Trunk Circumference Research Articles

Analysis of selected biomonitors to evaluate the suitability for their complementary use in monitoring trace element atmospheric deposition

The biomonitoring properties of oak tree bark compared with the epiphytic moss Hypnum cupressiforme and the influence of the tree bark, as its growth substrate, on the content of heavy metals in moss were investigated. Samples of the epiphytic moss H. cupressiforme and oak tree bark (Quercus spp.) were collected in Eastern Romania at a total of 44 sampling sites. Parallel moss and bark samples were collected from the same sides of the trunk circumference. V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, and Bi were determined by ICP-MS. Principal component analysis was used to identify possible sources of metals in bark and moss. Six factors explaining 87 % of the total variance in the data set were chosen. The main factors represent long-range atmospheric transport of elements (Zn, Cd, (Pb), Bi, (Mo), (Tl)), local emissions from industrial sources (As, Cr, Ni, V), road traffic (Pb, Zn) and agricultural activities (Cu, (Zn)). The element concentrations in moss and bark samples are of the same order of magnitude. For almost all the elements, higher concentrations were obtained in moss. Significant correlations between concentrations in moss and bark samples were obtained for 7 of the 13 elements: V, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, In, and Bi, all typical anthropogenic pollutants. The use of tree bark for monitoring purposes might be an alternative in areas where there is a scarcity of mosses.

Using an automatic resistivity profiler soil sensor on-the-go in precision viticulture.

Spatial information on vineyard soil properties can be useful in precision viticulture. In this paper a combination of high resolution soil spatial information of soil electrical resistivity (ER) and ancillary topographic attributes, such as elevation and slope, were integrated to assess the spatial variability patterns of vegetative growth and yield of a commercial vineyard (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo) located in the wine-producing region of La Rioja, Spain. High resolution continuous geoelectrical mapping was accomplished by an Automatic Resistivity Profiler (ARP) on-the-go sensor with an on-board GPS system; rolling electrodes enabled ER to be measured for a depth of investigation approximately up to 0.5, 1 and 2 m. Regression analysis and cluster analysis algorithm were used to jointly process soil resistivity data, landscape attributes and grapevine variables. ER showed a structured variability that matched well with trunk circumference spatial pattern and yield. Based on resistivity and a simple terrain attribute uniform management units were delineated. Once a spatial relationship to target variables is found, the integration of point measurement with continuous soil resistivity mapping is a useful technique to identify within-plots areas of vineyard with similar status.

An adaptive approach to intensive green roofs in the Mediterranean climatic region

The present study aims to introduce an adaptive approach to intensive green roofs by evaluating suitable, lightweight substrates and by determining the effect of their depth on the growth and physiological status of Pittosporum tobira L. and Olea europaea L. The two-year study was conducted in outdoor containers (1.2m×1.2m) while treatments included the use of two depths (30cm and 40cm) and three different substrates: (a) pumice (Pum) mixed with peat (P) and zeolite (Z) in a volumetric proportion of 65:30:5 (Pum65:P30:Z5), (b) pumice mixed with compost (C) and zeolite in a volumetric proportion of 65:30:5 (Pum65:C30:Z5) and (c) sandy loam soil (S) mixed with perlite (Per) and zeolite in a volumetric proportion of 30:65:5 (S30:Per65:Z5). Each experimental plot was planted with four plants of P. tobira and one plant of O. europaea var. Koroneiki. Measurements included determination of the physical and chemical characteristics of the substrates while plant growth and physiological status were determined through plant growth index, trunk perimeter for olive trees, SPAD measurements and chlorophylla+b content. Both the plant species exhibited better growth and higher chlorophyll content in the compost-amended substrate (Pum65:C30:Z5) due to its higher nutrient content. The 40cm depth substrate provided minimal improvement in the growth of both the plants at the end of the first year while in the second year the deeper substrate positively influenced the growth of olive trees.

