TreesPub Date : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02688-w
Daniele Caroline Hörz Engel, Mayara Rodrigues, João Leonardo Corte Baptistella, Rodrigo Faleiro, Hudson Wallace Pereira de Carvalho, José Lavres, Mário Tommasiello Filho, Juliana Lischka Sampaio Mayer, Paulo Mazzafera
{"title":"Wood characteristics of nine eucalypt species grown under partial substitution of potassium by sodium","authors":"Daniele Caroline Hörz Engel, Mayara Rodrigues, João Leonardo Corte Baptistella, Rodrigo Faleiro, Hudson Wallace Pereira de Carvalho, José Lavres, Mário Tommasiello Filho, Juliana Lischka Sampaio Mayer, Paulo Mazzafera","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02688-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02688-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Mineral fertilization with K is essential for the optimal growth of eucalypts. Research has demonstrated that Na can partially substitute for K, yielding beneficial outcomes in certain contexts, such as enhanced water-use efficiency and photosynthetic activity. However, the existing studies have predominantly focused on hybrids of <i>Eucalyptus grandis</i> and <i>Eucalyptus urophylla</i>, with limited knowledge regarding other economically significant species within the genus.</p><p>Despite the potential advantages, it is unknown if the replacement of K with Na may adversely affect wood quality. Here, we replaced 40% of K needs with Na and the anatomical structure of the cell wall, its constituents, wood density, the localization of Na and K within the stem, and the expression of various genes governing cell-wall polymer deposition and carbon metabolism. The findings indicate that substituting K with Na at a rate of 40% did not significantly alter most parameters evaluated. However, the partial substitution influenced the basic density characteristics of <i>E. brassiana</i> and <i>E. globulus</i>. In contrast, no discernible effects were detected in species such as <i>Corymbia maculata, C. citriodora, E. tereticornis, E. globulus, E. grandis, E. camaldulensis,</i> or <i>E. urophylla</i>. Our data support the conclusion that K can be partially replaced by Na without significant variations in xylem vessel diameter, lignin concentration, or the expression of genes related to stem lignin metabolism across all newly studied eucalypt species.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145256339","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":"Construction of a core germplasm collection of Fraxinus mandshurica based on phenotypic traits and genome-wide simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers","authors":"Shuai Yang, Xinying Jia, Siyu Sun, Qiuju Jing, Jialin Yan, Honglu Jiang, Yaguang Zhan, Ying Xin, Fansuo Zeng","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02682-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02682-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Key message</h3><p><i>Fraxinus</i> <i>mandshurica</i> genetic diversity is assessed using phenotypic and SSR markers, leading to the establishment of a core germplasm collection and offering insights for future breeding and conservation.</p><h3>Abstract</h3><p><i>Fraxinus mandshurica</i> is a principal tree for afforestation and timber production, providing considerable ecological and economic value. To assess <i>Fraxinus mandshurica</i> clonal genetic diversity, 217 germplasm samples were collected from Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces. First, the coefficient variation for the 11 phenotypic traits ranged from 16.44% to 54.92%. A 15% sampling ratio was applied to select core germplasm, resulting in 34 samples with no significant trait differences from the original collection. Furthermore, a total of 95,437 SSR loci were identified based on the whole genome, with an average distance of 8.174 kilobases per locus. Seven pairs of highly polymorphic SSR primers were selected, with an average polymorphism information content of 98.58%. Subsequently, genetic analysis of 217 clones using four SSR primer pairs identified 86 loci, classified into three subgroups, and established a core germplasm collection of 43 samples. Finally, a primary core germplasm bank of 66 clones was established by combining both phenotypic and SSR molecular markers. Genetic analysis indicated a negative genetic gain for Na, while PIC showed a significant improvement of 10.55%. Phenotypic analysis showed notable increases in the length-to-width ratio of the second-order compound leaves and the ground diameter, with improvements of 2.01% and 1.72%, respectively. Overall, the core germplasm collection effectively represents the genetic diversity of the original collection. This study provides theoretical references for further investigating genetic diversity, laying the foundation for future research on the genetic evaluation and utilization of <i>Fraxinus mandshurica</i> germplasm.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145230390","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}
TreesPub Date : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02686-y
Kaifen Zhao, Guolei Li
{"title":"Early cotyledon removal has stronger negative effects on root growth and storage than on shoots in Quercus variabilis seedlings, regardless of soil fertility","authors":"Kaifen Zhao, Guolei Li","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02686-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02686-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Oak cotyledons are hypogeal and non-photosynthetic. Animal predation on cotyledons during the seedling stage is a very common phenomenon and may hinder oak forest regeneration. However, no studies have compared the effects of cotyledon loss on shoot and root growth, as well as mineral or nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) storage, under different soil fertility conditions, making it difficult to identify whether root or shoot traits are the most reliable indicators for assessing the effects of cotyledon predation on seedling recruitment. We subjected <i>Quercus variabilis</i> seedlings to fifteen cotyledon removal times and two fertilization levels to measure cotyledon resource decrease kinetics and seedling mass at early growth stages and subsequent seedling performance at the end of first year. Cotyledon resource remobilization completed at 32 days after emergence, with phosphorus and NSC remobilizing more efficiently than nitrogen and potassium. Soil nutrients had no impact on cotyledon resource remobilization and early seedling growth. Cotyledon removal imposed stronger negative effects on root growth and storage than on shoots at the end of first year, which can be alleviated by fertilization. Cotyledon removal after 14 days of emergence did not decrease seedling growth and storage. In conclusion, cotyledon resources are more important than soil nutrients for early seedling growth, and early cotyledon removal greatly hinders subsequent seedling growth and storage, with roots being more sensitive to cotyledon removal than shoots. To improve oak seedling regeneration, cotyledons should be protected from animal predation at least 14 days after emergence by setting up a fence around acorns.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145210389","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}
TreesPub Date : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02684-0
André C. Lima, Marcelo R. Pace, Veronica Angyalossy, Andrieli L. da Silva, Carmen R. Marcati
{"title":"Defining cambial activity: the limitations of indirect indicators and the need for direct cellular markers","authors":"André C. Lima, Marcelo R. Pace, Veronica Angyalossy, Andrieli L. da Silva, Carmen R. Marcati","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02684-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02684-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The vascular cambium is a key lateral meristem responsible for secondary growth in woody plants, producing secondary xylem and phloem. Understanding its activity is crucial for studies on plant phenology, carbon sequestration, and environmental responses. However, defining the precise period of cambial activity remains challenging due to reliance on indirect indicators, such as cambial zone width or the presence of undifferentiated cells adjacent to the cambium. These parameters often misrepresent the true timing of cambial cell division, conflating it with subsequent differentiation processes. This study critically examines the limitations of indirect indicators and advocates for a more precise definition of cambial activity strictly as the process of cellular division. Direct cellular markers, such as mitotic figures, phragmoplasts, and newly formed tangential walls, provide more accurate assessment of cambial activity. By distinguishing cell division from differentiation, we can refine growth periodicity analyses and improve our understanding of environmental influences on cambial function. We review the structure and activity of the vascular cambium, demonstrating how indirect indicators can misrepresent cambial activity dynamics and lead to errors in determining its onset, duration, and cessation. By integrating direct cellular markers, we propose a more accurate methodology for assessing cambial activity, improving phenological studies and providing a clearer framework for evaluating plant responses to climatic variability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145210388","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}
TreesPub Date : 2025-09-26DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02673-3
Le Li, Yanli Shi, Fenghui Qi, Tian-Zhong Jing
{"title":"Size-dependent mortality of Khingan fir tree in old-growth forests: a spatial point pattern analysis","authors":"Le Li, Yanli Shi, Fenghui Qi, Tian-Zhong Jing","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02673-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02673-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Tree mortality rates are increasing globally. Yet the finer-scale processes driving these patterns remain poorly understood. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is critical for predicting forest responses to gradual climatic changes. <i>Abies nephrolepis</i> (Trautv. ex Maxim.) Maxim., a common coniferous tree species in the subalpine or boreal forests, has exhibited widespread mortality in old-growth stands. To investigate this phenomenon, we characterized the mortality spatial pattern of <i>A. nephrolepis</i> using data collected from two sites with varying elevations and slopes in the Mudanfeng Natural Reserve, China. Mark connection functions revealed that mortality labels (“dead” vs. “surviving”) were randomly distributed among all fir trees, consistent with a spatially random point process. Trivariate random labeling analyses indicated no influence of neighboring trees, either conspecific or heterospecific, on mortality patterns. Bivariate difference pair correlation functions provided no evidence for density-dependent mortality. However, mortality exhibited clear size dependence. We conclude that the random spatial distribution of tree sizes drove the random mortality pattern, with physiological senescence likely serving as the primary underlying mechanism.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169638","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}
TreesPub Date : 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02680-4
Gesa Thomann, Wolfgang Bilger
