Xylem Anomalies as Indicators of Maladaptation to Climate in Forest Trees: Implications for Assisted Migration.

ABSTRACT: Xylem anomalies that are caused by unusual climate events have long been used to aid cross-dating in tree ring research. Here, we analyzed a range of xylem anomalies in a 39-year-old common garden experiment of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) in central Alberta, Canada, designed to investigate local adaptation. We extracted wood cores from trees representing 24 provenances covering much of the species range across the Canadian boreal forest. Using a double stain and light microscopy analysis, four xylem anomalies and their causes could be distinguished: (1) frost rings indicate issues with synchronizing the onset of growth with the start of the growing season, and were prevalent in young trees; (2) light rings represent thin cell walls caused by an insufficient growing season len

SUBMITTER: Sebastian-Azcona J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7057245 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature