Needle Traits Research Articles

Range-wide morphological and anatomical variation in Larix laricina

To investigate the nature of infraspecific variation in Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch, 60 naturally established stands constituting 44 provenances were sampled from throughout the species' range. Cones were scored for nine traits and short-shoot needle transverse sections were scored for seven traits and 20 radial distances. Variation in all traits was minimal, with the greatest components expressed between trees within stands and within trees. Canonical variates analysis of needle traits demonstrated that provenances were differentiated according to location, whereas canonical variates analysis of cone traits showed a much weaker geographic trend. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that Alaska and northern Yukon provenances resulted from geographically separate migratory waves originating from different locations in the south following glacial recession. While Alaska provenances were distinguished from other provenances based on canonical variates analysis of needle data, but not of cone data, this distinction is insufficient to recognize Alaska tamaracks separately at either the species or varietal level.

Morphological and chemical traits of pine needles of trees in a gap caused by root rot

AbstractSome morphological traits of the crown (length and dry weight of needles, length of shoots) and chemical composition of the needles (content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium) of a tree remaining in the middle of a Fomes annosus‐rot gap in a 55‐year‐old pine stand, were compared to the same traits from trees at the edges of the gap. The central tree (C) was intermediate in morphological traits. The lowest concentrations of N, P, and K were found in needles of the central (C) tree and, respectively, the highest ones in needles of the tree classified as weakened (I) and standing at the edge of the gap.