Effect of monoclonal and assorted seedling rootstocks on long term growth and yield of Hevea clones

Abstract Seven Hevea brasiliensis clones were evaluated on two types of rootstocks, assorted seedling rootstocks (AR) and monoclonal rootstock (MR) over 19 years. Influence of rootstock on scion growth and rubber yield was assessed based on juvenile height, circumference of the main trunk (cm), number of branches, branching height and cumulative dry rubber yield (g per tree per tapping, conventionally abbreviated gt-1 t-1). Highest cumulative yield (g per tree per tapping) over the 12 years for which the trees were tapped was obtained from clone RRII 105 (MR: 1076 g per tree per tapping and AR: 497 g per tree per tapping), followed by RRII 203 (MR: 661; AR: 538), RRII 208 (MR: 477; AR: 486), RRII 118 (MR: 497; AR: 452). Gl 1 yielded the least, 219 g per tree per tapping (MR) and 378 g per tree per tapping (AR); GT1 produced 335 g per tree per tapping (MR) and 375 g per tree per tapping (AR). RRII 118 had the greatest circumference at age 19 (91.4 cm on MR) 88.8 on AR, followed by RRII 105 (MR: 87.4 cm AR: 89.2 cm) and GT 1 (MR: 88.5 cm; AR: 84.4cm). Effect of scion clone was significant (p<0.01) only for trunk circumference at opening, but not for cumulative rubber yield at age 11 (4 years after opening) or cumulative rubber yield at age 19 (12 years after opening). Most importantly, rootstock and clone × rootstock interaction did not significantly affect rubber yield or tree circumference at any evaluation time. There was no evidence to suggest that growth and yield of clones was influenced significantly by rootstock type.

Control of Red Elm Bark Weevil (Magdalis armicollis) in American Elm (Ulmus americana) by Trunk Injection of Azadirachtin

Trunk injection of azadirachtin into elm trees (Ulmus americana) using the Ecoject™ Microinjection System to reduce emergence numbers of red elm bark weevil (Magdalis armicollis) was evaluated. Twelve mature trees were each injected with TreeAzin™ in early August 2010 at a rate of 16 ml per 15.2 cm trunk circumference at breast height. The following year, weevil activity was monitored at weekly intervals for four weeks using sticky traps placed in the canopies. There was a significant reduction of 55%–60% in weevil activity in early summer in the treated tree canopies as compared to the control, suggesting that this method may be an effective management tool for this pest.

STUDI ANATOMI DAUN DAN BATANG Maesopsis eminii (Rhamnaceae)

Maesopsis eminii is one of alien and invasive plant in Indonesia and planted in Resort Bodogol, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park. The results showed M. eminii has dorsiventral and hypostomatic leaf type with anomocytic stomata, drusse type of CaCO3 crystal, multicellular and uniseriate trichomes in the upper and lower surface. While its stem has variation in its ray initial layer depend on its trunk circumference.

Small does not mean young: Age estimation of severely browsed trees in anthropogenic Mediterranean landscapes

The knowledge of the age of individual trees and of population age structure is of great importance for conservation purposes. In Mediterranean areas, however, trees are rarely used for dendroecological studies as ring growth is strongly perturbed by browsing and other disturbances. This study focused on the Tertiary relict tree species Zelkova abelicea (Ulmaceae) endemic to the mountains of Crete (Greece) and searched for new approaches to estimate the age of threatened trees in severely browsed populations. Our results demonstrate that dwarfed Z. abelicea trees can attain ages >500yr and that such individuals often surpass normally growing trees of the same population in number and age. These findings significantly change the perception of population age structure in forest remnants of Mediterranean landscapes. Additionally, we show that tree age is well correlated (64%) with trunk circumference, for severely browsed dwarfed trees, however not so much (11%) for normally developed, large trees. Thus, our results can be used directly for age estimations of severely dwarfed Z. abelicea individuals in the field and the new approach can be easily reproduced for other threatened tree species affected by strong browsing pressure. Future conservation efforts and management strategies should, therefore, take into account not only normally developed trees but also severely browsed individuals and their populations.

Studi anatomi daun dan batang Maesopsis eminii Rhamnaceae

Maesopsis eminii is one of alien and invasive plant in Indonesia and planted in Resort Bodogol, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park. The results showed M. eminii has dorsiventral and hypostomatic leaf type with anomocytic stomata, drusse type of CaCO3 crystal, multicellular and uniseriate trichomes in the upper and lower surface. While its stem has variation in its ray initial layer depend on its trunk circumference.

