Potential reduction in carbon fixation capacity under climate change in a Pinus koraiensis forest

There has been an increasing recognition of the crucial role of forests, responsible for sequestering atmospheric CO_(2), as a moral imperative for mitigating the pace of climate change. The complexity of evaluating climate change impacts on forest carbon and water dynamics lies in the diverse acclimations of forests to changing environments. In this study, we assessed two of the most common acclimation traits, namely leaf area index and the maximum rate of carboxylation(V_(cmax)), to explore the potential acclimation pathways of Pinus koraiensis under climate change. We used a mechanistic and process-based ecohydrological model applied to a P. koraiensis forest in Mt. Taehwa, South Korea. We conducted numerical investigations into the impacts of(i) Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 2–4.5(SSP2-4.5) and 5–8.5(SSP5-8.5),(ii) elevated atmospheric CO_(2) and temperature, and(iii) acclimations of leaf area index and V_(cmax)on the carbon and water dynamics of P. koraiensis. We found that there was a reduction in net primary productivity(NPP) under the SSP2-4.5 scenario, but not under SSP5-8.5, compared to the baseline, due to an imbalance between increases in atmospheric CO_(2) and temperature. A decrease in leaf area index and an increase in V_(cmax)of P. koraiensis were expected if acclimations were made to reduce its leaf temperature. Under such acclimation pathways, it would be expected that the well-known CO_(2) fertilizer effects on NPP would be attenuated.

Effects of tree size and organ age on variations in carbon,nitrogen,and phosphorus stoichiometry in Pinus koraiensis

Carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)are of fundamental importance for growth and nutrient dynamics within plant organs and deserve more attention at regional to global scales.However,our knowledge of how these nutrients vary with tree size,organ age,or root order at the individual level remains limited.We determined C,N,and P contents and their stoichiometric ratios(i.e.,nutrient traits)in needles,branches,and fine roots at different organ ages(0-3-year-old needles and branches)and root orders(1st-4th order roots)from 64 Pinus koraiensis of varying size(Diameter at breast height ranged from 0.3 to 100 cm)in northeast China.Soil factors were also measured.The results show that nutrient traits were regulated by tree size,organ age,or root order rather than soil factors.At a whole-plant level,nutrient traits decreased in needles and fine roots but increased in branches with tree size.At the organ level,age or root order had a negative effect on C,N,and P and a positive effect on stoichiometric ratios.Our results demonstrate that nutrient variations are closely related to organ-specific functions and ecophysiological processes at an individual level.It is suggested that the nutrient acquisition strategy by younger trees and organ fractions with higher nutrient content is for survival.Conversely,nutrient storage strategy in older trees and organ fractions are mainly for steady growth.Our results clarified the nutrient utilization strategies during tree and organ ontogeny and suggest that tree size and organ age or root order should be simultaneously considered to understand the complexities of nutrient variations.

Comparison of genetic impact on growth and wood traits between seedlings and clones from the same plus trees of Pinus koraiensis

To evaluate the relationships among clones and open pollinated families from the same plus trees and to select elite breeding materials,growth,and wood characteristics of 33-year-old Pinus korainsis clones and families were measured and analyzed.The results show that growth and wood characters varied significantly.The variation due to clonal effects was higher than that of family effects.The ratio of genetic to phenotypic coefficient of variation of clones in growth and wood traits was above 90%,and the repeatability of these characteristics was more than 0.8,whereas the ratio of genetic to phenotypic coefficient of variation of families was above 90%.The broad-sense heritability of all characteristics exceeded 0.4,and the narrow-sense family heritability of growth traits was less than 0.3.Growth characteristics were positively correlated with each other,but most wood properties were weakly correlated in both clones and families.Fiber length and width were positively correlated between clones and families.Using the membership function method,eleven clones and four families were selected as superior material for improved diameter growth and wood production,and two families from clonal and open-pollinated trees showed consistently better performance.Generally,selection of the best clones is an effective alternative to deployment of families as the repeatability estimates from clonal trees were higher than narrow-sense heritability estimates from open pollinated families.The results provide valuable insight for improving P.koraiensis breeding programs and subsequent genetic improvement.

Effect of cold stratification on the temperature range for germination of Pinus koraiensis

Germination at low spring temperatures may offer a competitive advantage for the growth and survival of plant species inhabiting temperate forest ecosystems.Pinus koraiensis is a dominant species in temperate forests of northeastern China.Its seeds exhibit primary morphophysiological dormancy following dispersal in autumn,limiting natural or artificial regeneration:direct seeding and planting seedlings in spring.The aim of this study was to determine the optimum cold stratification temperature that induces germination to increase towards lower temperatures.Seeds from two populations(Changbaishan and Liangshui)were cold stratified at 0,5 and 10℃.Germination to incubation temperatures(10/5,20/10,25/15 and 30/20℃;14/10 h day/night)were determined after 2 and 4 weeks,and 5.5 and6.5 months of cold stratification.After 5.5 months,approximately 68-91%of seeds from both populations germinated at incubation temperatures of 25/15℃and 30/20℃,regardless of cold stratification temperatures.When the cold stratification temperature was reduced to 0℃and the period increased to 6.5 months,germination at 10/5℃significantly improved,reaching 37%and 64%for the Changbaishan and Liangshui populations,respectively.After 6.5 months of cold stratification,there was a significant linear regression between cold stratification temperatures and germination at10/5℃.The range in temperatures allowing for germination gradually expanded to include lower temperatures with decreasing cold stratification temperatures from 10 to 5℃and further to 0℃.

Tending Management and Pest Control Measures of Pinus koraiensis during Its Growth Period

Tending management and pest control directly affect forest construction.Not only sustainable growth of timber but also continuous and permanent use of green mountains and water can be achieved by providing tending management measures for sustainable operations and implementing effective pest control measures.According to the demand of production practice,this paper studies the tending management and pest control measures of Pinus koraiensis forest during its growth period,so as to provide important scientific support for improving the quality of P.koraiensis forest in the future.

长白山阔叶红松(Pinus koraiensis)林种子雨组成及其季节动态

为了解阔叶红松（Pinus koraiensis）林的种子雨组成及其在时间和空间上的动态变化，在长白山阔叶红松林25hm^2样地内，设置了150个种子收集器，收集掉落于种子收集器中的果实、种子等。所有收集到的样品分别鉴定其种类并分为成熟种实、未成熟种实、花序和果实或种子碎片及其附属物4类，计算各类别的数量，而后分别烘干秤重。从2005年6月到2006年11月，共收集到隶属11科12属20种的种实及其生殖器官残体。累计收集到121291粒种实，其中成熟种实23147粒，仅占所有种实总个体数的19．1％。种实数最多的树种是紫椴（Tilia amurensis）和水曲柳（Fraxinus mandshurica），两个树种种实的个体数占总个体数的90％。对2006年5月-11月种子雨季节动态的分析发现：种实在7月中旬至10月下旬数量极大，但主要由未成熟种实组成；在10月中旬出现成熟种实散落高峰，但未成熟种实仍占一定的比例。按每个收集器收集到的成熟种实数统计，成熟种实数量在100-200之间的收集器数量最多。按每个收集器收集到的树种数统计，收集器中最多收到的树种数为7，树种数为3和4的收集器个数最多。对6个主要树种成熟种实所在收集器的空间分布进行分析发现，紫椴和水曲柳的成熟种实在整个样地都有分布，春榆（Ulmusjaponica）、糠椴（T.mandshurica）、色木槭（Acermono）和假色槭（A．pseudo-sieboldianum）则只在样地的局部区域收集到成熟种实。成熟种实的空间分布与母树的空间分布大都表现出明显的相关性，表明这些树种的成熟种实并没有扩散到离母树较远的距离。

Study on the physiological indices of Pinus sibirica and Pinus koraiensis seedlings under cold stress

Although Pinus sibirica and Pinus koraiensis are resistant to cold or low temperatures in the cold temperate regions of the northern hemisphere,the former has a stronger cold resistance.Research has been limited to the comparison of physiological responses of the two species to cold stress.In this study,5-year-old seedlings of P.sibirica and P.koraiensis were subjected to six temperature treatments,[20℃(control),0℃,-20℃,-40℃,-60℃,and-80℃],under different stress periods(6,12,24,and 48 h).The results showed that differences in each physiological index were significant between P.sibirica and P.koraiensis,except for the permeability of cell membranes,reactive oxygen species,proline and soluble proteins.An ANOVA test indicated that there were extreme differences among the temperatures for each index,stress time and temperature 9 time for most indices.All indices showed a similar trend for P.sibirica and P.koraiensis with decreasing temperature or the extension of stress time.Soluble sugars and proline increased at 0 to-20℃and then remained unchanged with temperature decline.Other indices showed an increase from 20 to-20℃,stable from-20 to-40℃and a decrease from-40 to-80℃.All the indices increased and then declined along with the prolonged cold stress time,except for the control.From 0 to-40℃,the permeability of cell membranes,relative conductivity,reactive oxygen species and malonaldehyde of P.koraiensis seedlings were higher than in P.sibirica,but superoxide dismutase,peroxidase,catalase activity and soluble sugars,proline,and soluble proteins content emerged as opposite.This study compared the physiological mechanism responses to cold stress between P.sibirica and P.koraiensis to provide the basis for the introduction,distribution,and genetic improvement of these coniferous species.

Response of Pinus koraiensis seedling growth to different light conditions based on the assessment of photosynthesis in current and one-year-old needles

As one of the three major five-leaved pines in the northern hemisphere, Pinus koraiensis is the most important dominant tree species in the natural mixed-broadleaved Korean pine forests. However, the regeneration of P koraiensis under the canopy of secondary forest stands is poor because of the light limitation. This study was conducted to understand how P koraiensis seedlings adapt to different light intensities and what would be the optimum light level for their establishment and growth. Three repetition plots with four light intensities （15%, 30%, 60% and 100% of the natural incident irradiances, achieved by suspending layers of black nylon net above and surrounding the plots） were set up under natural climate conditions in a montane region in eastern Liaoning Province, Northeast China. A total of 80 P koraiensis seedlings with similar height and root collar diameter were transplanted into four plots. After one year of acclimation to the specific light conditions, the seasonal variations of the photosynthetic variables and needle traits of the current and one-year-old needles, and the growth parameters were observed under four light intensities. The results indicated that： （1） The seedling at 60% treatment exhibited the greatest growth, which agreed with the response of the light-saturated photosynthetic rates （Amax） and the dark respiration rate （Rd） in the current and one-year-old needles, i.e., Rd at 60% treatment was significantly lower than that at 100% treatment, but Amax did not differ between the seedlings at 100% and 60% treatments. （2） The P. koraiensis seedlings have a certain photosynthetic plasticity to adapt the light conditions by adjusting their needle traits and regulating the physiological processes, because Amax, Rd, light saturation point and compensation point, the needle mass area, needle nitrogen and chlorophyll contents were significantly （p〈0.05） correlated with the light intensities. Especially, Am,x at 100% and 60% treatments was significantly higher （p〈0.05） than that at 30% and 15% treatments for both current and one-year-old needles. （3） The needles of different ages played a commutative role during the growing season, i.e., the one-year-old needles played a major role for the photosynthesis in the early growing season; the current year needles did in the later growing season. This ensured the effective photosynthesis throughout the growing season. These findings suggest that P. koraiensis is the in-between heliophilous and shade-tolerant tree species at least for the seedlings up to 8 years.

Variation and selection analysis of Pinus koraiensis clones in northeast China

Understanding genetic variation is important for efficiently selecting excellent clones and utilizing genetic resources during tree breeding. We investigated 16 growth traits of 50 32-year-old Pinus koraiensis clones. Analyses of variance showed that all the test traits differed significantly among clones. Average height, diameter at breast height(DBH), and volume of all clones were 10.41 m, 21.30 cm,and 0.148 m3, respectively. Phenotypic coefficients of variation and repeatabilities of traits ranged from 4.37 to48.03% and from 0.013 to 0.900, respectively. There exists significant positive correlations among heights, diameter at different heights(1.3, 3.0, 5.0 m), and volumes; genetic correlation was close to phenotype correlation. Using four growth traits(height, DBH, volume, average crown width)as indices for a comprehensive evaluation, five clones(PK11, PK 19, PK 04, PK 14, and PK 28), whose traits scored in the top 10%, were selected as elite clones. For these clones,genetic gains in height, DBH, volume and crown height were 8.58, 13.02, 32.72 and 3.83%, respectively. These results provide important information for improving P.koraiensis breeding programs.

Developing conservation strategies for Pinus koraiensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus by using model-based geographic distributions

We described potential changes in the geo- graphic distribution and occurrence probability of Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc. and Eleutherococcus senticosus （Rupr. et Maxim.） Maxim. in the counties of northeast China. This information was used to identify priority areas for protection and provide protection and management recommendations within each studied county. The two species were mapped in 2884 study plots throughout this region over a 4-year period （38°40＇N-53°30＇N, 115°05＇E- 135°02＇E）. We used the species distribution models （Maxent）, systematic conservation planning models （Marxan）, and Geographic Information Systems （ArcGIS 10.0）. The distributions of two species were correlated in the study area, enabling unique and economically viable joint conservation measures to be implemented. Three models were combined to identify feasible priority con- servation sites. We used local spatial statistics to assess all identified conservation areas in relation to potential climate change based shifts in the geographic distribution of the two species. Model-based conservation strategies were used to identify effective measures to protect and utilize these two tree species in the study region. This study pre- sents a novel technique for assessing wild plant distribu- tions, in addition to serving as a model for the conservation of other species within the framework of general forest management, ecological construction, and geographical surveying.

Evaluation of regeneration potential of Pinus koraiensis in mixed pine-hardwood forests in the Xiao Xing'an Mountains,China

Large scale harvest of Korean pine （Pinus koraiensis） seeds as a food product in the mixed Korean pine-hardwood forest of northeastern China poses a serious threat to the sustainability and restoration of this endangered regional ecosystem. Seed collection over past decades greatly reduced the seed bank and subsequent seedling and sapling re- cruitment, and impacting a wide array of granivorous animals that rely on the pine seeds. We surveyed Korean pine seeds, including solid seeds （SS）, insect consumed seeds （ICS） and other （animal） consumed （OCS） kernels, of the seed bank （forest floor and the top 10 cm of mineral soil）, the seedlings and saplings from 1 m： sample plots in five forest types in Liangshui Nature Reserve （LNR） of the southern Xiao Xing＇an Moun- tains in northeastern China to provide accurate information for assessing the Korean pine regeneration potential. The average number of pine seeds in the seed bank were 11.2 seeds/m2, 9.1 seeds/m2, 4.6 seeds/m2, 1.1 seeds/m2, and 0.2 seeds/m2 in Korean pine-basswood forest, mixed Korean pine-hardwood forest, mixed conifer-hardwood forest, white birch forests, and oak forests, respectively. In the first three forest types, percentages of SS （potentially viable seeds） were 11.2%, 3.5% and 27.8%, respectively. The percentages of ICS （not viable seeds） were consistent at around 35%. The higher but variable percentages of OCS （not viable seeds） indicated high seed predation in these forests. Com- pared with other studies, we recorded higher percentages of seed damage, probably due to our survey approach and the increased depth of seed bank sampled in our study. Depletion of pine seeds in the seed bank greatly reduced seedling and sapling recruitment. Densities of pine seed- lings varied from about 180 trees/ha in the mixed Korean pine-hardwood forest to about 5,400 trees/ha in the mixed conifer-hardwood forests and showed a high degree of spatial variation. Saplings were rare in the mixed Korean pine-hardwood forest, but ranged in the thousands in other forests. Large scale pine seed harvest has seriously threatened the sustainability of the mixed Korean pine-hardwood forest ecosystem. Scaling down the seed harvest or supplemental planting of pine saplings are urgently needed to maintain the health of the existing Korean pine forests and to restore this endangered ecosystem.

