An architectural analysis of Shepherdia canadensis and Shepherdia argentea: patterns of shoot development

Abstract

In the context of an architectural analysis, the seasonal pattern of shoot development of Shepherdia canadensis and S. argentea (Elaeagnaceae) was examined. In both species floral bud burst was the first outward manifestation of seasonal activity. Vegetative shoots of S. canadensis expanded 3 – 5 pairs of preformed leaves during a period of 9 – 10 weeks. There was no pattern of internodal length that identified annual increments. In S. argentea, 6 – 18 pairs of leaves expanded during a period of 15 – 17 weeks, the variation being related to the extent of neoformation. There was a distinct pattern of internodal length, with a maximum in midseason, so that annual increments could be recognized subsequently. Lateral buds in S. canadensis expanded only proleptically as either short shoots or long shoots. Most had declining growth rates in the subsequent year and within 5 to 7 years had undergone abscission. In S. argentea. lateral buds expanded both sylleptically and proleptically as short shoots, long shoots, or thorns. The distribution pattern of these lateral types was related to the vigour of parent shoot growth. Some abscission of short shoots was noted. For each species a stochastic flow chart of shoot development was prepared and a computer program incorporating actual data was written that simulated shoot development for up to four generations of growth. Comparison of the two species indicates that S. argentea is more plastic in response to environmental conditions.