Fertilization of lodgepole pine trees increased diameter growth but reduced root carbohydrate concentrations

Abstract

Tree growth variables and more complex derived variables such as vigor index have all been linked to the ability of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var latifolia) trees to defend against insect herbivores, particularly mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, Coleoptera: Curculionidae). These variables are considered indirect measures of carbohydrate reserves. Trees with high vigor index values have high growth rates and are assumed to have high carbohydrate reserves. However, this critical assumption was untested for lodgepole pine. In this paper we evaluated the relationship between carbohydrate concentration and tree characteristics. We measured concentrations of root starch in 10 pure lodgepole pine stands of different ages in the Canadian Rockies which had been fertilized, thinned, fertilized and thinned or left untreated in a 2×2 factorial design. Both fertilization and thinning increased basal area increment while only fertilization increased lateral branch growth in the crown. Contrary to expectations, fertilization decreased root starch reserves although it increased basal area increment; thinning had no effect on root carbohydrates. Root starch reserves were positively related to basal area increment and vigor index in both fertilized and unfertilized plots, however, the best predictors of starch reserves were height-to-live-crown and cambial surface area below the live crown; starch reserves declined as both of these variables increased. These data suggest that large carbon sinks associated with long boles below the crown, and rapid growth of the crown and stem as a result of fertilization are detrimental to building starch reserves in the roots.