Cambial activity related to tree size in a mature silver-fir plantation.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Our knowledge about the influences of environmental factors on tree growth is principally based on the study of dominant trees. However, tree social status may influence intra-annual dynamics of growth, leading to differential responses to environmental conditions. The aim was to determine whether within-stand differences in stem diameters of trees belonging to different crown classes resulted from variations in the length of the growing period or in the rate of cell production.

Methods

Cambial activity was monitored weekly in 2006 for three crown classes in a 40-year-old silver-fir (Abies alba) plantation near Nancy (France). Timings, duration and rate of tracheid production were assessed from anatomical observations of the developing xylem.

Key resul

SUBMITTER: Rathgeber CB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3158687 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature