Xylogenesis in stems and roots after thinning in the boreal forest of Quebec, Canada

Abstract

The reduction of competition through thinning increases radial growth in the stem and roots of many conifer species. However, not much is known about the effect of thinning on the dynamics of wood formation and intra-annual development of the growth ring, especially in the roots, which are an essential part of the tree for stability and resource acquisition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an experimental thinning on the dynamics and phenology of xylogenesis in the stem and roots of black spruce and balsam fir. Experimental and control trees were selected in two mature even-aged stands, one black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) and one balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.). Wood microcores were collected weekly in the stem and roots from May to October for a period of 4 years. The onset and ending of each cell differentiation phase were computed, as well as growth rate and total cell production. Results show that thinning increased the cell production rate of stem and roots of black spruce and balsam fir. This higher daily growth rate caused an increase in the total number of cells produced by the cambium. The intensity of the treatment was sufficient to significantly increase light availability for residual trees, but insufficient to modify soil temperature and water content to a point at which a significant change in the timing or duration of xylogenesis would be induced. Thus, thinning increased cell production rate and total number of cells produced in both stem and roots, but did not result in a change in the phenology of wood formation that could lead to increased risks of frost damage in the spring or autumn.

Keywords: Abies balsamea; Picea mariana; boreal forest; cell differentiation; growth; intra-annual ring development; phenology.