Trees最新文献

{"title":"Improving tree stability with optimized pruning: a comprehensive cycle method","authors":"Luís Otávio Trotti Martins Guedes de Souza,&nbsp;Fernanda Mendes de Rezende,&nbsp;Marcelo Knörich Zuffo,&nbsp;Julio Romano Meneghini,&nbsp;Marcos Silveira Buckeridge,&nbsp;Emílio Carlos Nelli Silva","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02744-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02744-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>\u0000 <b><i>Key message</i></b>\u0000 </h3><p><b>A new, comprehensive computational cycle that integrates LiDAR scanning, Finite Element Modeling (FEM), and Topology Optimization (TO) can help guide pruning decisions. This process aims to restore or improve a tree’s structural stability, lowering the risk of failure from wind and boosting long-term urban tree resilience.</b></p><h3>Abstract</h3><p>Frequent incidents of trees falling in São Paulo highlight the need for innovative methods to analyze and modify tree structures. Natural tree growth optimizes its architecture, however improper pruning practices often weaken this balance, leaving trees highly vulnerable under wind conditions that cause falls. Addressing these issues requires a better understanding of tree biomechanics. LiDAR scanning offers precise tree architecture through the creation of laser pulse-based point cloud. The Finite Element Method (FEM) accurately models physical forces acting on trees by solving differential equations for each element. This study introduces a pruning algorithm based on Topology Optimization (TO), which optimizes material distribution within a defined domain based on specific goals. Combining LiDAR, FEM, and the proposed TO pruning algorithm creates a practical cycle for assessing tree structural responses to wind loads and reoptimizing trees after pruning. Using LiDAR data processed with FEM software, this cycle is demonstrated for a <i>Tipuana tipu</i> tree, showing its potential to reduce tree fall risks. In practical terms, this framework provides a decision-support tool to guide pruning strategies that reduce wind-induced failure risk while preserving tree structural performance. Although the current implementation is primarily mechanical and was demonstrated using a single urban case study, the methodology is general and can be applied to different tree species and urban contexts worldwide, with future developments expected to integrate ecophysiological processes and species-specific material properties.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-026-02744-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147830047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Species-specific responses of boreal conifer seedlings to nitrogen availability: effects on growth, biomass partitioning, bud production and root traits","authors":"Charles Marty,&nbsp;Ranieri Ribeiro Paula,&nbsp;Lona Baudry,&nbsp;Olivier Fradette,&nbsp;Patrick Faubert","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02770-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02770-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>While nitrogen supply is known to enhance the growth of boreal conifers, species-specific plastic responses of biomass partitioning and functional traits to nitrogen availability in seedlings – critical factors for their growth and survival in a changing environment – remain understudied. Here, we conducted a 15-month-greenhouse experiment to investigate how nitrogen availability affects growth, biomass partitioning, bud production, and root traits in seedlings of three widespread boreal conifer species. Black spruce seedlings had intermediate biomass partitioning values between tamarack and jack pine. Tamarack had the highest stem mass fraction (SMF) and relative height growth, but the lowest aboveground mass fraction (AGMF). Jack pine had the highest leaf mass fraction (LMF), LMF/SMF ratio and AGMF. Specific root length was higher in black spruce (10-13 m g^-1) than in tamarack (8-9 m g^-1). Nitrogen fertilization 1) decreased root mass fraction in all species, particularly in tamarack, consistent with the optimal partitioning theory; 2) increased root diameter by 20-25% and decreased root tissue density by 17-33% in all species; 3) significantly increased apical growth in tamarack only (+140%); and 4) increased lateral bud production in black spruce by 50% in the first growing season and in tamarack by 150% in the second, whereas no effect was found in jack pine. Unlike in black spruce and tamarack, no positive linear relationship was observed between apical growth and lateral bud production in jack pine, indicating predominant bud preformation in this species. Overall, the three species exhibited distinct biomass partitioning patterns with great phenotypic plasticity, particularly in tamarack. </p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147829534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Branch shape parameters for young open-grown Carya laciniosa (F.Michx.) G.Don (Juglandaceae)","authors":"Kamil Kędra,&nbsp;Kinga Nowak,&nbsp;Andrzej M. Jagodziński","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02765-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02765-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Branch shape is a relevant tree morphological trait, representative of tree ontogenetic stage, successional status and resource-use strategy. However, branch-level studies have been limited due to tedious, time-consuming or costly measurement procedures. Here we applied a cost-efficient, quantitative framework for tree branch shape data collection and statistical evaluation, applied to young open-grown <i>Carya laciniosa</i>, an ecologically valuable but rare large-seeded deciduous tree species. After accounting for branch size and orientation, we fitted different polynomial models to photogrammetric points of 41 major branch axes belonging to four arboretum-grown leaf-off <i>C. laciniosa</i> trees, ranging from 6.1 to 8.7 m in height. Parametric branch shape was identified with great precision by the fourth-order polynomials (R² = 0.96 ± 0.07 SD), but also acceptably by the third-order polynomials (R² = 0.93 ± 0.13 SD). The shape parameters were weakly related to branch position within the crown (R² &lt; 0.40), in contrast to branch size (R² = 0.73). The identified S-shaped branch type may be termed plagio-orthotropic, with the proximal part arching plagiotropically and the distal part ascending orthotropically. This type of shape was stable across canopy height strata, but the shape variation and the magnitude of branch curvature clearly decreased towards the upper canopy layers, revealing combined effects of branch age, gravitropism and bending strains induced by the seasonal loads. Our results corroborate the architectural similarity among the mid-successional <i>Carya</i> spp. This study highlights the relevance of branch shape, which can be feasibly recorded in terms of transferable parameters, possibly as a generic functional trait with a potential for quantification of ecosystem services, such as rainfall interception and retention, shading potential, thermal regulation and biodiversity support.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-026-02765-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147796341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seasonal phytochemical variation of Peumus boldus and Cryptocarya alba and its impact on forest therapy","authors":"Nicolás R. Mac Kay,&nbsp;Martha Hernández de la Torre,&nbsp;Karina Crisóstomo-Ayala,&nbsp;Mauricio Aguirre-Díaz,&nbsp;Darío Bagüés Castro,&nbsp;Fernando Teillier,&nbsp;Claudia Pérez Manríquez","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02773-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02773-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Key message</h3><p>Seasonal dynamics shape the antioxidant capacity and volatile composition of <i>Peumus boldus</i> and <i>Cryptocarya alba</i>, suggesting that the potential bioactive inputs for forest therapy may vary throughout the year.</p><h3>Abstract</h3><p>Plants, in their interaction with the environment, synthesize organic compounds that are considered beneficial for human health in the practice of forest therapy. This study describes seasonal changes in the production and activity of volatile organic compounds in two emblematic southern Chilean trees. Phytochemical profiles were obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, total phenolic content was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was measured by ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assays, in <i>Peumus boldus</i> and <i>Cryptocarya alba</i> leaves obtained from Nonguén National Park (Chile). Climatic data were recorded. The results show that the phytochemical richness of sampled <i>P. boldus</i> trees reached the highest value in autumn, while <i>C. alba</i> showed a slight decrease in summer. The four seasons presented a broad core of constitutive compounds including monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, in both species. ABTS assay showed that antioxidant capacity in <i>P. boldus</i> samples was markedly higher in autumn, while in <i>C. alba</i>, the highest value was reached in winter. DPPH assay showed highest antioxidant capacity in spring in <i>P. boldus samples</i>, and in <i>C. alba</i> it occurred in winter. The highest phenolic accumulation was observed in spring for <i>P. boldus,</i> and in autumn for <i>C. alba</i>. Here we provide an initial characterization of the dynamics of phytochemical variation associated with the seasonal changes occurring in two trees of the southern forest. Further investigation is required to fully understand the emission dynamics in response to seasonal changes, and their potential contribution to human health through the practice of forest therapy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-026-02773-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147797086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enzyme activity of carbohydrate metabolism in own-rooted and grafted ‘BRS-Kampai’ peach trees","authors":"Michely Aparecida Jacobsen Bertan,&nbsp;Miguel Gustavo Beilner de Oliveira,&nbsp;Gener Augusto Penso,&nbsp;Newton Alex Mayer,&nbsp;Idemir Citadin","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02775-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02775-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Key message</h3><p>Medium vigour rootstocks optimize peach fruit development in subtropical climates by balancing carbohydrate partitioning through enhanced SOX and AI enzymatic activity.</p><h3>Abstract</h3><p>Peach cultivation in subtropical regions faces critical challenges related to excessive vegetative growth, low winter chilling accumulation, and susceptibility to late frosts. The use of suitable rootstocks is a fundamental strategy to mitigate these problems, although the physiological mechanisms involved in vigour control and assimilate partitioning still demand investigation. This study aimed to determine the influence of five clonal rootstocks and the own-rooted scion cultivar (without rootstock) on the dynamics of the source-sink relationship and the seasonal partitioning of carbohydrates in ‘BRS-Kampai’ peach trees. Analyses such as shoot growth (SG), relative growth rate of shoots (RGR), and fruit diameter (FD) were performed; as well as the activity of the enzymes sorbitol oxidase (SOX) and acid invertase (AI), and concentration of reducing sugars (RS). High vigour group (own-rooted ‘BRS-Kampai’ and te ‘Okinawa’ rootstock) prioritises the diversion of assimilates to vegetative growth, resulting in smaller-sized fruits. In contrast, low vigour rootstocks (‘Cadaman®’ and ‘Clone 15’), although facilitating high-density management, present a delay in SG that induces direct competition with the initial phase of fruit development (cell division). The most efficient physiological balance was observed in medium vigour rootstocks (‘Tsukuba-2’ and ‘Tsukuba-3’), which showed the highest enzymatic activity (SOX and AI) in the fruits, indicating a superior sink strength in organs of economic interest. It is concluded that medium vigour optimises carbon partitioning to the fruits, consolidating the activity of both evaluated enzymes as a reliable marker of sink strength in peach trees under subtropical conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-026-02775-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147737811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thermal tolerance of Acer campestre (field maple) under heat and drought stress derived from chlorophyll fluorescence","authors":"Ramla Khan,&nbsp;Philip Wheeler,&nbsp;David Gowing","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02762-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02762-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme heat events, making the thermal tolerance of urban trees critical for sustainable city landscapes. We quantified how hydration status influences heat tolerance in Acer campestre (field maple) by measuring chlorophyll-fluorescence based dark-adapted thermal tolerance values for the onset (T_crit) and 50% reduction (T₅₀) of photosystem II efficiency. Measurements were taken at four time points under controlled conditions, with the final measurement including drought stress followed by rehydration of the sample leaves. Linear mixed-effects modelling revealed that treatment significantly affected T_crit (F_(2,49) = 27.6, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) but not T₅₀ (F_(2,49) = 2.22, <i>p</i> = 0.12). T_crit declined from 41.2 to 44.5 °C under well-watered conditions to about 30.4 °C during drought, then recovered to approximately 44.3 °C after 24 h of rehydration. T₅₀ remained relatively stable (47–49.9 °C) across treatments. Principal component and clustering analyses confirmed hydration status as the main driver of variation (PC1 = 80.4% of variance; PERMANOVA F = 5.47, <i>p</i> = 0.001). A positive correlation between T_crit and T₅₀ (<i>r</i> = 0.61, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01) indicated coordinated but distinct protective mechanisms operating across stress levels. These findings demonstrate that short-term hydration has a greater influence on photosynthetic heat tolerance than prior drought exposure. <i>Acer campestre</i> shows high physiological plasticity, with rapid recovery of T_crit after rehydration, suggesting that maintaining soil moisture through targeted irrigation could significantly enhance tree resilience to increasing urban heat extremes.