Cross‐sectional content analysis of clinically applied circumferences

The contours of a human body are determined by the volumes of the underlying tissues [adipose tissue (AT), muscle, bone and viscera]. Conceptually, they are assumed to be used as a concentric set of cylinders. Determination of these clinically applied circumferences in terms of relative tissue proportions has led to conflicting results. As it remains unclear what a circumference really measures or represents and how it relates to body composition (BC), the aim of this study was to determine the content of the circumferences and whether these perimeters can be used to assess segmental or whole body tissue components. Subsequent to an anthropometric protocol, the five white Caucasian cadavers were fractionated into slices of 3 cm and segmental and whole BC was determined at the anatomical tissue-system level by direct dissection. Only two circumferences correlated significantly with their dominating component [upper arm circumference (r = 0·98; P < 0·01) and waist circumference (WC) (r = 0·90; P < 0·05) with AT]. Two circumferences were related to a segmental tissue component [WC (r = 1·00; P < 0·001) with muscle mass of the trunk and wrist circumference (WrC) (r = 0·90; P < 0·05) with bone mass of the upper limb]. Two circumferences were related to a whole body tissue component [chest circumference (r = 0·90; P < 0·05) with whole body AT mass and WrC (r = 0·90; P < 0·05) with whole body bone mass]. The clinically applied circumferences do not measure what they pretend to measure. Of all the studied circumferences, only 2 circumferences (WC and WrC) can be used to assess segmental or whole body tissue components.

INFLUENCE OF ROOTSTOCK AND SOIL MOISTURE ON LEAF PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF APPLE TREES ON JM1, JM7, JM8, AND M.9 ROOTSTOCKS

JM1, JM7 and JM8 apple (Malus ×domestica) rootstocks, bred from a M. prunifolia var. ringo × M.9 (M. pumila var. paradisiaca) cross, show similar/weaker tree vigor and smaller fruit yield compared with M.9 rootstock. To elucidate rootstock effects on photosynthesis, we studied differences in leaf net photosynthesis of apple trees between the various rootstocks and investigated photosynthetic responses to various soil moisture statuses. Field-grown 'New Jonagold' apple trees grafted onto JM1, JM7, JM8, and M.9 rootstocks were subjected to sheet mulching using moisture-permeable waterproof fabric in order to control soil moisture status. Diurnal changes of photosynthetic and transpiration rates and stomatal conductance were determined. Without mulching, soil water potential was higher (-4.9 kPa) and photosynthetic rates were relatively high on JM8 and M.9, intermediate on JM7, and significantly lower on JM1 rootstocks; maximum values were 15.3, 12.7, 8.2, and 5.9 micromol m-2 s-1, respectively. With mulching, soil water potential was lower (-10.3 kPa), photosynthetic rates on all rootstocks remained at low levels (maximum values ranged between 5.3 and 8.1 micromol m-2 s-1), and there was less variation due to rootstocks. The same tendencies could be seen in transpiration rates and stomatal conductance. Trees on JM1 rootstock were significantly less vigorous than those on JM7, JM8, and M.9 rootstocks as indicated by reduced tree height, canopy diameter, trunk circumference, and shoot length. These findings imply that leaf photosynthesis of apple trees on JM1 rootstock is consistently low regardless of soil moisture status, resulting in the lack of tree vigor on JM1.

A putative hybrid of Eucalyptus largiflorens growing on salt- and drought-affected floodplains has reduced specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen

A putative hybrid between Eucalyptus largiflorens F.Muell. and Eucalyptus gracilis F.Muell., called green box, has attracted attention for its ability to grow on the salt- and drought-affected Chowilla floodplain of the Murray River in South Australia. Relationships between carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) and the ratio of substomatal to ambient CO2 (ci/ca) indicated that green box was not as water use efficient as E. largiflorens. Specific leaf area of green box and E. gracilis was significantly lower compared with E. largiflorens (38.38 and 36.96 versus 43.71 cm2 g–1). Leaf nitrogen for green box and E. gracilis was significantly lower compared with E. largiflorens (12.66 and 11.35 versus 15.07 mg g–1 dry weight, P = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively) and leaf carbon of E. gracilis was significantly higher compared with green box and E. largiflorens (541.75 versus 514.90 and 519.82 mg g–1 dry weight, P = 0.002 and 0.011 respectively). There were significantly (P = 0.016) more occurrences of elevated ci/ca below a minimum gs in E. gracilis compared with E. largiflorens, with green box being intermediate (means = 21.6, 6.8 and 9.4). After 10 years, E. largiflorens trunk circumference had significantly increased (P = 0.017) and height had significantly decreased (P = 0.026) due to visible dieback. Green box and E. gracilis grew slower, conserving resources, illustrating a useful strategy to consider when choosing plants for revegetation efforts.

