Influence of main site factors on Fraxinus mandshurica (Oleaceae) plantation

the investigation was carried out on 10-year-old plantation of Fraxinus mandshurica in Mao抏r Mountain Experimental Station of Northeast Forest University. Tree height (H), diameter at breast height (D1.3) and the increment of tree height in 5 years (H5), the thickness of humus layer, as well as the soil moisture were measured for the plantation and the growth indexes (H, D1.3, H5) for different site conditions were analyzed. The results showed that main site factors influencing the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica were soil moisture, gradient and location of slope in order. The growth of Fraxinus mandshurica was better on the middle- or up-slope site than on the down-slope site. Soil moisture and late frost caused by terrain are the main reasons that limit the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica plantation.

Enzyme Solutions and H_2O_2 on Somatic Embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. (Oleaceae)

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of treatments with three types of exogenous oxidase solutions and H2O2.solution on the somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. （Oleaceae）. [Method] The immature zygotic cotyledons were treated with PPQ （polyphenol oxidase） solution, GQD （glucose oxidase） solution, SOD （superoxide dismutase） solution and H202 （hydrogen peroxide） at different concentrations to explore the effects on the growth, browning and somatic embryogenesis on cotyledon explants in the somatic embryogenesis of F. mandshurica. Through comparative analysis on the effects of different treatments on somatic embryogenesis of F. mandshurica, the relationship between explants browning and somatic embryogenesis was uncovered during the somatic embryogenesis of F. mandshurica. [Result] H2O2 treatment not only advanced the explants browning, but also inhibited the growth and somatic embryogenesis of explants; different concentrations of PPQ promoted the growth and browning of explants, as well as improving the incidence of somatic embryogenesis; both GOD and SOD treatment could raise the explants browning rate; when somatic embryogenesis of explants treated with enzyme solutions advanced, the incidence of somatic embryogenesis was low; however, when the disparity of the incidence of somatic embryogenesis between 30 and 60 d treatments reached its peak, the incidence of somatic embryogenesis was also high. [Conclusion] The results of this study provide basis for raising the incidence and improving the status of somatic embryogenesis of F. mandshurica, as well as optimizing the somatic embryogenesis system of F. mandshurica.

Indirect somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of Fraxinus mandshurica plants via callus tissue

Somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica has the problems of low somatic embryo(SE) yield,unsynchronized SE development,and a high percentage of deformed SEs.We aimed to improve F.mandshurica SE production by synchronizing SE development,improving SE quality,and inducing root formation to obtain complete regenerated plants.Cotyledons of immature zygotic embryos of F.mandshurica were induced to form callus and then SEs.The SE induction percentage from explants differed among 32 mother trees,and the one with the highest SE induction percentage(29.8%) was used for further experiments.The highest callus induction percentage was94.2% on 1/2-strength Murashige and Skoog medium(MS1/2)supplemented with 0.15 mg·L^(-1) naphthalene acetic acid.The highest callus proliferation coefficient(240.5) was obtained on McCown's Woody Plant Medium containing 0.1 mg·L^(-1)6-benzyl adenine and 0.15 mg·L^(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.The highest number of SEs(1020.5 g~(-1) fresh weight) was obtained on MS1/2 medium supplemented with1 mg·L^(-1) 6-benzyladenine.The highest number of cotyledon embryos(397/g fresh weight) was obtained by incubating materials on medium containing 1 mg·L^(-1) abscisic acid and then applying a drying treatment.The cotyledon embryos were milky white,uniformly sized(average length 4.7 mm),and 80% of them were normal.The SE rooting percentage on 1/2 MS medium containing 0.01 mg·L^(-1) NAA was 37.5%.Overall,the germination percentage of SEs was 26.4%,and complete regenerated plants were obtained after transplanting and acclimation.These results provide more possibilities for the preservation and breeding of F.mandshurica.

Nutrient retranslocation from the fine roots of Fraxinus mandshurica and Larix olgensis in northeastern China

Nutrient retranslocation in trees is important in nutrient budgets and energy flows in forest ecosystems. We investigated nutrient retranslocation in the fine roots of a Manchurian Ash （Fraxinus mandshurica） and a Larch （Larix olgensis） plantation in northeastern China. Nutrient retranslocation in the fine roots was investigated using three methods, specifically, nutrient concentration, the ratio of Ca to other elements （Ca/other elements ratio） and nutrient content. The method based on nutrient content proved most suitable when investigating nutrient retranslocation from fine roots of the two species. The nutrient-content-based method showed that there were retranslocations of N, P, K and Mg from the fine roots of Manchurian Ash, with retranslocation efficiencies of 13, 25, 65, and 38 %, respectively, whereas there were no Ca retranslocations. There were retranslocations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg from the fine roots of Larch, with retranslocation efficiencies of 31, 40, 52, 23 and 25 %, respectively.

Definition of fine roots on the basis of the root anatomy, diameter,and branch orders of one-year old Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings

Fine roots are important in root absorption of nutrient and water,and in root turnover.Accurate definition of fine roots is a prerequisite to improved estimation of the physiological and ecological functions of forest ecosystems.Root development and physiological functions are reflections of root anatomical structure.In this study,the anatomical structures of different root orders were analyzed by examining paraffin sections of one-year old Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings.One-year-old F.mandshurica seedlings had over five root orders.The root anatomical structures of all orders showed more differences.First and second order roots consisted of four sections： the epidermis,cortex,pericycle,and vascular bundles.Fourth and fifth order roots were mainly composed of the skin and peripheral vascular bundles（including the xylem and phloem）.Third order roots had root epidermal and cortical structures,but the quantity and integrity of the cortical cells were inferior to those of the first and second order roots,and superior to those of the fourth and fifth order roots.All the first and second order roots and some third order roots with discontinuous cork layer（〈0.4 mm in diameter）,but not the fourth and fifth order roots,were the fine roots of one-year old F.mandshurica seedlings.Although they had similar diameters,different portions of root systems had different anatomical structures and therefore,vary in capacity to absorb water and nutrients.Fine roots were accurately defined by root diameter,branch orders,and anatomical structural features of one-year old F.mandshurica seedlings.

Growth and photosynthetic responses of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings to various light environments

To determine light requirement and adaptability of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings, the seasonal variations of photosynthetic variables were measured in 3-year-old seedlings grown under four light levels （100%, 60%, 30%, and 15% of full sunlight） with a LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system. The leaf chlorophyll content, special leaf weight, annual height and basal diameter increment of seedlings were also observed. The maximum and minimum values of net photosynthetic rate, maximum rate of carboxylation, and maximum rate of electron transport of F. mandshurica seedlings were detected with 60% and 15% of full sunlight treatments, respectively. With the decrease of light level, both light saturation point and special leaf weight significantly declined （p 0.05）, but leaf chlorophyll content significantly increased （p 0.05）. Annual height and basal diameter increments of seedlings grown under 60% of full sunlight treatment were significantly greater than those of seedlings under other treatments （p 0.05）. It was concluded that F. mandshurica seedlings can adapt to a wide range of light environments from 15% to 100% of full sunlight by adjusting light saturation point, leaf chlorophyll content and special leaf weight. According to the maximum of relative growth, 60% of full sunlight treatment is the optimum light level for the growth of 3-year-old F. mandshurica seedlings.

Relationship between H_(2)O_(2) accumulation and NO synthesis during osmotic stress:promoted somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica

Osmotic stress promotes somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica,which leads to accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).The single pieces of cotyledons of F.mandshurica were used as explants to induce somatic embryogenesis in osmotic-stress medium.Furthermore,the hydrogen peroxide H_(2)O_(2) content of explanted cells was varied by adding exogenous H_(2)O_(2) or catalase solution to assess the effects of the exogenous H_(2)O_(2)on somatic embryogenesis,intracellular H_(2)O_(2)accumulation,and the relationship between signaling mediated by ROS or reactive nitrogen species.The results revealed that exogenous H_(2)O_(2)(100?300μmol L^(–1))increased the number of somatic embryos.On 60th day of exogenous H_(2)O_(2)(200μmol L^(–1))treatment,the number of somatic embryos of explants treated,which was 136.54%,was higher than the control.Moreover,exogenous H_(2)O_(2)(100μmol L^(–1))significantly increased the intracellular H_(2)O_(2)content and enhanced the activities of superoxidase dismutase and peroxidase.Finally,exogenous H_(2)O_(2)(100μmol L^(–1))activated the intracellular non-enzymatic pathway for nitric oxide(NO)synthesis.The somatic embryogenesis in broadleaf trees increases with the change of endogenic ROS content,and depends on the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes.Both H_(2)O_(2)and NO,as signaling molecules,were found to be involved in the process of somatic embryogenesis in broadleaf trees.In the process of exogenous H_(2)O_(2)promoting somatic embryogenesis,NO synthesis depended on non-enzymatic reactions.These results provide a scientific basis for resolving the mechanism by which ROS levels are regulated during somatic embryogenesis of broadleaf trees and establish a reasonable and efficient technology system for regulating somatic embryogenesis of trees.

ENDOGENOUS INHIBITORS IN SEED OF FRAXINUS MANDSHURICA RUPR AND THEIR EFFECT ON GERMINATION AND REGENERATION

Bioassay and GC-MS determination indicated that inhibitors of seeds of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr were distributed mainly in zones of β-inhibitors (including ABA) and of high and low Rf value. The inhibitory activity of outer seed coat of the dormant seed (control treatment) was higher than that of seeds with only the inner coat attached e.g. ABA was 114 and 54ng/g fresh weight respectively. The inhibitory effect of No. 12 zone was even higher than ABA. The inhibitory activity of all the zones decreased after stratification (St) and burying (AO) treatment, especially that of the outer seed coat, whose ABA content decreased to 7(St) and 11(AO) ng / g(fw). However, the decrease in inhibition of root growth lagged bchind'thc decrease in germination. It is concluded that burial is advantageous to regeneration. Inhibitors of the outer seed coat and seeds were mostly destroyed under the adverse conditions of natural dissemination (Di treatment) indicating that Di was not conducive to regeneration. MS analysis revealed that the largest peaks of No. 6, 7 and 12 zones were linoleic acid, olcic acid and 17-C, 18-C, and 20-C long chain fatty acids. Several coumarins were found in No. 6 and 7 zones, and cadincncs, farncsol and scsquitcrpcncs were found in No. 6 and 12 zones having common bioorigins with ABA.

Progeny Test on the Natural Populations and Selection of Excellent Populations from Fraxinus Mandshurica

Fraxinus mandshurica is one of the ancient relict flora species originated from the Tertiary period, which is mainly produced in the eastern mountains in Northeast China. It has an important scientific value for studying the Tertiary flora and the Quaternary glacial climate. In order to make rational use of the natural genetic resources of F. mandshurica , and to increase the scientific and technological added value of improved varieties, this study used the method of positional observation of fixed standard fields to discuss the genetic variations of tree height and DBH of the natural populations and its open-pollinated progenies, systematically analyze the heritability and genetic gains in growth characters based on the analysis of progeny test, growth dynamic and heredity effects. The populations with good growth, stress resistance and adaptability were selected. The results showed that there were extremely significant difference in the growth characters among the natural populations, and the coefficients of variance for tree height （22.99%） were smaller, while the coefficients of variance for DBH （41.37%） were larger. On the other hand, there were extremely significant differences in the growth characters among the open-pollinated progenies, and the interaction between these progenies and the blocks was significant. Meanwhile, the growth characters had strong heritability, high genetic gain, and remarkable heredity effects. The heritability of tree height and DBH were 0.825 and 0.781, and the genetic gains were 15.16% and 25.85%, respectively. Therefore, Shanhetun （SHT） and Xinglong （XIL） were determined to be excellent natural populations both in the growth, resistance and adaptation with growth traits as the main evaluation index, which could be widely applied in the advanced generation improvement breeding.

Study on the variation in and selection of Fraxinus mandshurica provenances and families in northeast China

Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.is one of the main afforestation species in northeast China,and there is great demand for improved F.mandshurica varieties.The results of an investigation into and analysis of the growth traits of F.mandshurica provenances and families showed that there were significant differences in different periods.However,variations in growth traits decreased year by year.There was a significant negative correlation between tree heights of the provenances and sunshine hours in their areas of origin.The provenances of Xinglong,Hailin and Wuchang were selected based on the volume of 18-year-old trees.The average genetic gain from the selection of fast-growing provenances was 19.4%.Ten superior fast-growing families were selected.The average volume of the selected families was22.6%,higher than that of all families.The correlation coefficient between heights at 6-year-old and at 18a was 0.838for provenances,and between heights at 4-year-old and at 18-year-old was 0.303 for families.These results indicate that early selection for height in provenances or families could be performed at 6 years or 4 years,respectively.Early selection for DBH and volume in families could start at 8 years.

Cooperation effects of GA3, IAA and uniconazole-P on tension wood formation and gravitropism in Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings

The cooperation effects of GA3, IAA and uniconazole-P were studied on the gravitropism and wood formation in Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var.japonica Maxim. Seedlings using traditional paraffin section technology. Our results are： （1） Gravitropism of stems was strongly inhibited only in B, whereas promoted significantly in D, E, F, H and I treatments; （2） Xylem formation was increased on both sides in H, I and J treatments and on the lower side in E and F which also show the synergistic effect; （3） On the radial direction, cell wall thickness was enhanced on the upper side, whereas decreased on the lower side in C, and was also significantly promoted on the upper in E, G, H, I and J treatments. On the tangential direction, cell wall thickness was increased on the lower side in E, H, I and J treatments respectively; （4） Gelatinous layer of wood fibers was observed on the upper side in all treatments. These results suggest that both GA3 and IAA affected negative gravitropism and wood formation significantly. However, appliedor unapplited-uniconazole-P does not affect G-layer formation, indicating GA does not play the key role on G-layer formation, and ratio of GA3/IAA or IAA may be more important in regulating G-layer formation.

Regulation of applied-hormones on tension wood formation in Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var.japonica Maxim. seedlings gravitational response

We investigated the role of GA3, uniconazole-P and IAA on tension wood formation, in particular the vessel features, in Fraxinu smandshurica seedlings. Ninety seedlings were used and treated with applications of GA3 and/or IAA to the apical bud of the stem using a micropipette. Applications of GA3 or GA3 plus IAA with uniconazole-P strongly increased cell number of tension wood in comparison to that of no-uniconazole-P-applied, indicated that GA3 is more efficient than IAA on xylem cell production. Wood quality was also regulated by relative concentration ratio of GA3 to lAA, because of the vessel elements differentiation, density and size were controlled by GA3 and/or IAA on the different levels. These results suggested that the relative concentration ratio of GA3 to IAA and interactions of them are essential in regulating both wood quality and wood quantity, and tension wood formation in this species.

水曲柳(Fraxinus mandshurica)MYB5基因的克隆与表达模式分析

本研究以水曲柳为实验材料,克隆获得一条水曲柳MYB转录因子家族基因,命名为FmMYB5;运用生物信息学软件分析其理化性质、蛋白质结构和亲缘关系;通过荧光定量PCR检测FmMYB5基因在两种非生物胁迫以及五种激素诱导下的表达模式,并对Fm MYB5基因的时空表达特异性进行分析。结果表明,FmMYB5基因含有完整的开放阅读框,长度为840 bp,编码279个氨基酸;是稳定亲水性蛋白,不存在信号肽,不具备跨膜能力;是含四种构象的混合型蛋白,与樟子松、芝麻、丹参等物种亲缘关系近;FmMYB5基因对寒冷和盐两种非生物胁迫以及IAA、ABA、GA3、JA和SA五种激素诱导都存在显著响应且都是正调控作用,Fm MYB5基因在根的表达量最高,Fm MYB5基因的表达量在八月份时达到峰值。说明寒冷和盐两种非生物胁迫以及IAA、ABA、GA3、JA和SA五种激素诱导都参与调控FmMYB5基因的表达。本研究为MYB5基因对逆境胁迫的响应模式研究提供理论参考。

Control of Negative Gravitropism and Tension Wood Formation by Gibberellic Acid and Indole Acetic Acid in Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var. japonica Maxim Seedlings

In the present study, we Investigated the role of glbberelllc acid （GA3） and Indole acetic acid （IAA） In the gravity response of stems and tension wood formation using two-year-old stems of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var. Japonica Maxim seedlings. Forty-five seedlings were used and divided Into nine groups that Included five seedlings In each group. Seedlings were treated with applications of GA3 alone at concentrations of 2.89×10^-8 and 2.89×10^-7 μmol/L, IAA alone at concentrations of 5.71×10^-8 and 5.71×10^-7 μmol/L, or their combination to the apical bud of the stem using a mlcroplpette. Seedlings were positioned horizontally after the first treatment. The same treatments were repeated six times per week. At the end of the experiment, all seedlings were harvested. Then, stem segments were cut under a light microscope. Application of exogenous GA3 at the higher concentration stimulated the upward bending of stems, whereas exogenous IAA had no effect. A synergistic effect of GA3 and IAA on upward stem bending was observed following application of the two combinations of GA3 and IAA. Moreover, application of exogenous GA3 at the higher dose stimulated wood formation on both the upper and lower sides of the stems, whereas the mixture of GA3 and IAA had a synerglstic effect on wood formation In horizontal stems. Application of exogenous IAA alone at the lower concentration （5.71×10^-8 μmol/L） or application of a mixture of the higher concentrations of GA3 （2.89×10^-7 μmol/L） and IAA （5.71×10^-7 μmol/L） Inhibited the development of gelatinous fibers （the G-layer） of tension wood on the upper side of the horizontal stems. The differentiation of gelatinous fibers of tension wood was not Inhibited by GA3 when It was applied alone, whereas the development of the gelatinous fibers of tension wood was strongly affected by the application of IAA. The findings of the present study suggest that the development of the G-layer Is not related to the dose of GA3, but needs a relatively lower concentration of IAA.

Phosphate Availability Alters Lateral Root Anatomy and Root Architecture of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. Seedlings

Abstract: Plants have evolved some mechanisms to maximize the efficiency of phosphorus acquisition. Changes in root architecture are one such mechanism. When Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. seedlings were grown under conditions of low phosphorus availability, the length of cells in the meristem zone of the lateral roots was longer, but the length of cells in the elongation and mature zones of the lateral roots was shorter, compared with seedlings grown under conditions of high phosphorus availability. The elongation rates of primary roots increased as phosphorus availability increased, but the elongation rates of the branched zones of the primary roots decreased. The number of lateral root primordia and the length of the lateral roots decreased as phosphorus availability increased. The topological index (altitude slope) decreased as phosphorus availability increased, suggesting that root architecture tended to be herringbone-like when seedlings were grown under conditions of low phosphate availability. Herringbone-like root systems exploit nutrients more efficiently, but they have higher construction costs than root systems with a branching pattern.

Role of GA_3,GA_4 and Uniconazole-P in Controlling Gravitropism and Tension Wood Formation in Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var. japonica Maxim. Seedlings

GA3 and GA4 （gibberellins） play an important role in controlling gravitropism and tension wood formation in woody angiosperms. In order to improve our understanding of the role of GA3 and GA4 on xylem cell formation and the G-layer, we studied the effect of GA3 and GA4 and uniconazole-P, which is an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis, on tension wood formation by gravity in Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var. japonica Maxim. seedlings. Forty seedlings were divided into two groups; one group was placed upright and the other tilted. Each group was further divided into four sub-groups subjected to the following treatments： 3.43 x 10-9 lunol acetone as control, 5.78 x 10-8 lunol gibberellic acid （GA3）, 6.21 x 10-8 lunol GA4, and 6.86 x 10-8 lunol uniconazole-P. During the experimental period, GAs-treated seedlings exhibited negative gravitropism, whereas application of uniconazole-P inhibited negative gravitropic stem bending. GA3 and GA4 promoted wood fibers that possessed a gelatinous layer on the upper side, whereas uniconazole-P inhibited wood formation but did not inhibit the differentiation of the gelatinous layer in wood fibers on the upper side. These results suggest that： （i） both the formation of gelatinous fibers and the quantity of xylem production are important for the negative gravitropism in horizontally-positioned seedlings; （ii） GA3 and GA4 affect wood production more than differentiation of the gelatinous layer in wood fibers; G-layer development may be regulated by other hormones via the indirect-role of GA3 and GA4 in horizontally-positioned F. mandshurica seedlings rather than the direct effect of GAs; and （iii） the mechanism for upward wood stem bending is different to the newly developed shoot bending in reaction to gravity in this species.

水曲柳(Fraxinus mandshurica)COR413基因的克隆及表达模式分析

冷调节基因(cold-regulating gene,COR基因)对植物受低温胁迫后提升其低温耐受性起重要作用。本研究以水曲柳为材料,克隆得到一个COR基因,序列比对后,命名为FmCOR413,编码区全长631 bp,共编码209个氨基酸。生物信息学分析可知其含有一个WCOR413保守结构域,属于WCOR413超家族中的一员。同源比对结果显示,FmCOR413基因碱基序列与15个物种序列同源性在95%~77%之间,与油橄榄的同源性最高为95%。荧光定量PCR显示该基因的表达具有节律性;在低温胁迫后,节律性被打破,基因表达量相对于常温有显著提高,通过分析可知COR413的节律性与植物低温耐受性有很大关联。测定4℃低温处理的水曲柳叶片的叶绿素含量、丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)活性、过氧化物酶(peroxidase,POD)活性,得到叶绿素含量降低3.9%、MDA含量升高5.8%、SOD活性升高7.4%、POD活性升高75.5%的结果。研究结果为探明该基因在水曲柳响应低温胁迫的过程中的功能和机制提供了参考,同时为水曲柳低温耐受性的分子改良提供了依据。