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-026-02762-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147737795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential drought tolerance in two commercial açaí cultivars: Insights from gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and antioxidant responses","authors":"Patricia C. A. Navegantes,&nbsp;Wagner Romulo L. Lopes Filho,&nbsp;Flavio Henrique S. Rodrigues,&nbsp;Rosane Patricia F. Chaves,&nbsp;Roberto L. Cunha,&nbsp;Lucas C. Costa,&nbsp;Hugo A. Pinheiro","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02759-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02759-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The effects of water deficit on leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and antioxidant enzyme activity were evaluated in two açaí cultivars (BRS-PA and BRS-PD) to assess potential differences in drought tolerance. Plants were compared under full irrigation (Control) and under water deficit marked by predawn leaf water potential around – 2.3 MPa. In both cultivars, drought caused similar decreases in net CO₂ assimilation rate (<i>A</i>), stomatal conductance, Rubisco instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, and transpiration, accompanied by increases in substomatal CO₂ concentration and instantaneous water-use efficiency. In both cultivars, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII remained unaffected, but actual quantum yield and photochemical quenching declined under stress. The ratio between electron transport rate and <i>A</i> increased by 219% in BRS-PA and 130% in BRS-PD. Chlorophyll <i>a</i> and b, and carotenoids were more strongly reduced in BRS-PD. Superoxide dismutase increased in both cultivars, while ascorbate peroxidase remained unchanged. Catalase activity declined by 40% only in BRS-PD. Lipid peroxidation rose by around 280% in both cultivars, but foliar H₂O₂ accumulation was greater in BRS-PA (37%) than in BRS-PD (21%). Therefore, under the imposed water deficit conditions, cultivars BRS-PA and BRS-PD exhibited comparable overall physiological performance, however, BRS-PD displayed subtle advantages in photoprotective and antioxidant adjustments, potentially conferring greater resilience to prolonged or severe drought than BRS-PA.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-026-02759-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147737321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shoot growth patterns as indicators of root system recovery after transplanting in nursery-grown hackberry trees","authors":"Alexandre de Haldat,&nbsp;Mathis Lecoq,&nbsp;Yves Caraglio,&nbsp;Claire Atger,&nbsp;Éric Nicolini","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02761-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02761-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 \u0000 <b><i>Key message</i></b>\u0000 \u0000 <p><b>This study on young planted hackberry trees identifies distinct recovery stages where aboveground traits reliably predict root system regeneration, providing a basis for non-destructive assessment of post-transplant recovery.</b></p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Abstract\u0000 <p>Transplanting trees disrupts the root system, creating a root-to-shoot imbalance that challenges recovery. Post-transplant recovery is heterogeneous, with distinct growth dynamics. We hypothesized that: (1) this heterogeneity represents few growth patterns; (2) these patterns reflect specific root regeneration behaviors; and (3) aboveground traits could indicate root system recovery. To test them, we transplanted 600 young bare-root <i>Celtis australis</i> and monitored their recovery over two years. A total of 112 trees were selectively excavated at the end of each growing season to characterize root regeneration and its links with aerial growth categories. Two indicators, the Root Regeneration Score (RRS) and the Aerial Field Index (AFI), were developed to evaluate aerial growth dynamics and root regeneration. Our results showed that post-transplant heterogeneity in aboveground growth could be categorized into distinct patterns based on budbreak timing and shoot elongation dynamics. These aerial growth categories corresponded to specific root regeneration behaviors, characterized by differences in the proportion of regenerated pruned roots, new root production, and pruning wound closure rates, key traits used to construct the RRS. The AFI, integrating time to budbreak, trunk growth, and maximum shoot length, effectively distinguished growth categories and demonstrated strong predictive power for root recovery. This study provides a framework for characterizing post-transplant recovery dynamics and emphasizes the functional interplay between root and shoot recovery. The AFI offers a standardized tool for evaluating plantation success and informing urban forestry management.