Effects of Shading on Shoot Morphology, Wood Production and Structure of Nothofagus procera Seedlings

Abstract

Four-year-old seedlings of Nothofagus procera were grown out of doors in pots while subjected to two levels of shading (medium and dense shades) and to full light. Shoot morphological and wood anatomical studies showed that growing N. procera in medium light, rather than in full light, can result in fewer leaves, but higher shoot growth, a greater amount of fibres, a wider wood growth increment and thicker fibre walls. Significant positive correlations were found between the rate of shoot extension and the rate of wood production. Conversely, significant negative correlations were obtained between fibre lumen diameter and fibre wall thickness. The significance of these findings is discussed.