Pinus Densiflora Research Articles

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emissions and physiological changes in Pinus densiflora and Quercus acutissima seedlings under elevated particulate matter (PM)

Urban trees effectively reduce air pollution, including particulate matter (PM), which is a major concern in East Asia. While acting as biofilters, urban trees can be affected by PM exposure, which hinders their growth and physiological functions, thereby reducing their pollution mitigation ability. Trees absorb pollutants but also emit biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), which can act as precursors to other forms of air pollution. To better understand the effects of PM on urban trees, this study examined how two tree species, Pinus densiflora and Quercus acutissima, respond to elevated PM levels under controlled conditions at a concentration of 300 μg m−3. The aim was to investigate how increased PM levels affect BVOCs emissions and physiological responses in seedlings, and how these physiological changes influence BVOCs emission pattern. The results revealed species-specific responses in BVOCs emissions under PM stress with being especially oxygenated monoterpenes more than non‑oxygenated monoterpenes. Increased PM adsorption was found to reduce photosynthetic abilities, including photosynthesis (Anet), carboxylation capacity (Vcmax), and electron transport rate (J). This reduction in photosynthetic efficiency was further evidenced by decreased chlorophyll content and light absorption, which were assessed through chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Additionally, the study evaluated oxidative stress indicators, such as lipid peroxidation and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), to provide a comprehensive understanding of the species' responses to elevated PM conditions. The study found that elevated PM conditions were closely linked to an increase in oxygenated monoterpenes, which was associated with both oxidative stress and impaired physiological function. These observations emphasize the need for strategic urban tree selection to enhance air quality and suggest that understanding species-specific BVOCs emissions in response to PM is crucial for optimizing urban green spaces for health and environmental benefits.

Understanding the home range characteristics of the first naturally bred pair of crested ibis(Nipponia nippon) released into the natural habitat

BackgroundThe crested ibis, a species that relies on wetland ecosystems for survival, was once found throughout East Asia but has declined to near extinction in Korea, Russia, and Japan, except China. Artificial propagation of seven individuals found in Yangxian, Shaanxi Province, China has resulted in a stable population. Furthermore, South Korea and Japan are working on restoring populations through donations from China. Artificial propagation began in 2008, and in 2019, 40 individuals born between 2014 and 2018 were released into the natural habitat for the first time. We conducted this study to analyze the habitat environment, home range, and habitat usage patterns of a 2016-born male and a 2017-born female who attempted to reproduce naturally for the first time.ResultsAfter forming a breeding pair on April 3, 2020, the pair made two breeding attempts, built a nest in Pinus densiflora, and succeeded in hatching the chicks, but failed to raise them. The home range analysis showed that the area was 1.777–2.425 km² for MCP 100%, and 0.347–2.085 km² for 95% KDE. Meanwhile, the core habitat ranged from 0.007 to 0.296 km² (KDE 50%), indicating differences depending on the time of year and the individual being studied. Breeding pairs were estimated to spend over 50% of their recorded occurrences within 50 m during nesting for incubation, resting, and other activities. They mainly used in paddy fields, but from April to June, when onions and garlic were growing, they searched for food in fields, cemeteries, reservoirs, and other areas.ConclusionBreeding pairs have increasingly become more active near the nest, and Changnyeong-gun, where they were released, has large agricultural land suitable for crested ibis habitat. However, there is a problem that during the breeding season from April to June, most paddy fields are maintained as garlic and onion fields, which are then converted back for rice cultivation from May to June through double-cropping. Accordingly, for stable laying and rearing, it is necessary to contemplate how to maintain rice paddies, which serve as feeding grounds in the core habitats.

High Variability in Urban Tree Growth: Necessity of Size-Dependent Estimation with Emphasis on Large-Diameter Trees

The national level carbon sequestration estimation for urban trees generally relies on diameter at breast height (DBH) increments. However, limited research on urban tree growth has led to uncertain estimates. In this study, we determined the DBH increment of six major urban tree species in South Korea using three analytical methods (mean, linear regression, and generalized additive model) and two data classifications (total and segmented). Additionally, wedeterminded the aboveground woody biomass (AGWB) increment, which was calculated using the estimated DBH increment, and the accuracy of the estimates using different methods. We found wide variations in DBH increment (0.616 to 1.002 cm yr−1) among the assessed tree species. Metasequoia glyptostroboides exhibited the highest mean growth, while Pinus densiflora showed the lowest. The peak DBH increment occurred at a median of 25.4 cm for Quercus spp. and 40.0 cm for Prunus yedoensis. The total mean method led to overestimations of AGWB increment, especially for the largest trees (i.e., those in the top 5% of DBH). Our study suggests that relying on a simple total mean method can lead to significant uncertainties in estimating AGWB increment. Therefore, more accurate methods for estimating DBH increment, especially in urban environments, are needed.

Pinus densiflora Root Extract Attenuates Osteoarthritis Progression by Inhibiting Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in Interleukin-1β and Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis Models.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint condition caused by an imbalance between cartilage synthesis and degradation, which disrupts joint homeostasis. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and joint-improving effects of Pinus densiflora root extract powder (PDREP) in both in vitro and in vivo OA models. In an in vitro OA model, in which SW1353 human chondrosarcoma cells were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β, PDREP treatment significantly reduced the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 while enhancing collagen type II alpha 1 (Col2a1) mRNA level, and decreased IL-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. In addition, PDREP inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model, the administration of PDREP resulted in decreased OA clinical indices, improved weight-bearing indices and gait patterns, reduced histological damage, and lowered serum inflammatory cytokine and MMPs expression. Furthermore, PDREP downregulated the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, p38, and NF-κB, as well as the expression of iNOS, consistent with the in vitro findings. These results suggest that PDREP exhibits anti-inflammatory and joint-improving effects and has potential as a therapeutic strategy or functional food for the treatment of OA.

Fundamental natural frequency and floor impact sound insulation performance of CLT slabs based on wood species and panel connections: An experimental study

The effects of wood species and panel connections on the vibration and heavy-weight impact sound insulation performance of cross-laminated timber (CLT) slabs were investigated. CLT panels (5-ply, 150 mm thick, 1 m wide, and 4.2 m long) made of larch (Larix kaempferi) and pine (Pinus densiflora) were manufactured with 30 mm thick laminae, considering three types of joints. Three CLT panels of the same species and joint type were connected using spline joints, butt joints, or half-lap joints to form 3 m wide and 4.2 m long slabs for testing. The floor impact sound insulation performance of the CLT slabs was measured according to KS F ISO 10140-3, using the standard heavy-weight impact source, a rubber ball. Additionally, four accelerometers were installed at 400 mm intervals beneath the CLT slabs to analyze the deflections and natural frequencies of the slabs. The results of the experiment indicated that there were no significant differences depending on the wood species and the CLT panel joints. These findings suggest that wood species and joint methods can be flexibly applied in the design of CLT slabs.

Enhanced Resistance to Pinewood Nematode Disease in Pinus densiflora Induced by Fungal Elicitor from Penicillium chrysogenum

Pine wilt disease, caused by the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), poses a serious threat to forests in Korea. In this study, we investigated the resistance of Pinus densiflora to B. xylophilus following treatment with a fungal elicitor derived from Penicillium chrysogenum through trunk injection and soil drenching. Soil drenching with the fungal elicitor led to increased accumulation of two key defensive compounds: pinosylvin monomethyl ether (PME) and dihydropinosylvin monomethyl ether (DPME) in the needles. In untreated control plants inoculated with B. xylophilus, 67.9% died within five months, whereas only 33.3% of plants pretreated with the elicitor succumbed. Trunk injection of the fungal elicitor also significantly enhanced PME production. The PME concentration in the needles peaked at 155.4 µg/g dry weight (DW) four weeks post-elicitor injection. To assess the impact of elicitor treatment on nematode resistance, we monitored the downward movement of B. xylophilus in plants two months post-injection of fungal elicitor. Nematodes were introduced at the upper internodal segments of branches, and their mobility to the lower segments was measured. In elicitor-treated trees, the movement and population of B. xylophilus were significantly reduced, highlighting the effectiveness of the treatment. These results demonstrate that fungal elicitor treatments, through soil drenching or trunk injection, can enhance the resistance of P. densiflora to B. xylophilus. This eco-friendly approach offers a promising strategy for managing pine wilt disease in susceptible pine species.

Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis Forest Alliance

The Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forest is a unique pine forest type in Northeast China. The species grows normally under extremely adverse conditions because it has a strong tolerance to poor soils and drought. It also benefits the ecological environment significantly through water conservation, soil improvement and windbreak and sand fixation, thus making it an important pioneer species for improving site conditions. This paper systematically analyzes the geographical distribution, ecological and community characteristics, species composition and classification of Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests in China through field surveys and literature review. The main findings are: (1) Based on the dominant species of each layer, Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests can be divided into two categories of associations: Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis - Rhododendron dauricum - Carex callitrichos association and Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis + Quercus mongolica - Lespedeza bicolor - Carex caespitosa association. (2) According to sample plot surveys, a total of 134 vascular plant species, belonging to 59 families and 104 genera, were recorded in natural Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests. Amongst them were one fern species, two gymnosperm species and 131 angiosperm species. (3) The composition of life forms in Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests is dominated by terrestrial herbs, with fewer woody plants and with vines making up the smallest proportion. (4) The Pinus densiflora var. ussuriensis forests located on the hillocks of Xingkai Lake are in decline. If the soil in this area continues to increase in wetness, this community may eventually evolve into a broad-leaved mixed forest.

Changes in Soil Physicochemical Properties and Fungal Communities Following a Forest Fire in the Pine Forest of Uljin, Republic of Korea

Soil samples from the rhizosphere of pine (Pinus densiflora) stands in the fire-disturbed Uljin forest were collected to analyze their physicochemical properties and fungal communities. In the burned area, soil pH decreased by 0.56, and organic matter content decreased by 0.32%p compared to the undisturbed area. Fungal community analysis revealed that all alpha diversity indices decreased in the burned area, but there were no differences according to fire severity. Soil pH, available phosphorus, and total nitrogen showed a positive correlation with the alpha diversity. Additionally, beta diversity analysis also indicated significant differences in the fungal communities between the burned area and the control sites (p value = 0.031). The changes in fungal communities were considered to be influenced by the decline in the order Atheliales, genus Russula, and genus Trechispora. A prediction analysis of the functional traits of fungi showed that the number of fungi involved in nutrient absorption and decomposition decreased in the burned area. It seems that the soil restoration of pine forests is progressing very slowly, as the soil fungi related to nutrient absorption by pine trees have not recovered even 18 months after the forest fire. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor continuous fungal communities in pine forest restoration after a forest fire to determine forest ecosystem restoration success and stabilization.

Eco-friendly biocontrol of pine wilt disease: Enhancing tree defense with Bacillus subtilis JCK-1398 for sustainable forest management

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by pinewood nematodes (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), poses a significant threat to forestry worldwide. This study introduces a novel biocontrol strategy using Bacillus subtilis JCK-1398, which was selected and identified for its resistance-induction potential after extensive screening of microbial strains from pine tissues. The bacterium was found to biostimulate resistance in Pinus densiflora. Comprehensive analyses, including transcriptomics, qPCR assays, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), revealed that B. subtilis JCK-1398 significantly upregulates defense-related genes and stimulates pinoresinol production, a compound linked to resistance against nematodes. Treatment with B. subtilis JCK-1398 suppressed nematode migration and reduced nematode populations within pine tissues, effects attributed to the enhanced tree defense response. Field trials corroborated these findings, demonstrating a 72 % decrease in PWD incidence with aerial application of JCK-1398, confirming its potential for large-scale forest application. This biocontrol strategy, leveraging the stimulation of plant defense by B. subtilis JCK-1398, presents a promising and scalable, eco-friendly solution for managing PWD. Overall, this study provides new insights into the interactions between the bioagent, the host tree, and the pest nematode, offering an effective and sustainable approach to mitigate pine wilt disease.

A Study on Health Diagnosis of Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino Using Hyperspectral Technique

Background and objective: Health diagnosis is essential for large, old trees that are designated and protected by the Act on the Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage and the Forest Protection Act. However, in the field, the overall health of trees is diagnosed by measuring the photosynthetic efficiency (PE) of some leaves. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the possibility of using hyper-spectral technology to replace the PE measurement as an approach for diagnosing the health of Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino, which has a high rate of natural monument designation among South Korea’s natural heritage.Methods: The PE and hyper-spectral values were acquired from Zelkova leaves, and a Monte Carlo simulation was performed based on the spectral bands used to calculate vegetation indices (VI) in previous studies to select bands that have a high correlation with the PE. The explanatory power of these values on tree health was verified through a regression analysis of the VI and PE calculated from the selected bands, and the results of the study are as follows.Results: First, a variance analysis of the PE and VI of leaves found that there were differences depending on direction, and that the hyper-spectral values of leaves collected from the west were the most effective in measuring tree health. Second, it was found that it was effective to use 520 and 570 nm in the green region, 684 nm in the red region, 860 and 890 nm in the NIR region, 500 nm in the carotenoid region, and 531 nm in the xanthophyll region to derive the VI that replace PE metrics from the hyper-spectral values of leaves collected from the west. Third, PRI showed a very high effect with an explanatory power of 73.2% for the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) regression equation. In other words, it was found that PRI can be used as an index derived from hyperspectral values to diagnose and record the healthy parts of Zelkova tree.Conclusion: By expanding the scope of this study to include Pinus densiflora and Ginkgo biloba, it is expected that if the utility and field applicability of this approach for diagnosing the health of large old trees are generally verified, it can be used for regular surveys of such trees designated as natural monuments in the future. Furthermore, it is expected that it can be expanded to diagnose park trees, street trees and the like, in addition to large, old trees.

Haplotype-resolved genome assembly and resequencing analysis provide insights into genome evolution and allelic imbalance in Pinus densiflora.

Haplotype-level allelic characterization facilitates research on the functional, evolutionary and breeding-related features of extremely large and complex plant genomes. We report a 21.7-Gb chromosome-level haplotype-resolved assembly in Pinus densiflora. We found genome rearrangements involving translocations and inversions between chromosomes 1 and 3 of Pinus species and a proliferation of specific long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) in P. densiflora. Evolutionary analyses illustrated that tandem and LTR-RT-mediated duplications led to an increment of transcription factor (TF) genes in P. densiflora. The haplotype sequence comparison showed allelic imbalances, including presence-absence variations of genes (PAV genes) and their functional contributions to flowering and abiotic stress-related traits in P. densiflora. Allele-aware resequencing analysis revealed PAV gene diversity across P. densiflora accessions. Our study provides insights into key mechanisms underlying the evolution of genome structure, LTR-RTs and TFs within the Pinus lineage as well as allelic imbalances and diversity across P. densiflora.

The Effects of Forest Gaps on the Physical and Ecological Stoichiometric Characteristics of Soil in Pinus densiflora Sieb. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. Forests

