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Size- and Age-Related Changes in Tree Structure and Function pp 121–164Cite as

Radial Variation in Wood Structure and Function in Woody Plants, and Hypotheses for Its Occurrence

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Part of the book series: Tree Physiology ((TREE,volume 4))

Abstract

Woody stems, branches, and roots display large progressive changes in structure and function from the pith outwards, a pattern known as the core/outerwood or juvenile/mature wood pattern. For example, the typical radial pattern (TRP), characterized mostly for commercial softwoods, includes increases in wood density by a factor of up to 1.5, tracheid width by a factor of 2, and tracheid length by a factor of up to 4. These large changes will have substantial effects on the success or failure of the plant. Our knowledge of the drivers and the universality of the typical radial pattern are minimal in spite of 150 years of research that has been concentrated mostly on commercial softwoods. This chapter (1) provides a brief description of the nature and magnitude of the structural and functional changes along the radius of woody stems, (2) clarifies whether ring number from the pith or size best explain the typical radial pattern, and (3) introduces and briefly evaluates hypotheses for the functional significance of the radial patterns, with developmental, hydraulic, and mechanical hypotheses. The chapter indicates major knowledge gaps in different biomes and plant types, and provides examples of systems in which research advances could be made. An improved knowledge of why wood develops into the structures we observe will provide a basis for better predictions of woody plant behavior across environments. It is also essential for tree breeders in developing adapted stock for different environments, and foresters and wood processors in predicting end-product quality.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dave Briggs, Rowland Burdon, Dave Cown and an anonymous reviewer for comments on the manuscript, and Dan Ridley-Ellis and other colleagues with whom we had many useful discussions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Wood Science and Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    Barbara Lachenbruch

  2. Forest Products Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, EH10 5DT, Scotland, UK

    John R. Moore

  3. CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, Clayton, VIC, Australia

    Robert Evans

Authors
  1. Barbara Lachenbruch
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  2. John R. Moore
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  3. Robert Evans
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Correspondence to Barbara Lachenbruch .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Forestry Sciences Lab., Ecosystem Processes Program, USDA Forest Service, SW. Jefferson Way 3200, Corvallis, 97331, Oregon, USA

    Frederick C. Meinzer

  2. , Department of Wood Science and Engineeri, Oregon State University, Richardson Hall 119, Corvallis, 97331, Oregon, USA

    Barbara Lachenbruch

  3. Dept. Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, 94720, California, USA

    Todd E. Dawson

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Lachenbruch, B., Moore, J.R., Evans, R. (2011). Radial Variation in Wood Structure and Function in Woody Plants, and Hypotheses for Its Occurrence. In: Meinzer, F., Lachenbruch, B., Dawson, T. (eds) Size- and Age-Related Changes in Tree Structure and Function. Tree Physiology, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1242-3_5

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