Abstract
Abstract This study assessed whether allometric scaling applied to pit sizes in stems of Douglas fir. Pit and pit aperture diameters were measured in xylem from stems of four plantation-grown Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) trees from each of two different sites in Denmark. One site had fertile soil, the other had poor soil fertility. Three different heights were accessed for each tree, and 40 pits were measured per height. Results showed that pit diameter varied between 17 and 24 μm and decreased significantly with increasing height above ground. Representing the position in the tree as a power function of distance from the top of the tree (L0.2) rather than the height above ground improved the model fit for pit diameter as expressed by the R2 value. However, the pit diameter relationship was found to be significantly affected by site, suggesting that anatomic dimensions relate not only to tree size but also to growth conditions. This would imply that even though pit size supposedly has a strong biophysical determination, some xylem plasticity may still be induced by environmental factors.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.