Clonal variations in cone,seed and nut traits in a Pinus koraiensis seed orchard in Northeast China

Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis Siebold&Zucc.)in Northeastern China has been genetically improved to increase seed yields in addition to timber.To assess seed yield variability and select highly productive clones,14 cone,seed and nut traits were measured and analyzed.Variance analysis showed that all clones were signifi cantly different in various traits(P<0.01).Phenotypic coeffi cients of variation and repeatability of traits ranged from 9.1 to 34.4%and from 27.5 to 97.7%,respectively.Except for the cone layer and cone seed numbers,the other traits were positively or negatively correlated.Three principal components were identifi ed.Seed and nut traits were the most important traits in the fi rst principal component,and cone traits more important in the second.Using correlation and principal component analyses,cone number and other traits were selected to evaluate materials.Twenty-two clones were selected using a selection rate of 10%based on cone number independently or other combined traits.The genetic gain for diff erent traits ranged from 6.2 to 24.3%.The selected elite clones can supply seedlings for reforestation and the selection method can provide a theoretical basis for selection in other conifer species.

Effect of soil physical–chemical properties on the decay of standing Pinus koraiensis in Xiaoxing'an Mountains,northeast China

We selected 18 rotten and nine healthy post- mature live standing Korean pine （Pinus koraiensis） to study the correlation between the degree of tree decay and soil physical-chemical properties in the Dialing Forest District of the Xiaoxing＇an Mountains, China. One trans- verse section of each sample tree at 40-50 cm height above the ground was tested by Resistograph to determine the inner decay status. We collected soil samples around the root zones （6-20 cm depth） of each sample tree to test the soil physical-chemical indicators including moisture con- tent, bulk density, total porosity, pH, organic matter con- tent, total and hydrolyzed N contents, total and available P contents, total and available K contents, and C/N ratio. The degree of decay of postmature Korean pine live standing trees was significantly and positively correlated with the C/N ratio （R = 0.838, P 〈 0.05）, organic matter （R = 0.615, P = 0.007） and moisture content （R = 0.543, P = 0.020） of soil around the rodt. The contents of total N, hydrolyzed N and available P sample trees were significantly in the soil under healthy greater than those underdecayed sample trees, and larger N and P contents might inhibit the decay fungi breeding in soils of pH 4.4-6.29. The optimum multiple regression equation for degree of tree decay on soil physical-chemical indicators showed that the linear correlations between the degree of decay and soil C/N ratio and pH were significant （P 〈 0.01） and the correlation was high （R2 = 0.778）. Enhancement soil C/N ratio and pH could promote the decay of tree trunks.

Genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of natural Pinus koraiensis population

基因差异和四 Pinus koraiensispopulations 的基因区别(在 Yichun 城市里的 Tangwanghe 的 Gaofeng 林地农场，在 ChangbaiMountains 的 Erdaobaihe 镇， Heihe 城市里的 Shengshan 林地农场，在在俄国的 Vladivostok 城市的中国，和郊区) 被使用 ISSR-PCR 分析技术。15 教材扩大的结果出现了 P 的多态的地点的比率。koraiensis 人口是 60.7% 。每份教材有 3.6polymorphic 地点。四 P 的差异层次。koraiensis 人口与另外的松科种类的那些相比是相当更高的。P 的基因差异层次。在中心区域种的 koraiensispopulations 比在边地区种的那些高。P 的基因差异。koraiensis 主要来自人口的内部，为 73% 全部的基因差异的财务。为四 P 在遗传距离和地理距离之间没有正相关。koraiensis 人口。P 的自然分布区域的渐渐的减少。koraiensis 由于人类的破坏和环境因素(i.e.fire 和风扔) ，而非更低的基因差异。

Genetic Variation in Growth and Cone Traits of Pinus Koraiensis Half-Sib Families in Northeast China