</p>\u0000 \u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-026-02761-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147737549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A first step towards the standardization of the monocot wood characteristics using the example of the Gran Canaria dragon tree Dracaena tamaranae Marrero Rodr., R.S. Almeida & M. González-Martin","authors":"Joanna Jura-Morawiec,&nbsp;Jan Marcinkiewicz,&nbsp;Rafael Almeida-Pérez,&nbsp;Águedo Marrero-Rodríguez,&nbsp;Juli Caujapé-Castells","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02748-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02748-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>\u0000 <b><i>Key message</i></b>\u0000 </h3><p><b>There is axial and radial variation in stem monocot wood characters that should be considered in sampling and comparative studies. Stem and branch monocot wood differ in qualitative characters.</b></p><h3>Abstract</h3><p>Monocot wood is produced by the activity of the monocot cambium and consists of secondary ground tissue traversed by secondary vascular bundles. It is found in some arborescent monocots such as <i>Dracaena</i>, <i>Beaucarnea</i> and <i>Yucca</i> species. Standard lists of wood anatomical features are not applicable for characterizing monocot wood. Little is known about the extent of intra-individual and intraspecific variation in its characters. In order to address this knowledge gap, we analyzed axial and radial variation in the monocot wood anatomy of the dragon tree <i>Dracaena tamaranae</i> and proposed a set of characters to provide a framework for its anatomical description. The material used was dry monocot wood from fallen stems and branches collected in the natural habitat of the species on the island of Gran Canaria. Based on anatomical sections and macerates, we identified characters that selectively showed axial variation (parenchyma cell length, parenchyma fraction, tracheid fraction, tracheid lumen, tracheid length, tracheid elongation) and radial variation (vascular bundle size, tracheid length). In addition, the monocot wood of stems and branches differed in terms of vascular bundle grouping, parenchyma fraction, and tracheid fraction. The results are discussed in the context of structure–function relationships, as well as the potential diagnostic value of the analyzed characters.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147737370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Carbon allocation constraints and leaf functional shifts shape early regeneration after slash-and-burn in a tropical dry forest","authors":"Renato Soares Vanderlei,&nbsp;Mariana Santos,&nbsp;Marcelo Tabarelli,&nbsp;Mauro Guida dos Santos","doi":"10.1007/s00468-026-02772-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-026-02772-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Key message</h3><p>Six months after slash-and-burn, regenerating individuals maintain NSC pools comparable to undisturbed trees while exhibiting belowground allocation constraints and acquisitive leaf functional shifts during structural recovery.</p><h3>Abstract</h3><p>Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are critical for tree persistence following disturbances, yet the physiological mechanisms governing biomass recovery in tropical dry forests remain underexplored. Here, we investigated how carbon reserves and leaf functional traits are coordinated during early post-disturbance regeneration. We conducted an in situ experiment in a Caatinga dry forest (six species; 75 undisturbed, 75 disturbed trees). Trees were cut at ground level and biomass burned at the end of a dry season; 23 burned individuals regenerated within the subsequent six-month rainy season. We quantified soluble sugars, starch, and total NSC (soluble sugars + starch) in leaves, stems, and roots, measured structural characteristics, and assessed six leaf functional traits, namely leaf area, specific leaf area, thickness, dry matter content, succulence, and construction cost. Regenerating individuals maintained soluble sugar gradients similar to undisturbed trees, with concentrations in leaves and stems four- and two-fold higher than those in roots, respectively. They exhibited NSC concentrations comparable to undisturbed trees but developed thinner leaves with lower dry matter content. Structural recovery was negatively correlated with root NSC, a pattern consistent with short-term allocation constraints during early recovery. Trait–NSC relationships revealed coordinated variation among carbon pools and leaf functional traits. In summary, regenerating individuals display coordinated adjustments in reserve concentrations and leaf traits consistent with resource-acquisitive strategies during early recovery. However, reserves availability alone does not guarantee persistence. Under climatic change or recurrent disturbance, such recovery-stage allocation dynamics may become increasingly constrained, potentially increasing forest vulnerability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"40 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-026-02772-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147642996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}