Range-wide genetic diversity in natural populations of Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr.

Prince Rupprecht’s larch(Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr.),a deciduous conifer,widely grows in middle and high elevations of Northern China.Its natural distribution has sharply decreased and has become fragmented,which may have resulted in the loss of genetic variation.In this study,ten natural populations across the entire range of this species were analyzed using amplifi ed fragment length polymorphism markers.A total of 309 loci were detected from 225 individuals of these populations,of which 261(84.5%)were polymorphic.At the species level,the genetic diversity was high(average of the Nei’s genetic diversity H e=0.2602,and Shannon’s information index I=0.3967).The results of molecular variance analysis showed that 90.71%of the genetic diversity occurred within populations.The genetic diff erentiation among populations was moderate as a whole(F ST=0.0929,G ST=0.1510),which is consistent with the moderate level of gene fl ow among populations(N m=2.8116).Based on the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean and STRU CTU RE analysis,these populations were grouped into three genetically distinct clusters.The degree of inter-population diff erentiation(G ST=0.1338)for the south group was larger than that for the north group(G ST=0.0915).There was a signifi cant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance across the species range(r=0.316,P<0.05).Genetic diversity was signifi-cantly associated with longitude but not elevation or climatic factors.The populations with high genetic diversity from each cluster are therefore recommended for future conservation and management of this species.

Analysis on Natural Regeneration Characteristics and Growth Factors of Two Cut-over Lands of Larix gmelini Forests in Greater Khingan Mountains

[Objective] This study aims to analyze the natural regeneration characteristics and growth factors of two cut-over lands of Larix gmelini forests in Greater Khingan Mountains. [Method] A database was established based on the information of natural regeneration cut-over sample plots of Larix gmelini forests in Greater Khingan Mountains. Natural regeneration characteristics of clear-cutting sample plot and shelterwood-cutting sample plot of Larix gmelini in the northern regions of Greater Khingan Mountains were investigated by programming analysis. [Result] The natural regeneration of two principal felling systems was both good, and that of shelterwood-cutting sample plot was better. There were significant linear regression relationships among various growth factors of naturally regenerated plants. [Conclusion] This study provided scientific theoretical guidance for subsequent deforestation and regeneration in Greater Khingan Mountains.

Family selection and evaluation of Larix gmelinii var.principis-rupprechtii(Mayr.)Pilger based on stem analysis data at multiple sites

Larix gmelinii var.principis-rupprechtii(Mayr.)Pilger is an important native tree species in North China with advantages of fast growth,straight trunk,and good wood properties.The multi-year and multi-site breeding research of families of the species has not been reported previously.Based on diameter at breast height(DBH),height and volume of 25 families on four experimental sites,we calculated variance components,genetic parameters,juvenile and mature trait correlations and made genotype main effect plus genotype×environment interaction effect(GGE)biplot based on the breeding values estimated using the method of best linear unbiased prediction(BLUP).Compared with height,DBH and volume had higher heritability and larger variation coefficients,making them the more suitable traits for family selection and evaluation.Based on these,GGE biplots containing 20 combinations of site×age were drawn using data at 13 to 17 years when the interactions between family and location were strong.Test sites classifications based on DBH,and volume were inconsistent,with two categories for DBH and one for volume.The Guyuan site was the most suitable with strong discriminating ability,high representativeness and stability among tree ages.Integrating the ranking results of DBH and volume,families 66,76,82 and 111 were high-yielding and stable,families 78 and96 were high-yielding with above average stability,families72 and 79 were high-yielding with below average stability,whereas stability of family 100 was inconsistent between DBH and volume.Early selection based on DBH was convenient and reliable,and can be made at seven years.This study provides support for the selection of Larix gmelinii var.principis-rupprechtii families in Hebei province and an example for the application of stem analysis data from multiple sites in tree breeding.