Genetic parameters were evaluated for growth and cone characteristics(tree height,diameter at breast height,volume,cone number,thousand seeds weight and single cone seeds weight)on 86 half-sib families of Pinus koraiensis aged 31 years.Analyses of variance revealed significant differences(p<0.001)in all growth and cone traits among families while no significant differences were detected among blocks and the interaction between blocks and families.The average family values for growth traits were 17.22 m,8.67 cm and 0.43 m^(3) for tree height,diameter at breast height and volume,respectively.The average cone number,thousand seeds weight and single cone seeds weight were 17.57,748.91 g and 77.25 g,respectively.Genotypic additive variance and phenotypic variances ranged from 0.00009 to 3.820 and from 0.0005 to 23.066,while genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation ranged from 2.693%to 37.196%and 4.963%to 60.595%,respectively.Heritability at the individual and family level ranged from 0.152 to 0.215 and 0.611 to 0.862,respectively.Growth traits were significantly positively correlated with each other,but cone traits showed a weak correlation with growth traits.Based on 10% selection rate,nine families each were selected as elite materials in terms of high performance in volume and cone numbers,with 22.16%and 43.82%genetic gain in volume and cone number,respectively.These results provide beneficial information to select excellent families and establish orchards of P.koraiensis from improved seeds.

Mode of pollen spread in clonal seed orchard of Pinus koraiensis

The patterns of effective pollen dispersal and the relationships between pollen dispersal and genetic composition in Pinus koraiensis are still unclear. Hence, we investigated the mode of pollen dispersal of P. koraiensis in a clonal seed orchard in Lushuihe Forestry Bureau, Jilin Province, using SSR molecular markers tech-nique and the method of maximum likelihood. A total of 13 pairs of nuclear microsatellites po-lymorphic primers were used in the paternity analysis. We analyzed 100 progenies and 150 paternities. A total of 56 alleles were detected in 13 loci with 3-6 alleles (4.3 alleles in average) in a single locus. The primers of SsrPt_ctg7170 and SsrPt_ctg5333 had the maximum (6) and the minimum (3) alleles, respectively. The averaged values of observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity and polymorphism information content of experimental groups were 0.648, 0.601 and 0.533, respectively. The mating dis-tance of P. koraiensis followed an approximately normal distribution. The most effective pollen for the female parent came from male parent trees 15-45 m away with an average mating dis-tance of 32.60 m and the longest of 67.88 m. The pollen source of offspring was not random but greatly affected by the wind direction during the pollination season of P. koraiensis. These re-sults have important implications for seed or-chard design to improve the genetic quality of seeds and seed production.

NITROGEN NUTRIENT MECHANISM IN SECONDARY SUCCESSION PROCESS OF THE MIXED BROAD-LEAVED/ KOREAN PINE (PINUS KORAIENSIS) FOREST

Chemical and biochemical analysis methods were used to monitor the vedations of nitrogen nutrient among the dominance trees species in secondary succession process of the mixed broad - leaved/Korean pine forest on Changbai Mountains, Northeast China. Amounts of total nitrogen, anunonium and NRA in soils of virgin broad-leaved/Korean pine forest which is in climax were higher than those of secondary birch forests those are in succession Stage. The amount of nitrate was in the other hand. In climax, dominance trees species are tolerant mesophytic trees such as Pinus Koraiensis, Tilia amurensis, Acer mono and also Fraxinus mandshurica, they are all ammonium + nitrate adapted species, but they show a preference for the anunonium rather than those of the pioneer trees species in secondary birch forest, such as Populus davidiava and Betula platyphylla. Because they have more ammonium in their leaves and roots, especially Pinus koraiensis. Populus davidvana and Betula plaaphlla are intolerant trees, amounts of nitrate and total nitrogen is higher in their leaves and roots and also NRA in their leaves, so they preference for the nitrate rather than the others.In secondary birch forest, the regeneration trees species adapt their nitroggn nutrient to the variation of nitrogen nutrient situation in soil, finally they could survival well and the secondary birch forest would succession to climax. In climax, dominance trees species adapt their Nitrogen nutrient to the situation in soil and there are not strong competition in nitrogen nutrient among them, so they can coexist well and keep the climax as stable vegetation.

