FTIR spectroscopy of early and latewood of Larix gmelinii growing along the polar treeline: the correlation between absorption bands and climatic factors

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of FTIR spectroscopy of the 1988–1998 annual ring early and latewood of Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr.) found along the polar treeline (Taimyr Peninsula, 70°52′53″ N, 102°58′26″ E). We analyzed samples of early and latewood to identify absorption bands of groups of wood components, as well as the bands that characterized the interactions among the components. We studied bound water spectral characteristics for wood formed in different years. An analysis of the correlation between the values of spectral absorption bands and mean monthly air temperature and precipitation showed that May-August weather had the greatest influence on the synthesis of the main polymeric components of early and latewood. Air temperature had a considerable effect on polymer composition of cell walls forming in early and latewood, whereas precipitation influenced only earlywood. FTIR spectroscopy is a promising tool to develop information on the biochemical composition of the walls of early and late tracheids of annual rings and on weather and climate influences on cell wall synthesis.