some extent with growth traits. Families with an early bud burst were tallest, were less affected by the rust fungus and kept their leaves later in the autumn.     

Geographic variation and genetic performance of Picea koraiensis in growth and wood characteristics

Eight provenances of 19-year-oldPicea koraiensis Nakai from the provenance trials of Maoershan (45°20′N, 127°30′E), Liangshui (47°10′N, 128°53′E) and Jiagedaqi (50°24′N, 124°07′E) in Northeast China were investigated to analyze the genetic variation in growth characteristics (tree height and diameter) and wood characteristics (tracheid length, tracheid diameter, tracheid wall thickness, annual ring width as well as wood density). Great variation in height growth and breast height diameter growth was observed among the provenances, and along with the increase of tree age, these provenances presented different geographic adaptability. The growth characteristics ofPicea koraiensis stand at age of 10 in Maoershan and Liangshui provenance trials had a positive correlation with longitude, and with increase of tree age to 15 and 19, the tree growth of the provenances displayed a significant positive correlation with latitude as well as altitude. For wood characteristics, great variation was also found among the provenances. There exists a close relation between growth characteristics and wood properties of the provenance. The height and breast height diameter growth of the provenance had a positive correlation with tracheid diameter and annual ring width, and a negative correlation with tracheid wall thickness and wood density. Genetic performance of the provenance in all above characteristics was also investigated in order to provide more useful information for comprehensive selection of this species for pulpwood and plywood production. Foundation item: The paper was supported by National Key Project of The State Forestry Administration. (96-011-01-06) Biography: WANG Qiu-yu (1957-), female, professor in College of Life Sciences, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Vertical and seasonal variation in the δ¹³C of leaf-respired CO₂ in a mixed conifer forest

The C-isotopic composition (δ13C) of leaf respiration (δ(LR)) has previously been shown to vary among functional groups, plant organs and times of day. We here investigated vertical and seasonal variation in δ(LR) through deep (~35 m) forest canopies. We measured δ(LR), δ13C of leaf bulk organic matter (δ(LB)), specific leaf area, net photosynthesis (A) and dark respiration in shade, middle and sun foliage in four conifer species from May to August. We used Keeling plots to estimate δ(LR); we developed a novel technique for ensuring that the respiratory substrate was not changing over the course of the measurement. Variables δ(LR) and δ(LB) displayed a vertical pattern in Abies grandis, Pseudotsuga menziesii and Thuja plicata, but were independent of canopy position in Larix occidentalis. Vertical gradients in δ(LB) (3.6‰) and δ(LR) (2.8‰) were similar. The respiratory enrichment (δ(LR)-δ(LB)) was smaller in expanding (3‰) than mature (4-8‰) foliage. There was a linear relationship between the respiratory enrichment and A. Our data support the hypothesis that δ(LR) values are related to patterns of C allocation among metabolic pathways. We demonstrated that considerable variation in δ(LR) occurs vertically through the canopy (3‰ gradient) and seasonally (3-7‰). Understanding sources of variation in respiratory signals is fundamental to comprehending C dynamics and for global model applications.     

Clonal variation in growth,PSⅡ photochemical activity and polar metabolites in Pinus elliottii × P.caribaea

Pinus elliottii × P.caribaea is a widely planted commercial tree hybrid in South China.To investigate the potential of physiological parameters for clonal selection,cuttings of three clones (EH3,EH4 and EH5) and a control were grown in phosphorus treated pots.Significant vari-ations to phosphorous,photosystem Ⅱ activity and polar metabolite abundance in needles were noted among clones.Clone EH5 was the most P-responsive and had maximum height growth.The highest maximum quantum yield of PSⅡin the dark (Fv/Fm),maximum quantum yield of PSⅡ in the light (Fv'/Fm') and the actual PSⅡ efficiency (φPSⅡ) values were also found in EH5.A total of 64 polar metabolites were identified,21 were regulated by phosphorous,while 28 accumulated differentially among the three clones.There were few overlapping responsive metabolites to phosphorous fertilization.In EH5,the abundance of maltotriitol,neohes-peridin and raffinose were highest,whereas galactinol and shikimic acid were lower compared with EH3 and EH4.The results reveal that physiological traits were genetically con-trolled and might be useful for selecting clones with high phosphorous utilization efficiency.     

Genetic and morphological variation in natural teak （Tectona grandis） populations of the Western Ghats in Southern India

Teak(Tectona grandis L.f.) is a popular hardwood species native to South and South-East Asia. The possible association of amplified fragment length polymorphism(AFLP) marker with morphological variables of eleven important characters viz. girth at breast height(GBH), height of tree, bole height, branch knots, presence of fluting, spiral stem, leaf hair, leaf length/breadth ratio, branching pattern, bark colour and petiole shape for nine natural populations comprising 180 genotypes of teak(9 populations × 20 trees). The phenogram constructed using Euclidean distances for the eleven morphological characters showed that the populations were not grouped according to their geographical origin. The Mantel's test for pairwise correlation between Euclidean distances of different morphological variables and genetic distances from AFLP data revealed that only petiole character(r =0.269; p =0.046) and height of tree(r =0.200; p =0.001) were significantly correlated with that of AFLP data matrix. The nine populations in this study covered a geographic area of about 1000 km stretch along the Western Ghat of South India. A test of correlation between genetic and geographic distance matrices revealed a significant positive correlation(r =0.475; p =0.009). The lack of perfect congruence between morphological and molecular data except for geographic distance, tree height and petiole character suggested that the morphological system might be useful for the morphotypes management but not appropriate to study the genetic structure of the teak populations.     

Geographical variation in age–height relationships for dominant trees in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) forests in Japan

In this study, we analyzed Japanese National Forest Inventory data to investigate the geographical variation in the relationship between tree height and age for dominant trees, and the effects of climatic conditions on these relationships. Our analysis focused on Cryptomeria japonica forests in 13 regions of Japan. The age–height relationships were classified into two regional groups that were distinguished by their climatic conditions. Several categories of climatic variables (warmth, solar radiation, precipitation, and snow depth) were significantly correlated with the parameters of a model for the age–height relationships. Our results also suggest the existence of a latitudinal cline for the maximum tree height of C. japonica in Japan. In regions with cold temperatures, deep snow, low solar radiation, and low summer precipitation, C. japonica shows a late-maturity pattern for height increase, with slow initial growth and a large maximum size. In regions with the opposite climatic conditions, it shows an early-maturity pattern with fast initial growth and small maximum size.     

Within‐population variation in autumn frost hardiness and its relationship to bud‐set and height growth in Picea abies

Artificial freezing tests were performed with two sets of 12 full‐sib families of Picea abies. Each set was selected from a complete diallel cross performed within a natural population. Significant differences in autumn frost hardiness were observed between the two populations, which originate from the same altitude and longitude approximately 60 km apart. Substantial variation in frost hardiness was observed within both populations. Significant pheno‐typic correlations at the individual level were found between freezing injury and the two traits terminal bud‐set and height growth year one. However, no significant relationships were present between freezing injury and bud‐set at the family level, indicating that bud‐set cannot be used to predict autumn frost hardiness for families.     

Seasonal variation of selected trace elements in rare endemic species Thuriferous Juniper growing in the Aurès Mountains of Algeria

We used energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence(EDXRF) to determine the seasonal variation of selected trace elements(Cr, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se and Fe) and some potential toxic elements(Cd, Pb and Br) in Juniperus thurifera subsp. africana Maire(Cupressaceae) a rare medicinal tree, growing indigenously in Aure`s Mountains of Algeria. The precision of the results was assessed by analyzing the certified reference material IPE44(WEPAL)grass leaves. Results showed J. thurifera was characterized by high Cr and Mn contents. During autumn and winter mineral concentrations were higher in general. The levels of Cr, Se and Mn were higher during autumn and winter than during spring and summer. Zn contents were higher during summer than in other seasons. Cu content did not vary by season. The potential toxic elements in J. thurifera(Pb [ Cd [ Br) were below the permissible limits recommended by the Joint WHO/FAO guidelines except for Pb in autumn and winter.     

