Influence of individual oak (Quercus robur) trees on saturated hydraulic conductivity

The influence of single trees on saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s) was investigated for six isolated oak trees (Quercus robur) growing on a Dystric Gleysol in an area of parkland in northwest England. The K_s was measured within the A soil horizon over a 0.10–0.25 m depth using a borehole permeameter.     

Modelling self-pruning and branch attributes for young Quercus robur L. and Fagus sylvatica L. trees

The aim of this study was to develop statistical models for first order branchiness in young planted forest stands of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and to give an ecological and silvicultural interpretation to these models. The reported models focus on the lower most-valuable stem part (i.e. until 6 m height), and cover different tree development classes to capture the development of branchiness over time. For each species 30 study plots were selected spread over two nearby forests in Flanders (northern Belgium), minimising site and genetic variability. Branches were counted on a total of 399 oak and 376 beech trees. On a subsample of 30 trees per species (one tree per plot), detailed non-destructive branch measurements were performed, yielding data for 555 oak and 438 beech branches. For both species, models for tree self-pruning (i.e. total branch number and dead branch portion), branch mortality and branch architecture (i.e. branch diameter and branch insertion angle) were built. A generalised linear mixed modelling approach was adopted. The models for total branch number and dead branch portion may be interpreted in terms of four processes contributing to self-pruning: (1) stand and tree development, (2) tree competitive status, (3) stand density and (4) site humidity. The reported models reveal similar self-pruning rates in oak and beech, but with different driving factors: early branch dying and slow shedding for oak and the other way around for beech. Mortality of individual branches is further determined by branch position and branch dimension. Branch diameter and branch insertion angle of both species are mainly related to branch cord length and relative branch position. All modelled effects are consistent with known ecological and ecophysiological processes. Silvicultural implications for stand establishment and early tree selection are discussed. The reported models can be used to fine-tune operational silvicultural choices for quality timber production. This is a first step towards the integration of branchiness models for oak and beech into forest growth simulators.     

Drought matters - Declining precipitation influences growth of Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus robur L. in north-eastern Germany

For north-eastern Germany regional climate models project rising temperatures in combination with decreasing summer and increasing winter precipitation. The resulting overall drier conditions during the growing season will considerably impact forest growth there. We evaluate the consequences of increasing drought on the growth of the two locally most important broadleaf tree species common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.). Three mixed forests of beech and oak were sampled along a west-east gradient of declining precipitation. In total we used 257 ring-width samples from 133 trees to build six species and site specific chronologies. Additionally, we modelled the soil water budget for each site. We performed continuous and discontinuous (pointer year) analysis of climate-tree-growth relationships with particular emphasis on inter-annual-variations and their dependence upon climatic factors (temperature, precipitation, soil moisture) and on the stability of the obtained relationships. Results of climate-growth correlations together with pointer year analysis indicate a strong dependency of growth of both species from water availability, especially during early summer (June and July). General correlation pattern between growth and climate are similar for both species, but climate sensitivity of beech is generally higher. We identified drought as the main driver of negative growth depressions in both species. Increasing drought stress along the gradient is expressed in higher correlations to climatic variables, higher sensitivity (variance) of growth, and a higher number of negative pointer years for both species. For beech we also found a significant trend of decreasing average growth rates along the gradient. Growth superiority of beech compared to oak declines with decreasing precipitation. The relationships were generally stable throughout the 20th century. A rise of sensitivity together with a higher frequency of negative pointer years during the last decades suggests that increasing climatic variability together with rising temperatures might be influencing growth of Fagus at the more humid sites. If we substitute space by time it seems that already small changes in precipitation regime can have considerable impact, especially on the growth of beech. Other, more drought tolerant species like oak might gain competitive advantages under the projected climatic changes.     

Coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia, susceptibility and response to goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus, injury in southern California

Oak mortality is often associated with a complex of decline factors. We describe the morphological and physiological responses of coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia Née, in California to an invasive insect, the goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), and evaluate drought as a potential inciting factor. Morphological traits of 356 trees were assessed and physiological traits of 70 of these were monitored intensively over one growing season. Morphological characteristics of tree health included crown thinning and dieback; bole staining resulting from larval feeding; density of GSOB adult exit holes; and holes caused by woodpecker feeding. These characteristics were used to rank GSOB infestation/injury into four classes, and taken together, they explained 87% of the variation in a principal component analysis. Drought stress on various size/age and infestation classes of Q. agrifolia was measured by assessing branchlet pre-dawn and solar noon xylem water potential, leaf cell turgor potential, and water use efficiency over one growing season. Both morphological and physiological traits were highly variable in mature and old growth trees. Early summer plant water status (branchlet xylem water potential and water use efficiency) was similar between uninfested and newly colonized trees, suggesting that GSOB are not pre-selecting drought-stressed Q. agrifolia for oviposition. By late summer, leaf water and cell turgor potentials were lower in infested than in uninfested mature trees, suggesting that GSOB infestation causes drought stress in these trees. Among the tree size/age classes, infested old growth trees exhibited the greatest change in water use efficiency over the growing season, and showed greater morphological injury symptoms of decline than infested mature trees. Morphological attributes of decline in Q. agrifolia associated with GSOB were correlated weakly with increasing physiological drought stress among infestation classes of trees. We propose that the collection of morphological responses of Q. agrifolia to GSOB described here can be used to monitor the future expansion of the GSOB distribution as well as the GSOB-induced decline of Q. agrifolia in California.     

Temperature sensitivity and recruitment dynamics of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) in northern Mongolia’s boreal forest

This study sought to clarify the recruitment dynamics and growth of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) in relation to changing temperatures in northern Mongolia. These tree species are the primary forest species found in the closed-canopy boreal forest of north-central Mongolia. Mongolia’s boreal forests exist along the southern terminus of the Siberian boreal system in both pure and mixed species stands. I collected tree cores and cross-sections as well as site and tree stature parameters from 118 forest plots in the Darhad valley of north-central Mongolia. Principle components analysis of 130 L. sibirica tree ring series informed the construction of two composite chronologies for this species. A chronology for P. obovata was developed using 24 tree ring series. Correlation analysis between tree ring indices and temperature data showed two distinct growth signals: a positive response to growing season temperatures was exhibited by one L. sibirica chronology and a negative response to spring temperatures was exhibited by a second L. sibirica chronology. The P. obovata chronology exhibited strong negative correlations with mean monthly and mean maximum monthly growing season temperatures. Multiple analyses of variance (MANOVA) indicated that tree stature (dbh, height) and site parameters (latitude, longitude, slope, aspect, elevation) did not significantly predict growth response or species. Forest recruitment events appear episodic for both species. Synchronous establishment of saplings, based on approximate root collar age, suggests an initial floristic model for mixed composition stands likely due to supra-annual variations of fire, land-use and climate. Forest management activities in the region should consider the diverging growth response to temperature shown here by prioritizing protection forests and the various ecosystem services provided by forests in arid ecosystems. In addition, promoting selection harvests over clear-felling would maximize future alternatives under conditions of rapidly changing climate. Care should be taken in new forest management planning activities until adequate information exists on the likely trajectory of this system due to climate-induced forest change.     

Leaf resorption efficiency and proficiency in a Quercus robur population following forest harvest

Nutrient resorption is an important mechanism for nutrient preservation in plants. Variations in nutrient availability can interfere with resorption-regulating mechanisms. Disturbances (such as forest harvest) leading to a loss of organic matter and nutrients in the soil could therefore determine important changes in resorption rates. This paper examines the effect of pine forest harvest on N and P resorption in young common oaks (Quercus robur) living under pine cover over a 4-year study period. The results obtained show a decrease in N-NH₄⁺ concentration in the soil in the 2 years following the forest harvest process. Forest harvest did not affect the edaphic concentration of NO₃⁻ and PO₄³⁻, which presented relatively low values in both areas. Foliar concentration of N was significantly lower in the areas affected by forest harvest, whereas the differences in the foliar concentration of P varied each year. The mean foliar N/P ratio was greater in the non-harvested areas, but showed possible limitation by P in both harvested and non-harvested sites.     

