The Impact of Light Availability on the Functional Traits of Quercus Robur L. and Acer Platanoides L. First-Year Seedlings by Direct and Indirect Methods.

ABSTRACT: The resource strategy of seedlings is an important aspect for understanding the adaptation of trees at this ontogenetic phase to abiotic changes. In this study, we sought to determine the patterns of response of functional traits of a shade-tolerant (Acer platanoides) and a shade-intolerant (Quercus robur) species along natural environmental light gradients. We conducted trait-based analyses at both individual and community levels using direct (leaf area index [LAI] and diffuse noninterceptance [DIFN]) and indirect (light coefficient, derived from Ellenberg values [LC]) methods in the Arboretum at Kórnik (Poland). Differences between the two species were found for some variables. Analysis of phenotypic plasticity indices of leaf, stem, and root traits of seedlings had high values ​​for bot

SUBMITTER: Blinkova O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12690478 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature