Chin J Plan Ecolo ›› 2017, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (7): 795-804.DOI: 10.17521/cjpe.2017.0009

• Reviews • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Advancement in studies of tree growth and ecophysiology incorporating micro-sampling approach

Xia-Li GUO1,2,3, Bi-Yun YU1,2,3, Han-Xue LIANG1,3, Jian-Guo HUANG1,3,*()   

  1. 1Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China

    2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    and
    3Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
  • Received:2017-01-17 Accepted:2017-04-17 Online:2017-07-10 Published:2017-08-21
  • Contact: Jian-Guo HUANG
  • About author:

    KANG Jing-yao(1991-), E-mail: kangjingyao_nj@163.com

Abstract:

The recently developed micro-sampling approach has been widely used to extract micro-tree-cores at weekly intervals to monitor the process of stem cambial activity and xylem formation. Compared with the traditional dendrochronology, the micro-sampling approach enables us to better understand the inherent physiological processes in tree growth and their relationships with the environment at a more precise level. This review article aims to: 1) summarize the progresses in the micro-sampling approach-based studies published over recent years and its potential applications, and 2) elucidate the relationships between primary growth and secondary growth and the response mechanisms of radial growth of trees to global change (global warming, drought, and carbon and nitrogen fertilization effects) based on information from literature. It is anticipated that this review will assist with predicting productivity and carbon sink potential of forests, and help policy-makers with sustainable forest management decisions.

Key words: micro-sampling approach, radial growth, xylem, cambium, climate change