Establishment and growth of oak (Quercus alba, Quercus prinus) seedlings in burned and fire-excluded upland forests on the Cumberland Plateau

Recurrent problems with regeneration of oaks (Quercus spp.) have been documented across a wide range of ecosystems. In oak-dominated forests of the central and Appalachian hardwood regions of the United States, a lack of competitive oak regeneration has been tied, in part, to fire suppression in these landscapes, and managers throughout the region are using prescribed fire to address this concern. To examine fire effects on oak regeneration, researchers have generally relied on inventories or population studies of existing seedlings. These studies are valuable but do not permit examination of the role of fire in enhancing the establishment and growth of new oak seedlings stemming from oak mast events. In this study, white (Quercus alba) and chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) acorn mast crops serendipitously occurred in year three (fall 2005) of a landscape-scale prescribed fire experiment. We examined establishment, survival, height and diameter of new seedlings on sites on the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Kentucky. Treatments were fire exclusion, a single prescribed fire (1x-burn; 2003), and repeated prescribed fire (3x-burn; 2003, 2004, and after acorn drop in 2006), all conducted in late spring. Initial densities of newly established chestnut and white oak seedlings were statistically similar across treatments (P = 0.42), despite fires on the 3x-burn site having occurred after acorns were on the ground. Oak seedling density was significantly predicted by oak basal area on all sites (R² = 0.12–0.46), except for chestnut oak on fire-excluded sites (R² = 0.04). Litter depth was less on 3x-burn sites compared to 1x-burn and fire-excluded sites, whereas canopy openness was greater on both burn treatments compared to fire-excluded sites. Seedling mortality was generally higher on fire-excluded sites compared to burn sites, especially for white oak. Oak seedling mortality in the first two growing seasons was significantly predicted by initial litter depth and open sky, with greater litter depth and lower percent open sky leading to higher mortality. In the third growing season none of the measured variables predicted chestnut oak seedling survival; for white oak, percent open sky remained a significant predictor of mortality. Initially, seedlings on the fire-excluded sites had similar height but smaller diameter; after three growing seasons there were few differences in seedling height or diameter among treatments. Our findings suggest a potential role for prescribed fire in establishing forest floor and light conditions that may enhance the success of new oak germinants, although different responses among species may suggest the need to target management for individual oak species.     

Photosynthetic characteristics of Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur established for stand conversion from Picea abies

Efforts in Europe to convert Norway spruce (Picea abies) plantations to broadleaf or mixed broadleaf-conifer forests could be bolstered by an increased understanding of how artificial regeneration acclimates and functions under a range of Norway spruce stand conditions. We studied foliage characteristics and leaf-level photosynthesis on 7-year-old European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) regeneration established in open patches and shelterwoods of a partially harvested Norway spruce plantation in southwestern Sweden. Both species exhibited morphological plasticity at the leaf level by developing leaf blades in patches with an average mass per unit area (LMA) 54% greater than of those in shelterwoods, and at the plant level by maintaining a leaf area ratio (LAR) in shelterwoods that was 78% greater than in patches. However, we observed interspecific differences in photosynthetic capacity relative to spruce canopy openness. Photosynthetic capacity (A₁₆₀₀, net photosynthesis at a photosynthetic photon flux density of 1600 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) of beech in respect to the canopy gradient was best related to leaf mass, and declined substantially with increasing canopy openness primarily because leaf nitrogen (N) in this species decreased about 0.9 mg g⁻¹ with each 10% rise in canopy openness. In contrast, A₁₆₀₀ of oak showed a weak response to mass-based N, and furthermore the percentage of N remained constant in oak leaf tissues across the canopy gradient. Therefore, oak photosynthetic capacity along the canopy gradient was best related to leaf area, and increased as the spruce canopy thinned primarily because LMA rose 8.6 g m⁻² for each 10% increase in canopy openness. These findings support the premise that spruce stand structure regulates photosynthetic capacity of beech through processes that determine N status of this species; leaf N (mass basis) was greatest under relatively closed spruce canopies where leaves apparently acclimate by enhancing light harvesting mechanisms. Spruce stand structure regulates photosynthetic capacity of oak through processes that control LMA; LMA was greatest under open spruce canopies of high light availability where leaves apparently acclimate by enhancing CO₂ fixation mechanisms.     

