Inter-provenance variability and phenotypic plasticity of wood and leaf traits related to hydraulic safety and efficiency in seven European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances differing in yield

• DOI: 10.1186/s13595-024-01227-w
• Publication Date: 2024-03-04T09:02:51Z
• Authors: Daniel Kurjak; Peter Petrík; Alena Sliacka Kon...; Roman M. Link; Dušan Gömöry; Peter Hajek; Mirko Liesebach; Christoph Leuschner; Bernhard Schuldt
• Keywords: 580; Embolism resistance; info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/550; Wood anatomy; 550; Provenance trial; ddc:550; Carbon isotope; Hydraulic conductivity; 500; Forestry; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; SD1-669.5; Earth sciences; Assisted migration; 0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries

Abstract Key message Seven European beech provenances differing largely in growth performance were grown at two common garden sites Germany and Slovakia. The intra-specific variability of most traits was explained more by phenotypic plasticity than inter-provenance variability, efficiency-related showed a higher safety-related traits. Context To maintain climate-resilient future forests, replicated common-garden experiments are suited for developing assisted migration strategies key tree species. Aims We analysed the magnitude 12 functional ( Fagus sylvatica L.) whether climate place origin left an imprint. Moreover, we asked is unrelated to xylem safety what extent foliar, growth-related coordinated. Methods Terminal branches collected from 19-year-old 22-year-old trees seven planted Slovakia, respectively. Three hydraulic, three wood anatomical four foliar measured related variables. Results At sites, same pair highest lowest growth. Nevertheless, high degree observed, as all differed significantly between after accounting provenance effects, with hydraulic showing plasticity. There no evidence embolism resistance P 50 ) or carbon isotope signature (δ 13 C), proxy intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), both positively correlated lumen-to-sapwood area ratio vessel density. Conclusions Because lacking trade-off growth, highly productive can be selected without reducing drought tolerance branch xylem. However, only one element trees’ response, it may beneficial select other conservative adaptations such smaller lumen areas increasing small supported total leaf reduction transpiration.