Publication
Title
Timing of spring xylogenesis in temperate deciduous tree species relates to tree growth characteristics and previous autumn phenology
Author
Abstract
We explored the timing of spring xylogenesis and its potential drivers in homogeneous mature forest stands in a temperate European region. Three species with contrasting leaf development dynamics and wood anatomy were studied: European beech, silver birch and pedunculate oak. Detailed phenological observations of xylogenesis and leaf phenology were performed from summer 2017 until spring 2018. Cambium reactivation (CR) occurred before the buds of oak and birch were swollen, whereas these two phenological phases were concurrent for beech. On the other hand, initial earlywood vessels were fully differentiated (FDIEV) after leaf unfolding for all three species. Timing of CR was correlated to average ring-width of the last 10 years (2008–17), tree diameter and, partially, with tree age. In addition, the timing of FDIEV was correlated to tree age and previous year’s autumn phenology, i.e., timing of wood growth cessation and onset of leaf senescence. Multivariate models could explain up to 68% of the variability of CR and 55% of the variability of FDIEV. In addition to the ‘species’ factor, the variability could be explained by ca 30% by tree characteristics and previous year’s autumn phenology for both CR and FDIEV. These findings are important to better identify which factors (other than environment) can be driving the onset of the growing season, and highlight the influence of tree growth characteristics and previous year’s phenology on spring wood phenology, wood formation and, potentially, forest production.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Tree physiology. - Victoria
Publication
Victoria : 2021
ISSN
0829-318X
DOI
10.1093/TREEPHYS/TPAA171
Volume/pages
41 :7 (2021) , p. 1161-1170
ISI
000710988700005
Pubmed ID
33367844
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 26.08.2021
Last edited 06.01.2025
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