Ethylene Evolution Changes in Tilted Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var. japonica Maxim.Seedlings in Relation to Tension Wood Formation

The effects of ethylene on tension wood formation were studied in 3-year-old Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var. japonica Maxim. seedlings in two separate experiments. In experiment 1, ethylene evolution of buds and stems was measured using gas chromatography after 0, 2, 4, 7, 14, and 21 d of treatment; in experiment 2, both aminoethoxyvinylglycine （AVG） and AgNO3 were applied to the horizontally-placed stems, and the cell numbers on sites of applications were measured after 40 d. Ethylene evolution from buds was found to be much greater in tilted seedlings than in upright ones. The cell numbers of wood fibers in shoots and 1-year-old stems were reduced in treatments with 12.5×10^-7μmol/L AVG, 12.5×10^-8μmol/L AVG, and 11.8×10^-8μmol/Lmol/L AgNO3; whereas the horizontal and vertical diameters were reduced by treatment of 12.5×10^-7μmol/L AVG. Ethylene evolutions of shoots and 1-year-old stems were inhibited greatly in comparison with the control by applying 12.5×10^-7μmol/L AVG. The formation of a gelatinous layer of wood fibers was affected by neither AVG nor AgNO3 application. These results suggest that ethylene regulates the quantity of wood production, but does not affect G-layer formation in F. mandshurica Rupr. var.japonica Maxim. seedlings.

Estimation of fine root production, mortality and turnover with Minirhizotron in Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations

Fine root turnover is a major pathway for carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.However,to estimate fine root turnover,it is important to first understand the fine root dynamic processes associated with soil resource availability and climate factors.The objectives of this study were:(1)to examine patterns of fine root production and mortality in different seasons and soil depths in the Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations,(2)to analyze the correlation of fine root production and mortality with environmental factors such as air temperature,precipitation,soil temperature and available nitrogen,and(3)to estimate fine root turnover.We installed 36 Minirhizotron tubes in six monospecific plots of each species in September 2003 in the Mao’ershan Experimental Forest Station.Minirhizotron sampling was conducted every two weeks from April 2004 to April 2005.We calculated the average fine root length,annual fine root length production and mortality using image data of Minirhizotrons,and estimated fine root turnover using three approaches.Results show that the average growth rate and mortality rate in L.melinii were markedly smaller than in F.mandshurica,and were highest in the surface soil and lowest at the bottom among all the four soil layers.The annual fine root production and mortality in F.mandshurica were significantly higher than in L.gmelinii.The fine root production in spring and summer accounted for 41.7% and 39.7% of the total annual production in F.mandshurica and 24.0% and 51.2% in L.gmelinii.The majority of fine root mortality occurred in spring and summer for F.mandshurica and in summer and autumn for L.gmelinii.The turnover rate was 3.1 a^(-1) for L.gmelinii and 2.7 a^(-1) for F.mandshurica.Multiple regression analysis indicates that climate and soil resource factors together could explain 80% of the variations of the fine root seasonal growth and 95%of the seasonal mortality.In conclusion,fine root production and mortality in L.gmelinii and F.mandshurica have different patterns in different seasons and at different soil depths.Air temperature,precipitation,soil temperature and soil available nitrogen integratively control the dynamics of fine root production,mortality and turnover in both species.

Spatial distribution of fine roots of larch and ash in the mixed plantation stand

The spatial distribution of standing fine roots in tree rows of different species in a 12-year-old mixed stand of ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.) and larch (Larix olgensis Henry) was studied by soil core sampling in early spring, 2001. It is found that ash and larch differ greatly in their belowground biomass distribution. Ash has much higher fine root biomass density in the soil than larch at stand level (with the max value of 4442.3 vs. 2234.9 gm-3). Both tree species deployed more fine roots in their neighboring zone, suggesting a less intensive competition between roots of the two species. Both fine root biomass density and root length density of ash in the zone between larch tree rows are greater than that of larch in zone between ash tree rows, indicating that ash is more powerful than larch in belowground competition. The spatial distribution feature of roots favors the growth of ash in the mixed stand.