Site conditions and functional traits affect regeneration dynamics of European  hornbeam ( Carpinus betulus  L.) in forest canopy gaps

Ágnes CSISZÁR,Éva SALAMON-ALBERT,Dénes BARTHA

doi:10.3906/bot-1806-44

Abstract

Site conditions and functional traits affect regeneration dynamics of European hornbeam ( Carpinus betulus L.) in forest canopy gaps

Highlights

European hornbeam is a temperate, middle–late successional species with continuous shoot development
Plant responses in the canopy gaps We studied the relationships between plant response parameters in the experimental canopy gaps, including hornbeam abundance, nutrient content of the leaves, and gas exchange functions (Table 3)
We found that the overall functional leaf phenology in European hornbeam was not consistent under different canopy gap environments

Summary

Introduction

European hornbeam is a temperate, middle–late successional species with continuous shoot development. Ecological studies have focused on temperature and water stress responses of the species; carbon exchange and water use efficiency in particular. Leaf development is positively correlated with air temperature and earlier leaf emergence in stands is reported at low elevation, resulting in higher relative leaf weight and more expanded leaf blade (Vitasse et al, 2009; Paridari et al, 2013). Comparing water relations of deciduous tree species, the daily water flux and water storage function of hornbeam are medium to low (Köcher et al, 2013). With regard to the temporal pattern of carbon allocation, the species is characterized

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