Short distance pollen movement in a wind-pollinated tree, Quercus lobata (Fagaceae)

Short distance pollen dispersal shapes the local genetic structure of plant populations and determines the opportunity for genetic drift and local selection. In this paper we focus on short distance dispersal (SDD) of pollen in a low-density stand of a savannah oak, Quercus lobata Née. Specifically, we are interested in the proportional contributions of pollen donors, the pollen dispersal kernel that describes local matings, the extent to which wind influences mating success, and the extent to which pollen sources vary within the large canopy of these trees. Using maximum likelihood paternity analysis, we assigned sires for 474 outcrossed progeny of five seed trees, representing 120 of 160 potential mating pairs within a 250 m radius of each focal tree (ca. 20 ha plots). We first established that the effective number of pollen donors for progeny with sires within the plot was about 10 individuals, with average weighted pollination distances of 114.1 m. We estimated 18.5% pollen immigration into the 20 ha plots. We next established that the SDD portion of the dispersal kernel is best described by the exponential power, inverse power, and Weibull functions, all that capture high local dispersal with steep decay. Two of these models suggest that long distance dispersal is abundant, represented by a fat tail, while the Weibull indicates depauperate long distance dispersal, represented by a thin tail. The addition of a directional component corresponding to the predominant wind axis had no meaningful impact on these models. Finally, we established that different parts of an individual tree canopy of Q. lobata sample from the same homogeneous pollen pool showing no bias towards pollen sources near that part of the canopy. Overall findings suggest low-density Q. lobata populations show steep decay of SDD. Policies and ordinances governing the amount of allowable tree removal of savannah oak populations should recommend the preservation of local clusters of adults, as well as some connectivity among clusters.     

Detecting interspecific and geographic differentiation patterns in two interfertile oak species (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. and Q. robur L.) using small sets of microsatellite markers

Genetic analysis was carried out in order to provide insights into differentiation among populations of two interfertile oak species, Quercus petraea and Quercus robur. Gene flow between the two species, local adaptation and speciation processes in general, may leave differential molecular signatures across the genome. Three interspecific pairs of natural populations from three ecologically different regions, one in central Europe (SW Germany) and two in the Balkan Peninsula (Greece and Bulgaria) were sampled. Grouping of highly informative SSR loci was made according to the component of variation they express—interspecific or provenance specific. ‘Species’ and ‘provenance discriminant’ loci were characterized based on F_STs. Locus specific F_STs were tested for deviation from the neutral expectation both within and between species. Data were then treated separately in a Bayesian analysis of genetic structure. By using three ‘species discriminant’ loci, high membership probability to inferred species groups was achieved. On the other hand, analysis of genetic structure based on five ‘provenance discriminant’ loci was correlated with geographic region and revealed shared genetic variation between neighbouring Q. petraea and Q. robur. Small sets of highly variable nuclear SSRs were sufficient to discriminate, either between species or between provenances. Thus, an effective tool is provided for molecular identification of both species and provenances. Furthermore, data suggest that a combination of gene flow and natural selection forms these diversity patterns. ‘Species discriminant’ loci might represent genome regions affected by directional selection, which maintains species identity. ‘Provenance specific’ loci might represent genome regions with high interspecific gene flow and common adaptive patterns to local environmental factors.     

Oak (Quercus robur L.) regeneration in early successional woodlands grazed by wild ungulates in the absence of livestock

Wooded pastures grazed by livestock are believed to be landscapes that provide favourable conditions for spontaneous regeneration of oaks, including Quercus robur. A key mechanism for oak regeneration in these systems is ‘associational resistance’, spatial association with unpalatable plants which offer protection against herbivory. There is little knowledge on how oak regenerates without livestock grazing and in the presence of only wild large herbivores. We studied this in an area (114 ha) abandoned from agricultural use and in the early 1980s incorporated into the Bia?owie?a National Park, Poland. Its ungulate community consists of native red deer, European bison, roe deer, moose and wild boar. Secondary succession has led to the development of a mosaic habitat including tree and tall shrub groves (29% of the area), open meadow communities (60%), and edge, transitory zone between groves and meadows (11%). Our systematic inventory assigned oaks to height classes (0-0.2, 0.2-0.5, 0.5-1.3, 1.3-2.5, 2.5-5.0, >5.0 m), dichotomous shape characteristic (regular vs. “bonsai” sapling), as well as a habitat definition, in particular the characteristics of woody vegetation in the immediate surroundings of oaks. A selection of 17 oaks was subject to coring for the comparison of growth dynamics. Oak density was highest inside groves, with 504 oaks ha⁻¹, and in the edge zone (493 oaks ha⁻¹) and lowest in meadows (47 oaks ha⁻¹). Most of the 0-5-m oaks (62%) grew without another woody plant species within 1 m radius. The remaining oaks (38%) were associated mainly with Rubus idaeus and saplings of Carpinus betulus and Populus tremula - all highly ungulate-preferred species. The age (0.5 m above ground) of cored oaks in grove and edge habitats varied from 11 to 37 years, indicating continuous recruitment since agricultural abandonment. The initial growth dynamics of the more mature oaks did not differ from that of present “bonsais,” supporting the idea that browsing is not an unconditional impediment and that “bonsai” can be a temporary stage of successful oak development. In contrast to other studies, we found that associational resistance from unpalatable plants is not necessary to secure successful oak regeneration in woodlands subject to browsing by wild ungulates. This might have been possible because of the abundance of highly attractive vegetation making oak relatively unpreferred by ungulates. We suggest that the observed secondary succession provides a contemporary analogy of historic processes that resulted in the establishment of broadleaf forests with a substantial proportion of oak.     