Fatores edáficos e as variações florísticas de um trecho de Mata Ciliar do Rio Gualaxo do Norte, Mariana, MG

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a correlação entre a distribuição de espécies arbóreas ciliares do rio Gualaxo do Norte (S20°16'31,9" W43°26'15,3" e S20°16'30,6" W43°26'07,3") com fatores edáficos, assim como se existem espécies de ocorrência restrita à área de depleção ciliar que possam ser indicadas para recuperação de matas ciliares. As parcelas foram alocadas em 1 ha dividido em três blocos com declividades distintas. Todos os indivíduos com circunferência do tronco a 1,30 m do solo igual ou superior a 15 cm foram registrados e identificados. Foram coletadas cinco amostras simples de solo em cada parcela para análises químicas de fertilidade. A ordenação dos dados de solo e vegetação foi realizada pela análise de correspondência canônica (CCA), que indicou que variações na fertilidade, na acidez do solo e na altitude estavam influenciando a distribuição da vegetação arbórea ao longo do gradiente topográfico. Albizia hassleri, Bathysa meridionalis, Cariniana estrelensis, Casearia gossypiosperma, Casearia sp., Cecropia hololeuca, Himatanthus lancifolius, Luehea grandiflora, Picramnia sp., Platypodium elegans, Pseudopiptadenia contorta, Tibouchina candoleana e Virola oleifera são espécies adaptadas a condições edáficas com elevada acidez e fertilidade muito baixa, apresentando potencial para utilização em projetos de recuperação de áreas degradadas, principalmente de encostas e topo de morros. Já Casearia sylvestris, Dalbergia villosa, Dendropanax cuneatus, Machaerium aculeatum, Machaerium stiptatum, Ocotea odorifera, Ocotea pulchella, Rollinea longifolia, Schinus terebinthifolius, Tibouchina granulosa, Vernonia piptocarphoides e Vismia sp. estavam correlacionadas com solos menos ácidos, mais férteis e mais próximos ao rio, apresentando potencial para a restauração florestal em áreas ciliares.

RESPONSE OF 'LE-CONTE' PEAR TREES TO SOIL BORON APPLICATION

Effect of boron (B) application on vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality and leaf mineral contents of ‘Le-Conte’ pear trees was studied under field conditions. Boron at 0, 200, 400 and 600 mg L-1 B/tree was applied as soil application three times (i) before bloom (BB) (at green and white bud stage and when 1-5% of flowers were at full bloom), (ii) after bloom (AB) on 15 June, (iii) after harvest (AH) (at approximately 6 weeks before leaf fall). Boron application reduced vegetative growth parameters (shoot length, % of increase in trunk circumference and trunk cross sectional area). Applying B after harvest resulted in the highest fruit set and fruit retention percentages, in addition to total yield. Fruit physical and chemical properties and leaf contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and B were improved due to B application. The recommended economic treatment is to apply B at 400 mg L-1 after harvest (AH).

A randomized clinical trial comparing advanced pneumatic truncal, chest, and arm treatment to arm treatment only in self-care of arm lymphedema

Treatment of the truncal lymphatics prior to treatment of the lymphedematous arm is an accepted, although not empirically tested, therapeutic intervention delivered during decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). Breast cancer survivors with arm lymphedema are encouraged to use these techniques when performing simple lymphatic drainage as part of their life-long lymphedema self-care. Self-massage is at times difficult and pneumatic compression devices are used by many patients to assist with self-care. One such device, the Flexitouch(®) System, replicates the techniques used during DLT; however, the need for application of pneumatic compression in unaffected truncal areas to improve self-care outcomes in arm only lymphedema is not established. The objective of this study was to compare the therapeutic benefit of truncal/chest/arm advanced pneumatic compression therapy (experimental group) verses arm only pneumatic compression (control group) in self-care for arm lymphedema without truncal involvement using the Flexitouch(®) System. Outcomes of interest were self-reported symptoms, function, arm impedance ratios, circumference, volume, and trunk circumference. Forty-two breast cancer survivors, (21 per group), with Stage II lymphedema completed 30 days of home self-care using the Flexitouch(®) System. Findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in both the number of symptoms and overall symptom burden within each group; however, there were no statistically significant differences in these outcomes between the groups. There was no statistically significant overall change or differential pattern of change between the groups in function. A statistically significant reduction in bioelectrical impedance and arm circumference within both of the groups was achieved; however, there was no statistically significant difference in reduction between groups. These findings indicate that both configurations are effective, but that there may be no added benefit to advanced pneumatic treatment of the truncal lymphatics prior to arm massage when the trunk is not also affected. Further research is indicated in a larger sample.