Forest gaps alter the environmental conditions of forest microclimates and significantly affect the biogeochemical cycle of forest ecosystems. This study examined how forest gaps and non-gap areas affect soil’s physical properties and eco-stoichiometric characteristics. Relevant theories and methods were employed to analyze the impact of forest gaps on nutrient cycling in Pinus densiflora Sieb. (PDS) and Robinia pseudoacacia L. (RPL) forests located in the Taishan Mountains. The results revealed that (1) forest gaps significantly enhanced the soil physical properties of PDS and RPL forests compared to non-gap areas (NPs). Notably, the bulk density of the soil decreased by 53%–12%, particularly in the surface layer (0–20 cm). Additionally, its non-capillary porosity increased by 44%–65%, while the clay and silt content rose by 39%–152% and 24%–130%, respectively. Conversely, the sand content decreased significantly, by 24%–32% (p < 0.05). (2) The contents of C, N, and P in the gap soil of PDS forests showed a significant increase compared to those in non-gap soil, with increases of 56%–131% for carbon, 107%–1523% for nitrogen, and 100%–155% for phosphorus. There was a significant drop of 10%–33% and 39%–41% in their C:N and C:P ratios, respectively (p < 0.05). The contents of C and P in the gap soil of the Robinia pseudo acacia L. Forest increased significantly, by 14%–22% and 34.4%–71%, respectively. Its C:P and N:P ratios significantly increased, by 14% to 404% and 11% to 41%, respectively (p < 0.05). (3) Compared with NPs, the forest gap significantly reduced the soil electrical conductivity and increased the soil pH. Additionally, compared to the soil at the gap’s edge, the surface soil in the gap’s center had noticeably higher concentrations of C, N, and P. (4) Key variables affecting the soil pH, silt content, bulk density, and overall porosity in forest gaps include the concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) present and their ecological stoichiometric ratios. The findings showed that forest gaps had a considerable impact on the soil’s physical characteristics and ecological stoichiometry. They also had a high potential for providing nutrients, which might aid in the establishment of plantation plants.

Pinus densiflora 'Pendula' Weeping Japanese Red Pine

This document provides an overview of the Weeping Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora ‘Pendula’), detailing its characteristics, growth habits, and care requirements. The tree is noted for its picturesque silhouette, with a crooked trunk and reddish-orange peeling bark. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3B through 7A2. The document also highlights its moderate drought tolerance, pest resistance, and potential issues such as needle blight and rusts. Additionally, it mentions several cultivars and their unique features. Original publication date October 1999.

The incursion process of Japanese red pine on the slope of the road

The incursion process of Japanese red pine on the slope of the road

Different patterns of fine-root exudation rates along soil depth of Pinus densiflora, Chamaecyparis obtusa, and Cryptomeria japonica in coniferous forests

Tree fine-root exudation and organic carbon compounds in the soil affect physiological functions through degradation by microorganisms around the roots and the enhancement of allelopathic effects on invasion attempts by other plant species. However, the underlying mechanism of fine-root action in vertically heterogeneous resource-distribution patterns along the soil profile is little known. Here, we quantified root exudation and its morphological and chemical traits in the soil layers down to 100-cm depth for three conifer species, Pinus densiflora (ectomycorrhiza), Chamaecyparis obtusa, and Cryptomeria japonica (arbuscular mycorrhiza), in a cool temperate Japanese forest. By using glass filter-trap method, root exudation rates in all three species varied with soil depth in a species dependent pattern. Specifically, the root exudation rate of P. densiflora was significantly higher in the middle soil layer, and lower in the topsoil layer, whereas the exudation rates significantly decreased in C. japonica and did not vary in C. obtusa along soil depth. Exudation strongly correlated with variation in root traits in C. obtusa and C. japonica but not in P. densiflora. These findings suggest that differences in exudation patterns among tree species are likely compensated for by structural modifications in fine roots in response to soil depth. In addition, the traits with mycorrhizal types might be related to adequate root exudation and enhanced soil-nutrient acquisition. Distinct differences among species in exudation, associated with vertical root distribution, will increase our understanding of root survival strategies for nutrient acquisition and carbon sequestration in forest tree species.

Shifts in fungal community diversity and potential function under natural forest succession and planted forest restoration in the Kunyu Mountains, East China.