{"title":"Heterogeneity of photosynthetic light acclimation within single leaves of Fagus sylvatica","authors":"Gesa Thomann, Wolfgang Bilger","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02680-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02680-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Key message</h3><p>Rolled sun leaves of Fagus sylvatica L. showed strong heterogeneous light acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus across the leaf lamina as reflected in blue light excited chlorophyll fluorescence.</p><h3>Abstract</h3><p>Many grasses, but also dicotyledonous species have rolled leaves, which is interpreted as a resistance mechanism against drought. Rolled leaves intercept less light, which causes a reduced heat load but may also induce an acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus to reduced irradiance. We have investigated the light acclimation of different parts of permanently rolled leaves of beech (<i>Fagus sylvatica</i> L.) using various methods based on chlorophyll fluorescence as well as by HPLC analysis of photosynthetic pigments. Chlorophyll fluorescence emission excited by blue light showed a strong heterogeneity across the leaf lamina, with the highest emission in the upward bent sides of the leaf and minimal emission in the center and tip of the lamina. Heterogeneity was absent in flat shade leaves and the flat sun leaves of another beech tree and also in all types of leaves when red light was used for fluorescence excitation. Since blue-induced fluorescence intensity was negatively correlated with the pool size of the violaxanthin cycle, it is concluded that the heterogeneity in blue light-excited fluorescence was caused by the variation of these carotenoid pigments across the leaves. Also light saturated electron transport rate and sensitivity to photoinhibition indicated shade acclimation of the upward bent leaf sides. It is concluded that leaf rolling in beech leaves may also have a photoprotective function.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-025-02680-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169994","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}
TreesPub Date : 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02683-1
Letícia Lanes Ferreira, Priscila Fernanda Simioni, Igor Araújo, Demétrius Lira-Martins, Gabriel do Amaral Ferreira, Maura Da Cunha
{"title":"How does variation in physiological and structural traits explain the occurrence of plants in different restinga formations?","authors":"Letícia Lanes Ferreira, Priscila Fernanda Simioni, Igor Araújo, Demétrius Lira-Martins, Gabriel do Amaral Ferreira, Maura Da Cunha","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02683-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02683-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Key message</h3><p>This study reveals intraspecific variability in physiological and anatomical traits among tree species in different restinga formations, highlighting their adaptability to changing microclimatic conditions.</p><h3>Abstract</h3><p>Climate change, with increasingly frequent drought episodes, threatens the survival of tree species in biodiverse ecosystems like the Atlantic Forest. We investigated whether plants of the same species in different restinga formations exhibit intraspecific variability in physiological and secondary xylem traits. We evaluated five individuals of each of three tree species (<i>Scutia arenicola</i> (Casar.) Reissek (Rhamnaceae)<i>, Schinus terebinthifolia</i> Raddi (Anacardiaceae), and <i>Pera glabrata</i> (Schott) Baill. (Peraceae) all of which co-occur across three distinct formations within the restinga of northern Rio de Janeiro State: a beach grass and shrub, a <i>Clusia</i> formation, and a sandbanks forest formation. We used standard methods of plant physiology and anatomy to study the traits, focusing on the structure–function relationships between leaf and secondary xylem. The evaluated species exhibited a set of variations in functional traits. While the leaves invested in water-use efficiency, the wood remained conservative, prioritizing hydraulic safety. These traits vary mainly in the <i>Clusia</i> and beach grass and shrub formations, where the canopy is open and both soil moisture availability and irradiance are lower and higher, respectively. In the sandbanks forest, where the canopy is closed and soil moisture is higher, a pattern of photosynthetic efficiency, carbon acquisition, and water transport efficiency was observed. The physiological and tissue variation identified in this study may have played a role in the coexistence of the species, allowing them to adjust to variable microclimates among the different restinga formations. This variation may be essential for the persistence of these species, enabling efficient water to use and safety, which is reflected in their maintenance along vegetation gradients over time and under future climate scenarios.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169993","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}
TreesPub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02685-z
Mohsen Arsalani, Jussi Grießinger, Sugam Aryal, Achim Bräuning
{"title":"Sub-annual growth responses of Persian oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) to climate in the Zagros Mountains, western Iran: regional climate imprint is stronger than the influences of microclimate and elevation","authors":"Mohsen Arsalani, Jussi Grießinger, Sugam Aryal, Achim Bräuning","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02685-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02685-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Mountain ecosystems are dynamic and highly sensitive to the negative impacts of climate change. Within this study, we conducted the first comprehensive dendrochronological, multi-site and multi-elevational study of Persian oak (<i>Quercus brantii</i> Lindl.) across the Zagros Mountains in Western Iran. Besides total ring-width (TRW), we separately measured earlywood width (EWW) and latewood width (LWW) to analyze climate impact on oak growth with sub-annual resolution. We found strong correlations between TRW, EWW, and LWW, as well as between the individual site chronologies. Several negative extreme events and long-term growth patterns were captured by all site chronologies, revealing an increase in the frequency of negative extreme events during recent decades (1930–2022). The standard chronologies exhibited strong climate signals representative for larger areas in West Asia and the Mediterranean region. Climate-growth response analyses indicated that winter precipitation is the most important growth-limiting factor, having a strong positive effect on the growth of the native oak species. Conversely, we found negative correlations between Tmax and Tmean and TRW, EWW, and LWW of Persian oak during the previous and current growth years. Correlations with various drought indices confirmed the strong negative impacts of dry periods on oak forests, particularly for the central and southern parts of the Zagros Mts. The very homogenous growth response across elevation and different microsite conditions emphasizes the dominant role of macroclimate on oak growth. Correlation analysis between annual and sub-annual ring-width parameters of <i>Q. brantii</i> and climate indices highlights the strong effect of large-scale teleconnection patterns on the Zagros oak forests. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of sufficient winter precipitation supply. Therefore, watershed management that promotes soil moisture conservation under current and expected future climate change is recommended to ensure long-term resilience of Persian oak forests.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-025-02685-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169788","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}
TreesPub Date : 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02676-0
Abdelouahab Sahli, Hassan Ennouni, Jalal Kassout, Soufian Chakkour, Mhammad Houssni, Khalil Kadaoui, And Mohammed Ater
{"title":"Pollen viability and fertility assessment in range edge populations of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn","authors":"Abdelouahab Sahli, Hassan Ennouni, Jalal Kassout, Soufian Chakkour, Mhammad Houssni, Khalil Kadaoui, And Mohammed Ater","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02676-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02676-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><i>Alnus glutinosa</i> (L.) Gaertn is a crucial component of riparian ecosystems. Yet, many of its habitats are currently under threat, particularly in the southern regions of its distribution in Morocco. To effectively address the conservation and management of this species, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of the species’ reproductive biology. The main objective of this study was to assess the viability and fertility of <i>Alnus glutinosa</i> (L.) Gaertn pollen grains using four tests: acetocarmine staining, Alexander staining, 2.3.5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), and in vitro germination. Eleven representative populations of this species were carefully selected for analysis. The study revealed that <i>Alnus glutinosa</i> trees produce pollen with good cytoplasmic conformation, as exhibited by the acetocarmine (86.4%) and Alexander staining (74.45%). However, these tests tend to overestimate pollen viability, as estimates by the TTC enzymatic test (48.88%) and in vitro germination (4.5%) are significantly lower. Viability varied significantly both among and within populations. The results suggest that some trees produce sterile pollen. The observed variability in pollen viability between populations appears to be linked to environmental factors.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110488","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}
TreesPub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.1007/s00468-025-02681-3
Inga K. Homfeld, Frederick Reinig, Edurne Martinez del Castillo, Max C. A. Torbenson, Oliver Konter, Rob Wilson, Paul J. Krusic, Neil J. Loader, Hakan Grudd, Emily Reid, Kayleigh Letherbarrow, Jan Esper
{"title":"Beyond maximum density: multi-parameter insights into Scots pine climate sensitivity","authors":"Inga K. Homfeld, Frederick Reinig, Edurne Martinez del Castillo, Max C. A. Torbenson, Oliver Konter, Rob Wilson, Paul J. Krusic, Neil J. Loader, Hakan Grudd, Emily Reid, Kayleigh Letherbarrow, Jan Esper","doi":"10.1007/s00468-025-02681-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00468-025-02681-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Key message</h3><p>Climate sensitivity of <i>Pinus sylvestris</i> has changed in minimum density while maximum density remains mostly stable, suggesting the use of additional density parameters could help detect response changes.</p><h3>Abstract</h3><p>As one of Eurasia's most widely distributed conifer species, <i>Pinus sylvestris</i> L. is frequently used in dendroclimatological reconstructions based on tree-ring width (TRW) and maximum latewood density (MXD). However, the climatic signals of additional parameters such as earlywood/latewood density (EWD/LWD) or minimum density (MND) are often overlooked, leaving their skill unexplored. Here, we investigate the growth responses of multiple <i>P. sylvestris</i> tree-ring parameters to ongoing climate change at two sites with contrasting climatic conditions using well-replicated density data from Scotland and Sweden. Correlations with mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures are strongest for LWD and MXD at both sites, with coefficients ranging from 0.5 to 0.7 for July, August, and the June–August season (<i>p <</i> 0.05). A significant (<i>p <</i> 0.05) negative correlation between MND and July temperatures was identified in the Swedish Torneträsk (TOR) data (<i>p <</i> 0.05), which diminished since the late twentieth century. A comparable inverse MND temperature signal and change into the twenty-first century is not reflected in northern Scotland’s overall wetter and warmer site, suggesting a fundamental physiological change in tree-ring formation under global warming. A shift in the sensitivity of tree growth at northern European sites could reduce the effectiveness of proxies from such locations, posing implications for high-resolution climate reconstructions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":805,"journal":{"name":"Trees","volume":"39 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00468-025-02681-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145100649","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}