Variations in truncal body circumferences affect fat mass quantification with bioimpedance analysis

To test the hypothesis that variations in trunk circumferences influence the accuracy of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) for assessment of percent fat mass (%FM). %FM was predicted with BIA, and compared with air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) in a small sample of 35 overweight (OW), 21 normal weight and 8 underweight volunteers. Waist and hip circumferences were assessed, and 15 of the OW subjects were measured before and after weight reduction. BIA and ADP provided similar cross-sectional estimates of group mean %FM (28.9±10.0 and 31.3±13.0%, respectively). However, within individuals, there were large between-method differences (Diff(BIA-ADP)) ranging from -13 to +13 %FM. Furthermore, we found a systematic bias of BIA related to the degree of adiposity. Consequently, %FM and fat mass loss during weight reduction in OW were underestimated with BIA when compared with ADP. Waist and hip circumferences were inversely associated with resistance (R) and reactance (P<0.01), and with Diff(BIA-ADP) (P<0.001). In women, the variability in hip circumference explained 76%, and in men, the variability in waist circumference explained 59% of Diff(BIA-ADP). Resistance changes associated with variations in trunk circumferences decrease resistance, and therefore impair the accuracy of BIA to assess %FM.

Secular trends in some Russian populations

Secular changes of body measurements in children have been the subject of studies in many different countries. In recent years, there has been an increase in BMI associated with a significant trend towards obesity in both Europe and the US. The aim of the present study was to analyze trends in body measurements and BMI in Russia from the 1960's to the beginning of the 21st century. This was done at three locations of the Russian Federation: the city of Moscow, the cities of Saratov and Naberezhnye Chelny in the Volga-river area. In addition, data on secular changes of Abkhazian children were analyzed. A large number of anthropometric measurements were taken on each individual including height, weight, arm, leg and trunk lengths (estimated), body diameters and circumferences, skinfold thickness, head and face dimensions. Stages of secondary sex characteristics also were evaluated; data on menarcheal age were collected by status-quo and retrospective methods. Changes in hand grip strength have been evaluated in some of the samples. While stature was increasing during these years, weight, chest circumference and BMI were characterized by negative changes, which became more obvious in elder girls. Changes in handgrip strength also showed negative trends. There were noticeable changes in head and face measurements, which were expressed in more elongated head and face forms, i.e. the head became longer and narrower with narrower and higher faces. Secular changes in head and facial morphology may be considered part of the general trend.

Predicting spatial occurrence of beetles and pseudoscorpions in hollow oaks in southeastern Sweden

We modelled presence/absence per tree of beetles and pseudoscorpions living in tree hollows in relation to trunk circumference, habitat openness, and connectivity (= density of hollow oaks in the surrounding area), using data from 281 oaks. The presence/absence models were then used to predict species’ occurrences in a county (11,600 km2) in southeastern Sweden. For eight of the nine species, the most parsimonious occupancy model included a positive relationship with connectivity and at least one tree characteristic. Occupancy underestimates from occurrence records—the ratio of the area of occupancy based on our predictive model to the area of occupancy based on occurrence records—varied between 3 and 83 among species when using occurrence records up to 1993, with significantly larger underestimates for smaller beetle species. Today (after extensive surveys), underestimation has decreased to 1.3–25, confirming that calculations solely based on species occurrence records greatly underestimate the area of occupancy. We suggest this should be taken into account to a greater extent and in a clearer way than today when constructing red lists. The radius of the connectivity measure that generated the best fit varied between 135 and 2,857 m among species, with longer distances for more threatened species. Consequently, preservation of the most threatened species (Elater ferrugineus and Tenebrio opacus) requires conservation efforts at larger spatial scales than required to protect Osmoderma eremita, which frequently has been used as an indicator and umbrella species.

