Juvenile growth and crown morphological plasticity of eastern white pines (Pinus strobus L.) planted along a natural light gradient: Results after six years

Messier, C.; Parent, S.; Chengaou, M. et Beaulieu, J. (1999). « Juvenile growth and crown morphological plasticity of eastern white pines (Pinus strobus L.) planted along a natural light gradient: Results after six years ». The Forestry Chronicle, 75(2), pp. 275-279.

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Résumé

Underplanting white pine (Pinus strobus L.) is a promising method to reduce competition and protect against white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi (Peck)) damage. However, shading caused by over-story trees can reduce growth, vigor and survival of white pine. The objective of this study was to determine tile effects of a light gradient on the growth and overall crown morphology of white pine saplings planted in 3-meter strips within a hardwood forest some six years earlier. In 1994, we measured total height and diameter, leader length (in 1994) and numerous crown morphological variables. We then estimated the light environment above the crown of 63 young white pine saplings representing six families of close provenance. White pine grew well (i.e., >20 cm in height/year) for the first six years when planted at light levels between 10 and 66% of full sunlight. Total height and diameter after six years tended to decline more sharply below 30% full sunlight, confirming earlier experiments made in controlled conditions. No significant changes in crown morphology were evident along the light gradient. This lack of crown morphological plasticity presumably contributes to limiting the ability of while pine to grow and compete in a very low light environment. Various silvicultural options are discussed in light of the results obtained in this study.

Type:	Article de revue scientifique
Mots-clés ou Sujets:	understory growth, white pine, understory planting, crown morphology, silvicultural options, light gradient
Unité d'appartenance:	Centres institutionnels > Centre d'étude de la forêt (CEF) Faculté des sciences > Département des sciences biologiques
Déposé par:	Christian Messier
Date de dépôt:	07 janv. 2009
Dernière modification:	01 nov. 2014 02:08
Adresse URL :	http://archipel.uqam.ca/id/eprint/1609

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