Pinus pinaster Ait. tree mortality following wildfire in Spain

Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is the tree species most affected by wildfire in the Iberian Peninsula. Prediction of the probability of fire-injured tree mortality is critical for management of burned areas, evaluation of the ecological and economic impact of wildfire and prescribed fire planning and application. Pine bark beetles (Scolytidae) frequently attack burned maritime pine stands and cause extensive post-fire mortality throughout the Iberian Peninsula. In the present study, maritime pine trees were monitored for three years following 14 wildfires in four ecotypes in Spain (11 fires in Galicia (Galician ecotype - NW Spain), one fire in Portillo (Meseta-Castellana ecotype - Central Spain), one fire in Rodenal (Rodenal ecotype - Central Spain), and one fire in Genalguacil (Sierra Bermeja ecotype - SW Spain)). Data on tree attributes, crown and bole injury, ground fire severity, Ips sp. presence and tree survival were obtained by examining 3085 trees. Logistic regression models for predicting the probability of delayed maritime pine mortality were developed by use of generalized estimated equations (GEE). An ample range of response to fire damage in mortality was evident among the four ecotypes and different models were fitted for each. The most important variables for predicting tree mortality were total crown volume damaged, presence of Ips sp. attack and cambium kill rating. The results highlight the extensive presence of Ips sp. in burned maritime pine forests and its importance in tree mortality process, the ample range of response of P. pinaster, in terms of post-fire mortality, as well as the need to develop site specific mortality models for the different ecotypes of this species following fire.     

A spatial distribution model of cork oak (Quercus suber) in southwestern Spain: A suitable tool for reforestation

Cork oak (Quercus suber) is an evergreen tree characterized by a thick bark, which grows in Mediterranean schlerophyllous forests. It is most prevalent in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. Despite the potential of the province of Huelva (southwestern Spain) to maintain mature forests of cork oak, the tree has been severely depleted and most forests have either disappeared or are seriously threatened. This paper presents a spatial distribution model of cork oak for the province of Huelva with a view to determining the optimal areas for reforestation. The model draws on all available digital cartographic information with respect to cork oak distribution: topographic data (altitude, slope and orientation) were obtained from a Digital Terrain Model (20 m scale); rainfall, temperature and PET models were based on data collected from a network of meteorological stations; litologic data derive from the litologic map of Huelva (1:100,000). The result of this work is a mesh of points at a resolution of 100 m, sufficient to meet the needs of any kind of reforestation or management programmes in the area studied. Each point of this mesh contains the corresponding values for bioclimatic, topographic and litologic variables in a georeferenced data matrix. The independent variables responsible for cork oak distribution (binary dependent variables) were then identified by means of binary logistic regression analysis. North-facing slopes, abundant annual rainfall and litology were the main explaining variables. The spatial distribution model was produced by applying the formula obtained to spatial analysis software. This model is proposed as a basis for future reforestation plans, especially in those areas most affected by forest fires.     

Climate and groundwater effects on the establishment, growth and death of Prosopis caldenia trees in the Pampas (Argentina)

