Norway spruce phenotype variability determined by needle anatomy in Bohemian Forest compared to other regions of the Czech Republic

Abstract

Young trees (saplings) of the Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) regenerating populations were analysed on 7 plots in the Šumava Mts. (Bohemian Forest), on 5 plots in the Jeseníky Mts. (Eastern Sudetes), and 1 plot in the Krkonoše (Giant Mts.). All 13 plots were located at the forest altitudinal (vegetation) zones of natural Picea abies stands. Each selected tree was characterized by microscopic features of the first-year needles. The free-hand needle cross-sections were prepared from three needles of each tree and measured by digital microphotos. The following needle characteristics were measured: width, thickness, and vascular bundle diameter. Each population was described by variability of these parameters. Populations were classified based on the data set. Two artificially planted populations were most different. Populations resulting in natural stands have different phenotype variability, possibly as a result of the parent stand history: two extreme examples are Eustaška locality (Jeseníky Mts.) with no known disturbance, and Trojmezí locality (Šumava Mts.), where wind and bark beetle disturbances were repeatedly recorded.