Quantitative Wood Anatomy and Cambial Dynamics

Tree-ring analysis traditionally is based on annually resolved time series of a variety of tree-ring parameters like tree-ring width or stable isotope ratios. With the improvement of preparation techniques and image analysis systems of microscopic thin sections, wood anatomical features can not only be quantified with higher speed and precision, but also in higher resolution, since the anatomical structures of a whole tree ring can be analyzed in sections representing the wood formation during only small parts of the vegetation season. Since a change in wood anatomical structures has significant impacts on the hydraulic performance of a woody plant, on growth rates and mortality risk has also to be seen in the adaptability of wood anatomical structures of a species. Another important application of quantitative wood anatomical studies is the analysis of cambial dynamics, since it is of high relevance to know if altered tree growth rates under future climatic conditions will derive from a change in the growing season length, from a change in growth rates, or even by growth suppression during unfavorable climate episodes within the growing season. Hence, the quantitative analysis of wood anatomical structures is of high relevance for a better understanding on tree growth responses to future climate conditions, and to provide baseline data for models simulating growth performance under future climate conditions.

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