Metla Project 3519

Effect of environmental factors and genotype on formation and properties of tracheids

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Duration: 2009-2012   Keywords: Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, cambial dynamics, climate-growth relationship, genotype, radial increment, wood formation

Objectives

The project analyses wood formation and the variation of tree growth at individual tracheid level and the factors affecting it at varying time scales. Accumulation of new woody material during growing season is analysed by evaluating the regulating role of weather and genetic factors, both of which are also vital in adaptation to changing climate. To accomplish this objective, we will (1) analyse the effects of climatic variables on timing and rate of wood formation, and (2) analyse the effects of genetic origin on wood formation and acclimation potential to climate change.

Process models describing the formation of woody material on a whole-tree-level are developed in collaboration with the Department of Forest Ecology, University of Helsinki. The aim is to (3) analyse the seasonality in carbon assimilation and allocation in relation to climate and nutrient availability, (4) analyse the effects of water relations and nutrient status on xylem and phloem transport and cambial growth, (5) formulate a dynamic model describing cambial growth with whole-tree physiology, and (6) predict the effects of alternative climate change scenarios on the future growth trends of trees and wood properties.

Project leader: Mäkinen, Harri
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Unit, PO Box 18 (Jokiniemenkuja 1), FI-01301 VANTAA, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 5265
E-mail: harri.makinen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Henttonen, Helena, VA (2012), Jyske, Tuula, VA (2010), Nöjd, Pekka, VA (2009-12)


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Updated 02.02.2013
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