Metla Project 3465

Effect of changing climate on growth and wood properties of silver birch.Study based on provenance transfers

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Duration: 2007-2011   Keywords: acclimation, clone, growth, progeny, provenience, silver birch, wood chemistry, wood structure
Research project group: Wood quality variation

Objectives

This study aims in understanding the acclimation potential of silver birch origins to future climate, using unique tree materials from long-term field trials - provenance, clonal and progeny trials - established and run by METLA since early 1960s. These trials include long-distance transfers of tree origins in the longitudinal axis which well simulate the predicted climate warming in the future. We reason that the goodness of the growth conditions over the growth history of the transferred tree origins can be seen in tree growth and is recorded in wood. Detailed analyses of growth, and wood structure and chemistry of felled trees will be done with up-to-date methods and equipments of plant biology. This information can be used in assessing the limits of provenance transfers for successful silviculture and forest management in future, as well as in the ongoing and future tree breeding programs. The project will also give new basic information on wood cell wall components and formation, and how the growth environment affects the cell wall development. The project will have a strong capacity-building aspect. Collaboration of experts from different scientific backgrounds, using the same wood materials, will increase the knowledge and enables better understanding of how genotype and growth environment affect wood formation. The project will provide an excellent research training platform to two scientists who will be funded in this project.

Project leader: Saranpää, Pekka
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Unit, PL 18, FI-01301 VANTAA, FINLAND
Phone: +358 10 211 2340 Telefax: +358 10 211 2103
E-mail: pekka.saranpaa@metla.fi

Other researchers: Kemppainen, Seija (2007-08), Kostiainen, Katri, SU (2007-11), Piispanen, Riikka, VA (2008-11), Tapanila, Tarja, VA (2010-11), Vapaavuori, Elina, SU (2007-11), Viherä-Aarnio, Anneli, VA (2008,2010-11)


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Updated 10.02.2012
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