Patterns of variation in chemical compositions of wood from natural populations of Pinus manssoniana Lamb. in Guizhou Province, China

Patterns of variation in the chemical composition of wood,i.e.,holocellulose,cellulose and lignin contents and 1%NaOH extractives were studied in 12 natural populations of Pinus manssoniana Lamb.in Guizhou Province,China,using wood cores as experiment material.The results show statistically significant differences among provenances in holocellulose,cellulose and 1% NaOH extractive contents.The largest coefficient of variation among the provenances was found in the 1%NaOH extractive content and the smallest in the holocellulose content.Variation of lignin content occurred within provenances.Correlations between chemical compositions of wood and factors of local geography and meteorology were largely insignificant.The chemical composition of wood presented patterns of random variation.The correlation of 1%NaOH extractive content with holocellulose content was significant(r=?0.68).There was also significantly negative correlation(r=0.62)between cellulose and lignin content.On the basis of a UPGMA cluster analysis,we identified three provenances of masson pine among the 12 studied,i.e.,those of Wengan,Tongzi and Luodian with high cellulose contents,low levels of 1%NaOH extractive and moderate lignin contents,which we recommend as promising provenances for growing of pulp wood and the manufacture of paper in Guizhou Province     

Growing stock variation in different teak （Tectona grandis） forest stands of Mizoram,India

The growing stock assessment of three different teak forest stands （Tuirial： 500 m asl, Sairang： 200 m asl and Phunchawng： 550 m asl） was done in 2006 in Mizoram, India. Five diameter classes were arbitrarily established for knowing the volume attribute data and population structure, viz. a （10-20 cm）, b （20-30 cm）, c （30-40 cm）, d （40-50 cm）, and e （50-60 cm）. Results revealed that the density of the individuals among the studied stands varied from 280 stems/ha to 620 stems/ha. The average diameter of all the individuals ranged between 27.48 cm and 35.43 cm. Similarly, the average height was oscillated between 17.87 m and 22.24 m. The total basal area was recorded between 24.28 m2.ha-1 and 45.80 m2.ha＂l. The maximum and minimum values of total growing stock under all the diameter classes were 669.01 m3.ha-1 and 284.7 m3.ha-1, respectively. The representation of population structure of different stands explained that the perpetuation of this species was ensured for a quite long time.     

Seasonal variation of paulownia witches’-broom phytoplasma in paulownia trees and distribution of the disease in the Tohoku district of Japan

Seasonal variation of paulownia witches’-broom (PWB) phytoplasma within different organs (leaves, branch and trunk bark and roots) in paulownia trees was investigated by the amplification of a PWB-specific DNA fragment by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In leaf samples, PWB phytoplasma was first detected in June and the incidence gradually increased. On the other hand, the PWB was detected at relatively low incidence in branch bark, trunk bark and roots and the incidence did not change among seasons. A survey of PWB in 27 fields in the Tohoku district of Japan showed that malformed flower buds were observed in paulownia trees in almost all of the fields. PWB-phytoplasma was also detected by PCR from paulownia trees in almost all of the fields in Iwate and Fukushima Prefectures. The frequencies of trees in which phytoplasma was detected by PCR were higher than those in which symptoms were observed. These results indicated that PCR amplification of a PWB-specific DNA fragment is an effective tool for practical diagnose and that PWB is widely distributed in the Tohoku district of Japan.     