Semiarid woodlands dominated by Prosopis caldenia thrive at the dry edge of the Argentinean Pampas. Deforestation and increased precipitation have driven sustained water table level rise in the region that are likely to affect the dynamics of remnant woody vegetation patches. Here we analyze the effect of climate and groundwater level on the establishment, growth and death of P. caldenia located on lowland (current water table <0.5 m deep) and upland (current water table 8 m deep) positions within rolling sandy landscape. Standard dendrochronological techniques were applied on 98 cross sections and cores of P. caldenia trees. Results allowed us to estimated that trees in the lowland established a few years earlier than in the upland (1929 vs. 1936) and died between 1991 and 2002, while trees in higher positions are still alive. As a result of a faster growth in the lowland, maximum mean basal area increment took place earlier (1950s vs. 1990s) and achieved a higher mean value than in the upland (41.63 vs. 37.41 mm²). While mean annual chronologies were not associated across stands, an opposite highly significant association was found for the mean growth trends suggesting long-term effects of water table depths on growth. We found a different association between mean annual growth and climate, with lowland trees showing a negative response to precipitation before and during the growing season, and upland trees displaying a positive response to summer rainfall inputs. Temperature at the end of the growing season had a positive effect in the lowland whereas temperature during the growing season had a positive effect in the upland. These results show how groundwater can induce diverging sensitivity of forest growth and survival to climate variability, enhancing growth at optimum depths (2-8 m in our study) but depressing it or even killing trees when it approaches the surface (<2 m in our study). Groundwater dynamic should be considered in forest management and conservation strategies in semiarid woodlands in Central Argentina.     

Canopy disturbance and tree recruitment over two centuries in a managed longleaf pine landscape

Disturbance history was reconstructed across an 11300 ha managed longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) landscape in southwestern Georgia, USA. Our specific objectives were to: (i) determine forest age structure; (ii) reconstruct disturbance history through the relationship between canopy disturbance, tree recruitment and growth; and (iii) explore the relationship between canopy disturbance and climate. Age structure, canopy disturbance events and initial growth patterns at coring height were examined by randomly sampling 1260 trees in 70 1.3 ha plots. Principal component analysis was used to group plots with similar age structures to gain insight into the dynamics between canopy disturbance and recruitment. Disturbance events were detected by large and rapid increases in radial growth. We tested the following hypothesis to investigate whether these growth increases could have been triggered by improved climatic conditions: precipitation and drought are positively correlated to radial growth releases. Only four stands (comprising <6% of the study area) had an even-aged structure. Further, tree recruitment prior to European settlement indicates that longleaf pine naturally recruited into areas 1.3 ha or less, supporting early-20th century observations that the primary longleaf pine forest was uneven-aged. Contrary to our hypothesis, growing season precipitation and drought was significantly and negatively correlated with canopy disturbance (radial growth releases), which indicates that a reconstruction of disturbance history could proceed with some confidence. Most trees sampled were recruited at coring height from 1910 to 1935. Of the 67 canopy disturbances detected from 1910 to 1935, the average growth release ranged from 139 to 277% per half decade suggesting the occurrence of large canopy disturbances. Rapid initial growth patterns of young trees during these years show evidence of reduced overstory competition and support the detected disturbance intensity. Our reconstruction of stand dynamics is markedly similar to independent records of local oral and written history, which gives an additional set of evidence that the disturbance detection methodology used can be useful in open-canopied forests. Stands with multiple cohorts reveal a mix of continuous minor and major canopy disturbances leading to continual tree recruitment, suggesting their applicability as models for long-term forest management. The significant relationship between climate and disturbance in our data suggests that with the expected warming over the next 100 years, climatic impacts on stand dynamics should be incorporated into long-term longleaf pine forest restoration and management.     

Effect of natural root grafting on growth response of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) after commercial thinning

Commercial thinning is a silvicultural treatment used to increase the merchantable yield of residual trees. Growth response to thinning, however, is highly variable and discrepancies between studies remain largely unexplained. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effect of natural root grafting on growth response after thinning. We excavated root systems of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) in five naturally regenerated stands, in which three had been commercially thinned 6 and 9 years earlier. Radial growth before and after thinning was examined using dendrochronological techniques. Thinning increased radial growth of trees, however growth increments were significantly less for trees that had root grafts with removed trees, while growth of grafted trees was better in unthinned stands. Furthermore, radial growth response of trees grafted to removed trees was smaller than that of non-grafted trees 4 years and more post-thinning. On average, non-grafted stumps survived less than 1 year (0.4 year), while grafted stumps lived 2.0 years after the stem was removed. Differences in growth response to thinning between grafted and non-grafted trees thus appear to be linked to the support of roots and stumps of removed trees by live residual trees.     