Establishment success of lichen diaspores in young and old boreal rainforests: a comparison betweenLobaria pulmonariaandL. scrobiculata

AbstractThis study compares the success of vegetative diaspore establishment of the old forest lichensLobaria pulmonariaandL. scrobiculatasown onPicea abiesbranches in boreal rainforests. The larger diaspores ofL. pulmonaria(green algal photobiont) established more successfully, and showed a greater flexibility in ecological amplitude, than the smaller diaspores ofL. scrobiculata(cyanobacterial photobiont). The establishment success apparently depended on species-specific differences in morphological and physiological traits of the diaspores. Both species established as well in young plantations as in old forests.Lobaria scrobiculatawas most successful on short branches and small trees. In contrast,L. pulmonariaresponded positively to trunk circumference in the old stands. The establishment success of both species decreases with increasing canopy openness, indicating that the soredia/isidioid soredia failed to establish on the most exposed branches. The probability of establishment did not change with bark-pH or with distance from the nearest stream. Despite a successful establishment in regeneration forests, the long-term survival in managed forests is still uncertain.

Vineyard variability in Marlborough, New Zealand: characterising variation in vineyard performance and options for the implementation of Precision Viticulture

Background and Aims: Vineyards are variable. However, to date, no spatial analysis of vineyard variability has been conducted in New Zealand. We were interested to quantify variability in a Marlborough vineyard and to produce a spatial platform onto which modelled information on phenology and juice composition could be integrated. Methods and Results: A combination of remote and proximal sensing of vine vigour, direct measurement of trunk circumference, yield mapping and high resolution electromagnetic induction (EM38) soil survey was used to examine vineyard variability in a 5.9 ha Marlborough vineyard planted to Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sauvignon Blanc. Yield variation was little more than twofold, in spite of substantial variation in vine vigour which was associated with variation in the land (soil, topography) underlying the vineyard. Conclusions: A focus on tools that facilitate enumeration of variation in vine vigour may offer the greatest value to Marlborough practitioners interested in adopting Precision Viticulture approaches to grapegrowing and winemaking. EM38 soil survey appeared to be useful for describing vineyard soil variation, but because the soils that predominate over the alluvial Wairau Plains in Marlborough are shallow and stony, very low values of apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) over a narrow range were observed. However, ECa was closely correlated with trunk circumference, an index of vine vigour. In contrast to Australian studies, neither ECa, plant cell density (derived from remotely sensed imagery) nor trunk circumference were good predictors of grapevine yield. It is hypothesised that this is largely a reflection of differences in vine training systems (hand cane pruning in Marlborough vs mechanical pruning in Australia) and the greater degree of selection of buds when vines are hand pruned. Significance of the Study: This is the first such study conducted in New Zealand and provides results that contrast with similar studies conducted in Australia. Nevertheless, the maps produced are expected to provide a valuable platform for a follow-up study aimed at understanding spatial variation in vine phenology and juice composition. The study also highlighted the power of kriging as a means of interpolating useful vineyard maps from relatively sparse, unevenly distributed sampling data.

Drought effects on water relations in beech: The contribution of exchangeable water reservoirs

The exceptional soil drought and heat wave that occurred in Europe in summer 2003 provided a good opportunity to analyze the response of forest ecosystems to extreme climatic conditions. This work aimed at studying the functioning of exchangeable water reservoirs of beech trees under climatic and edaphic constraints, in a 37-year-old beech stand located in north-eastern France. We characterised the impact of drought on seasonal variations in water fluxes at the tree (sap flow measurements) and the forest (eddy covariance measurements) scales and estimated (i) the daily water storage capacity of beech trees as the difference between stand-scaled sap flow and water vapour flux over the stand and (ii) the contribution of exchangeable water in tree reservoirs to the total tree transpiration, under non-limiting soil water (summer 2002) or severe soil drought conditions (summer 2003). In parallel, daily variations in trunk circumference were analyzed to estimate the contribution of elastic tissues as a compartment for water storage to tree transpiration. Stand transpiration was strongly reduced by soil water shortage (up to 80% at the peak of drought in August 2003). From the beginning of August 2003, we observed daytime contraction of stem circumference, with only partial, or even no night recovery, suggesting that trees were less and less able to refill the elastic and strongly depleted reservoirs. Even if those elastic reservoirs were active throughout the season, the corresponding volume of water withdrawn for tree transpiration remained very low (maximum 1% of the daily transpiration). Thus, elastic tissue reservoirs play a minor role in the total water budget of beech trees. The amount of water depleted daily from the whole reservoirs was much higher than the water extracted from elastic tissues. Furthermore, the contribution of total exchangeable water within trees to the transpiration stream increased during the dry period (from a few percent to 67% at the peak of the drought) and was positively correlated with soil water shortage. Our results thus clearly demonstrated the strong sensitivity of beech to both climate and drought and the major role of whole tree water reservoirs to maintain leaf transpiration under severe drought.