Soil fungi participate in various ecosystem processes and are important factors driving the restoration of degraded forests. However, little is known about the changes in fungal diversity and potential functions under the development of different vegetation types during natural (secondary forest succession) and anthropogenic (reforestation) forest restoration. In this study, we selected typical forest succession sequences (including Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc., pine-broadleaf mixed forest of P. densiflora and Quercus acutissima Carruth., and Q. acutissima), as well as natural secondary deciduous broadleaved mixed forests and planted forests of Robinia pseudoacacia on Kunyu Mountain for analysis. We used ITS rRNA gene sequencing to characterize fungal communities and used the FUNGuild database to predict fungal functional groups. The results showed that forest succession affected fungal β-diversity, but not the α-diversity. There was a significant increase in Basidiomycota and a decrease in Ascomycota in the later successional stage, accompanied by an increase in the functional groups of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM). Conversely, planted forests exhibited decreased fungal α-diversity and altered community compositions, characterized by fewer Basidiomycota and more Ascomycota and Mucoromycota. Planted forests led to a decrease in the relative abundances of ECM and an increase in animal pathogens. The TK content was the major factor explaining the distinction in fungal communities among the three successional stages, whereas pH, AP, and NH4 + were the major factors explaining community variations between natural and planted forests. Changes in vegetation types significantly affected the diversity and functional groups of soil fungal communities during forest succession and reforestation, providing key insights for forest ecosystem management in temperate forests.

The Effects of Termites and Beetle Larvae on the Decomposition of Pinus densiflora and Quercus acutissima in South Korea over a 6-Year Period

The Effects of Termites and Beetle Larvae on the Decomposition of Pinus densiflora and Quercus acutissima in South Korea over a 6-Year Period

Effect of Planting Ground Treatments Using Artificial Rainfall Slope Simulating Degraded Forestland on Drought Stress Susceptibility of Pinus densiflora

Trees in degraded forest areas are generally exposed to water stress due to harsh environmental conditions, threatening their survival. This study simulated the environmental conditions of a degraded forest area by constructing an artificial rainfall slope and observing the physiological responses of Pinus densiflora to control, mulching, and waterbag treatments. P. densiflora exhibited distinct isohydric plant characteristics of reducing net photosynthetic rate and stomatal transpiration rate through regulating stomatal conductance in response to decreased soil moisture, particularly in the control and waterbag treatments. Additionally, the trees increased photochemical quenching, such as Y(NPQ), to dissipate excess energy as heat and minimize damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. However, these adaptive mechanisms have temporal limitations, necessitating appropriate measures. Under extreme drought stress (DS45), mulching treatment showed 4.5 times and 2.2 times higher in PIabs and SFIabs than in the control, and after the recovery period (R30), waterbag and mulching treatment showed similar levels, while PIabs and SFIabs in the control were only 45% and 75% of those in the mulching and waterbag treatments, respectively. Specifically, mulching extended the physiological mechanisms supporting survival by more than a week, making it the most effective method for enhancing the planting ground in degraded forest areas. Although the waterbag treatment was less effective than mulching treatment, it still significantly contributed to forming better growth conditions compared to the control. These findings highlight the potential for mulching and waterbag treatments to enhance forest restoration efforts, suggesting future research and application could lead to more resilient reforested areas capable of withstanding climate change-induced drought conditions.

Development and validation of analytical HPLC for phenolics in Pinus densiflora bark extract

Development and validation of analytical HPLC for phenolics in Pinus densiflora bark extract

Comparisons of tracheid lengths in Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc.: earlywood versus latewood and province versus province

Abstract The tracheid length (TL) in conifer species is a primary factor to determine quality of paper and wood products. However, TL in Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc., a dominant conifer species in Korea, has not been monitored systematically across the country yet. To this end, the TL of early- and latewoods of Korean red pine from 16 provinces of the Republic of Korea was measured and compared to verify the differences (1) between the monitoring years (2014–2018), (2) between early- and latewoods of the trees from the same provinces, and (3) between the early- and latewoods from different provinces. Analysis of 31,500 tracheids revealed that the variation of TL of early- and latewood from two and six out of 16 sites, respectively, were not statistically meaningful and the TL of latewood displayed a lower annual variation than that of the earlywood during the monitoring years. The TL of the latewood was longer than that of the earlywood; however, four out of 16 sites showed shorter TL for the latewood. So, it was verified that the relationship between the TL of the early- and latewood can change. Moreover, the TL was longer for the trees located in the southeast regions.