Dendroecological Potential of Juniperus deppeana in Northern Mexico

Abstract

The species Juniperus deppeana is widely distributed throughout the Sierra Madre Occidental, northern Mexico, and no studies have been conducted to determine its dendroclimatic potential. This study in intended to answer the following questions. Is it possible to date annual growth of J. deppeana and develop tree-ring series? What is the most important climate variable that limits its growth? Do its growth rings have the potential to reconstruct climatic variables? A total of 31 cross-sections were collected, 84% from standing dead trees and stumps and 16% from live trees. The samples were dated based on standard dendrochronological techniques. Of the samples collected (25 cross-sections), 80% were dated giving a total of 51 growth series. Significant correlation (r = 0.51, p < 0.01) among series was determined. Chronologies of the total ring width, earlywood, and latewood were generated for a period of 223 years (1793–2015). The chronologies of total ring width and earlywood constitute an excellent proxy for reconstructing the variability of yearly and seasonal precipitation (January–July, r = 0.56; p < 0.01). Moreover, high temperatures from January through April showed greater relation with the ring width (r = − 0.38; p < 0.01). Ring growth of J. deppeana possesses the quality to be used as an indirect source for reconstruction of climatic variability and ecological studies in northern Mexico.