Comparison of the Physicochemical Characteristics of Pinus koraiensis L. Nut Oils from Different Extraction Technologies

In this study, the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profiles, and tocopherol compositions of Pinus koraiensis L.nut oils were evaluated, and the impact of different extraction technologies on the overall quality of pine nut oil was assessed. All the pine nut oils had pleasant and characteristic odor and flavor of the pine nuts and the flavor of the oil from hot-pressing was strongest. The oils obtained by hexane extraction and sub-critical extraction had less deterioration, indicating hexane extraction and sub-critical extraction preserve the oil quality well. Gas chromatography showed that the predominant fatty acid was linoleic acid(45.36%–45.91%), followed by oleic acid(26.91%–27.10%), and pinolenic acid(13.33%–13.63%), respectively. The oils from hexane extraction of cold-pressed cake and sub-critical extraction were richer in tocopherols and tocotrienols, namely, 37.52 and 36.18 mg/100 g, respectively, with α-tocopherol most abundant. The pine nut oils from hexane extraction of cold-pressed cake,hexane extraction, cold pressing, and sub-critical extraction had better oxidation stability with the oxidation induction times of 6.91, 5.27, 4.96 and 4.93 h, respectively. Based on its features, P. koraiensis nut oil may have the multiple application in edible oil, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry. P. koraiensis can be one of the good woody candidates for closing the gap between the demand and production of vegetable oils.

Variations in growth traits and wood physicochemical properties among Pinus koraiensis families in Northeast China

This study aimed to explore and improve the different economic values of Pinus koraiensis(Siebold and Zucc.)by examining the variations in 6 growth traits and 9 physicochemical wood properties among 53 P.koraiensis half-sib families.Growth traits assessed included height,diameter at breast height,volume,degree of stem straight-ness,stem form,and branch number per node,while wood properties assessed included density,fiber length and width,fiber length to width ratio,and cellulose,hemicel-lulose,holocellulose,lignin,and ash contents.Except for degree of stem straightness and branch number per node,all other traits exhibited highly significant variations(P<0.01)among families.The coefficients of variation ranged from 5.3(stem form)to 66.7%(ash content),whereas,the herit-ability ranged from 0.136(degree of stem straightness)to 0.962(ash content).Significant correlations were observed among growth traits and wood physicochemical properties.Principal component analysis identified four distinct groups representing growth traits,wood chemical and physical properties,and stem form traits.Multi-trait comprehensive evaluation identified three groups of elite families based on breeding objectives,including rapid growth,improved timber production for building and furniture materials,and pulpwood production.These specific families should be used to establish new plantations.

Effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on leaf functional traits and the relationships between traits in Pinus koraiensis

Investigating the effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on leaf traits is important for understanding the utilization and distribution of resources in the process of plant growth.However,few studies have been conducted to show how traits and trait-trait relationships change across a range of ontogenetic stage and leaf age for evergreen coniferous species.We divided 67 Pinus koraiensis Sieb.et Zucc.of various sizes(0.3-100 cm diameter at breast height,DBH)into four ontogenetic stages,i.e.,young trees,middle-aged trees,mature trees and over-mature trees,and measured the leaf mass per area(LMA),leaf dry matter content(LDMC),and mass-based leaf nitrogen content(N)and phosphorus content(P)of each leaf age group for each sampled tree.One-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to describe the variation in leaf traits by ontogenetic stage and leaf age.The standardized major axis method was used to explore the effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on trait-trait relationships.We found that LMA and LDMC increased significantly and N and P decreased significantly with increases in the ontogenetic stage and leaf age.Most trait-trait relationships were consistent with the leaf economic spectrum(LES)at a global scale.Among them,leaf N content and LDMC showed a significant negative correlation,leaf N and P contents showed a significant positive correlation,and the absolute value of the slopes of the trait-trait relationships showed a gradually increasing trend with an increasing ontogenetic stage.LMA and LDMC showed a significant positive correlation,and the slopes of the trait-trait relationships showed a gradually decreasing trend with leaf age.Additionally,there were no significant relationships between leaf N content and LMA in most groups,which is contrary to the expectation of the LES.Overall,in the early ontogenetic stages and leaf ages,the leaf traits tend to be related to a"low investment-quick returns"resource strategy.In contrast,in the late ontogenetic stages and leaf ages,they tend to be related to a"high investment-slow returns"resource strategy.Our results reflect the optimal allocation of resources in Pinus koraiensis according to its functional needs during tree and leaf ontogeny.