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- Title
Prior height, growth, and wood anatomy differently predispose to drought-induced dieback in two Mediterranean oak speciesk.
- Authors
Camarero, J.; Sangüesa-Barreda, Gabriel; Vergarechea, Marta
- Abstract
Key message : Coexisting Mediterranean oaks are differently predisposed to heat- and drought-induced dieback as a function of height, prior growth, wood anatomy, and growth responsiveness to temperatures. To forecast post-dieback damage, the variability of species and individual traits must be considered. Context : Forests are susceptible to drought-induced dieback. However, considerable variability in how drought translates into tree damage exists in coexisting species. Aims : This study aimed to assess if tree size, radial growth, and wood anatomy predisposed trees to drought damage, measured as defoliation and changes in non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations. Methods : We measured radial growth, wood anatomy, and post-drought NSC concentrations in highly defoliated and less defoliated holm oak ( Quercus ilex) and Portuguese oak ( Quercus faginea) trees co-occurring in a coppice stand. Results : Highly defoliated trees showed a lower height than less defoliated individuals. In holm oak, a reduced previous growth and the formation of vessels with smaller lumen areas predisposed to drought damage, which suggests hydraulic deterioration. In Portuguese oak, most defoliated trees grew less in response to elevated growing season temperatures. Sapwood starch and NSC concentrations decrease in defoliated holm oaks. Conclusion : A height-dependent predisposition modulates the responses to drought-induced dieback in Mediterranean oak coppices. Coexisting oak species presented different predisposing factors to drought-induced dieback related to growth (holm oak) and its sensitivity to temperature (Portuguese oak). To forecast post-dieback damage, we should consider the variability of traits between and within species.
- Subjects
OAK; MEDITERRANEAN-type plants; DIEBACK; DROUGHT tolerance; TREE height; WOOD anatomy
- Publication
Annals of Forest Science (BioMed Central), 2016, Vol 73, Issue 2, p341
- ISSN
1286-4560
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s13595-015-0523-4