Genetic variation,heritability and expected gain of height in Picea abies in 7 to 9‐year‐old clonal tests

Clonal material propagated as cuttings and control seedling lots of Norway spruce (P. abies [L.] Karst.) were compared in two series of clonal tests. Variance components, heritability and expected genetic gain were calculated for height based on measurements carried out in the tests at the age of seven and nine years. The mean heights of the clones were significantly higher than those of the controls in one of the test series, but there was no significant difference between these two groups in the other series. The variance due to clone sources was significant in both test series and accounted for 10 to 19% of the total variation. Broad sense heritabilities were 0.21 ± 0.05 and 0.23 ± 0.02 on the individual level and 0.75 ± 0.06 and 0.78 ± 0.02 on the basis of the clone mean for the respective series. Theoretical genetic gains were calculated based on the assumption that the tallest 10% of the clones would be selected and propagated for reforestation purposes. The expected gain in height was 13.1 and 19.1% in these test series. Utilization of this gain is, however, difficult due to the ageing of the clones.     

Effects of adding water on seasonal variation of soil nitrogen availability under sandy grasslands in semi-arid region

Water is usally thought of a limiting factor for the restoration of semi-arid ecosystem. In the growing season of 2006, a study was conducted to determine the effects of modeling precipitation on seasonal patterns in concentrations of soil-available nitrogen and to describe the seasonal patterns in soil nitrogen availability and seasonal variation in the rates of net nitrogen mineralization of topsoil at Daqinggou ecological station in Keerqin sand lands, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Manipulation of water （80 mm） was designed to be added to experiment plots of sandy grasslands in dry season. Water addition （W） treatment and control （CK） treatment were separately taken in six replications and randomly assigned in 12 plots （4 m×4 m for each） with 2-m buffers betweens. Results showed that the content of soil inorganic nitrogen and net nitrogen mineralization rate were not affected by adding water in sandy grassland of Keerqin sand lands. Net ni- trogen mineralization rates ranged from 0.5μg·g^-1,month^-1 to 4 μg.g^-1.month^-1. The highest values of soil inorganic nitrogen and net nitrogen mineralization occurred on October 15 in control plots. The seasonal changes of soil inorganic nitrogen contents exhibited ＂V＂ shape pattern that was related to seasonal patterns of soil ammonium-N （ascending trend） and nitrate-N transformation （descending trend）.     

Does canopy mean nitrogen concentration explain variation in canopy light use efficiency across 14 contrasting forest sites?

The maximum light use efficiency (LUE?=?gross primary production (GPP)/absorbed photosynthetic photon flux density (aPPFD)) of plant canopies has been reported to vary spatially and some of this variation has previously been attributed to plant species differences. The canopy nitrogen concentration [N] can potentially explain some of this spatial variation. However, the current paradigm of the N-effect on photosynthesis is largely based on the relationship between photosynthetic capacity (A(max)) and [N], i.e., the effects of [N] on photosynthesis rates appear under high PPFD. A maximum LUE-[N] relationship, if it existed, would influence photosynthesis in the whole range of PPFD. We estimated maximum LUE for 14 eddy-covariance forest sites, examined its [N] dependency and investigated how the [N]-maximum LUE dependency could be incorporated into a GPP model. In the model, maximum LUE corresponds to LUE under optimal environmental conditions before light saturation takes place (the slope of GPP vs. PPFD under low PPFD). Maximum LUE was higher in deciduous/mixed than in coniferous sites, and correlated significantly with canopy mean [N]. Correlations between maximum LUE and canopy [N] existed regardless of daily PPFD, although we expected the correlation to disappear under low PPFD when LUE was also highest. Despite these correlations, including [N] in the model of GPP only marginally decreased the root mean squared error. Our results suggest that maximum LUE correlates linearly with canopy [N], but that a larger body of data is required before we can include this relationship into a GPP model. Gross primary production will therefore positively correlate with [N] already at low PPFD, and not only at high PPFD as is suggested by the prevailing paradigm of leaf-level A(max)-[N] relationships. This finding has consequences for modelling GPP driven by temporal changes or spatial variation in canopy [N].