Modeling heliotropic tree growth in hardwood tree species—A case study on Maesopsis eminii

There are many impacts during a tree's life that affect bole development. In Maesopsis eminii, a high-potential timber species in Uganda, studies have shown that the occurrence of strongly bent boles is the overwhelming reason that boles fail quality criteria. This observation is incongruous with the tree architecture model of Roux, which describes M. eminii as a tree with a strong apical dominance, meaning that it has a strong genetically based preference for vertical growth of the terminal sprout relative to side branches. As external causes for bent boles could be excluded, we demonstrate in this study the proof of heliotropic growth, i.e. an active bending towards light, for M. eminii beyond the sapling stage. We develop a model used to describe the effects of competition on bole quality using bole form parameters and basic information about the neighbouring trees, and without having to incorporate crown parameters. By means of calculated bole parameters and a mathematical equation to calculate the intensity and direction of competition, we prove the existence of a heliotropic growth reaction. However, we are not able to predict the intensity of this reaction. Finally, general silvicultural recommendations are discussed for tree species with strong heliotropic growth.     

Demography and management of two clonal oaks: Quercus eduardii and Q. potosina (Fagaceae) in central México

Quercus eduardii and Q. potosina are the most abundant tree species of the temperate forests of Sierra Fría, Aguascalientes, Mexico, in an area ranging between 2200 and 2600 m above see level. During the last century these clonal oaks were intensively exploited to obtain charcoal and firewood for local use; in addition, sections of the forest were transformed into grasslands for livestock. The effects of disturbance on the population dynamics of these species are poorly known. Therefore, a demographic study was carried out in order to: (a) evaluate the effects of disturbance on the population growth rate of these species; (b) assess the effects of inter-annual environmental variability on the long term population dynamics; (c) evaluate the relative importance of sexual reproduction and clonal propagation on population growth rate; (d) simulate the impact of different levels of tree harvesting on the population dynamics of these species, and (e) recommend a harvesting intensity, based on the information obtained above. Annual, mean and periodic matrices as well as stochastic simulations were used. These size-classified population matrix models also were employed to devise a schedule that maximizes the percentage of individual plants that can be harvested without affecting their population growth rates. For this reason specific entries of the matrices were modified to simulate different harvesting intensities. The study was carried out in two disturbed and two undisturbed sites during a 4-years period. Two plots were established inside each site; one plot was excluded from livestock and the other was left intact. Annual population growth rates were above or equal to unity in all sites, species and years, whereas mean, periodic and stochastic simulation matrix models showed no significant differences between species, years, sites or from unity, suggesting that logging and grazing did not have a negative effect on the population growth rate of these species. Both species produced clonal offspring during the 4 years of the study, but reproduced sexually only once, suggesting a masting reproduction. Elasticity analyses showed that the contribution of clonal propagation is more important than fecundity to the population growth rate of both species. Mean annual and periodic matrix models showed that extractions as low as 5% cause a population decline, while with stochastic simulations extractions of up to 5% are possible for both species; however, the environmental stochasticity will drive populations to local extinctions.     

Climate impacts on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) radial growth in a provenance experiment

A potentially confounding radial-growth interaction exists at the intersection of two well-known principles, one in the field of dendrochronology and the other in quantitative genetics. From a dendrochronology perspective, tree populations growing in climatically marginal environments are expected to be more sensitive to seasonal and annual climate than those growing in optimal climate zones. From a genetics perspective, marginal populations may be adapted to grow a small amount each year and then shut down to prevent climate-induced mortality, or they may be adapted to respond to favourable climate conditions when available. We examined the relative strength of these forces using data from 12 populations of 34-year-old lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) trees growing in 16 provenance-trial sites in western Canada. Growth generally correlated positively with annual temperature and negatively with summer aridity. The sensitivity of radial-growth to interannual climate fluctuations was both site and provenance-related, with the highest sensitivities occurring among populations from warm, central provenances growing at cold, marginal sites, and among populations from cold, marginal provenances growing at warm, central sites. The correlations between climate and growth varied regionally; notably, populations from warm provenances growing at warm sites responded more strongly to summer aridity, while populations from cold provenances growing at warm sites responded more to annual temperature. Our finding that sensitivity varied among populations growing under similar climate conditions indicates that sensitivity is influenced by genetics as well as by site climate, but the regional specificity of the growth responses did not support a single hypothesis for the influence of genetics on growth among populations from marginal vs. central locations. Implications of our study for forest productivity under climate change are more positive for trees growing in cool locations, where overall warmer temperatures will lead to increased growth, than in warm locations, where the negative effects of arid summers may counteract the positive effects of warmer annual temperatures.