Life strategies in intra-annual dynamics of wood formation: example of three conifer species in a temperate forest in north-east France

• DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tps039
• Publication Date: 2012-04-29T00:49:41Z
• Authors: H. E. Cuny; C. B. K. Rathgeber; F. Lebourgeois; M. Fortin; M. Fournier
• Keywords: Scots pine; Growing season

We investigated whether timing and rate of growth are related to the life strategies fitness three conifer species. Intra-annual dynamics wood formation, shoot elongation needle phenology were monitored over 3 years in five Norway spruces (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) silver firs (Abies alba Mill.) grown intermixed. For species, growing season (delimited by cambial activity onset cessation) lasted about 4 months, while whole process formation 5–6 months. Needle unfolding followed only one-third season. Pines exhibited an ‘extensive strategy’ activity, with long durations but low rates, adopted ‘intensive shorter higher rates. estimated that 75% annual radial increment variability was attributable cell production, 25% its duration. Cambial rates culminated at same time for whereas reached maximal earlier pines. Results show species-specific recognizable through functional traits intra-annual dynamics. The opposition between pine extensive strategy fir spruce intensive supports theory pioneer species greater resource expenders develop riskier capture resources, shade-tolerant utilize resources more efficiently safer strategies. Despite different strategies, synchronicity suggests a strong convergence co-existing resulting head-on competition resources.