Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2009, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (6): 1177-1183.DOI: 10.3773/j.issn.1005-264x.2009.06.018

• Original article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

RESPONSE OF RADIAL GROWTH TO NEIGHBORING COMPETITION AND CLIMATE FACTORS IN TAXUS CUSPIDATA

ZHANG Chun-Yu1, GAO Lu-Shuang1, ZHAO Ya-Zhou1, JIA Yu-Zhen1, LI Jin-Xin2, ZHAO Xiu-Hai1,*()   

  1. 1 Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
    2 Fengling Management Station of Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve in Jilin Province, Jilin 133613, China
  • Received:2009-05-31 Accepted:2009-08-04 Online:2009-05-31 Published:2021-04-29
  • Contact: ZHAO Xiu-Hai

Abstract:

Aims Our objective was to address the impacts of sex, tree size, neighboring competition and climate factors on radial growth in Taxus cuspidata.

Methods An integrative dendroclimatic approach was used to quantify radial growth and relate its response to climate factors.

Important findings Sex and tree size exhibited significant effects on radial growth in Taxus cuspidata. Radial growth rate was significantly larger in males than in females (p=0.023) and was negatively related to neighboring competition in both sexes. Female trees were affected more negatively by neighboring competition than males (p<0.05). Dendroclimatic analysis indicated different responses to climate factors for males and females. Radial growth in females was negatively related to mean temperature in August and October of the previous year, but no significant associations to mean temperature were found in males. Radial growth in females was associated negatively with precipitation in the current January, and that of males was associated negatively with precipitation in the current August.

Key words: radial growth, dioecy, neighboring competition, dendroclimatology