Effects of thinning on microsites and natural regeneration in a Larix olgensis plantation in mountainous regions of eastern Liaoning Province, China

In order to understand the effects of thinning on microsite conditions and natural regeneration in the larch plantation, thinning experiment was conducted in a 40-year-old Larix olgensis plantation in Qingyuan County in eastern Liaoning Province, China in 2003-2004 Five thinning treatments （0%, 10.2%, 19.8%, 29.7% and 40.3% thinned） were designed on the same site. After thinning, canopy openness and the microsite conditions such as photosynthetic photon flux density （PPFD）, soil moisture content, and soil temperature were measured in one growing season. Meanwhile, the investigation of natural regeneration was conducted at the end of the growing season. The results showed that the canopy openness increased with the increase of thinning intensities. PPFD and soil temperature and soil moisture content in different soil layers were positively relative with canopy openness after thinning. The richness of regenerating tree species did not significantly increase （p=0.30） after one growing season since thinning, but the regeneration density and frequency of tree species increased significantly （p〈0.05）. In addition, the number of regenerating tree species increased, and the increment was correlated with the characteristics of iudividual tree species. The increasing percentage of regenerating seedlings of the shade-intolerant tree species was more than that of shade-tolerant tree species. Among the investigated regeneration species, the biggest response of seedling emergency to the canopy openness was Phellodendron amurense. This paper confirmed the following conclusions： after thinning, the variety of regenerating tree species was correlative with the characteristics of regenerating tree species, and the distribution of unthinned trees and the site conditions in the investigated larch plantation were the additional factors influencing, the regeneration.

The Age Structure of a Larix gmelini Population and How It Was Related to Natural Disturbances

The age structure of a Lurix gmelini population in the northern part of the Great Xingan mountains consists of one to several age waves. Three types (one-, two- and multi-generation populations) , plusing eleven subtypes of age structure can be classified. As the basic unit of the age structure, age waves show an apparent β distribution in the range from 20 to 60 years. The interval between the starting points of two adjacent age waves is more than 100 years. Natural disturbances,especially forest fires that occurred in this area have had an important effect on the age structure. Most of the age waves resulted from forest fires, but the effect of windfall on the age structure also can be revealed through the analysis of young age waves. Generally, high intensity and low frequency fires are usually followed by one-generation populations, while low intensity and high frequency fires by two- or multi-generation populations.

华北落叶松(Larix principis-rupprechtii)林大步甲属(Carabus)物种多样性及其变化

在山西庞泉沟国家自然保护区华北落叶松不同林龄的人工林和天然林内，利用巴氏罐诱法，对其地表甲虫大步甲属Carabus物种进行了系统的调查，结果表明：（1）共获得大步甲属标本1290号，分属于10种，9种是该保护区的新记录种类，其中ecanaliculatus沟步甲、ccrassesculptus粗皱步甲、C．maniifestus罕丽步甲、cvladimirskyi长叶步甲为优势种，肩步甲c．hummeli、刻翅步甲C.scultipennis、粒步甲C．granulatus为常见种。（2）不同林地物种丰富度S、多样性H＇、优势度D、个体数量Ⅳ存在显著差异，均匀度J不存在显著差异；S、H’、D、J在人工林25年生林地最高；N在天然林20～30年生林地最多；β多样性人工林5年生林地最高。（3）4种优势种季节性变化总体上是沟步甲的盛发期为7月和8月份；粗皱步甲的高峰期为7月份；罕丽步甲7月、5月、9月份和6月份发生数量多，8月份稀有；长叶步甲8月份和9月份为盛发期；不同物种在不同林地出现的高峰期是不一致的。（4）物种相似性分析结果是天然林35～45a和60～80a，人工林25a和天然林5—8a极相似，其余为中等不相似和中等相似。（5）生境相似性分析的结果是天然林35～45a和60～80a相似性最高，人工林5年生与天然林20～30a、35—45a生境相似性差异逐渐增大。（6）生境指示种分析的结果是粗皱步甲、罕丽步甲为广布种，肩步甲仅在天然林35～45a和60～80a生的林地采集到，其中在天然林35～45a林地生境物种指示值高达96．73。

Phenological observations on Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr. in primary seed orchard

Through 5 years of phenological observations on Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr. in primary seed orchard and studies on population and individuals of clones, the annual periodic phenological laws were revealed and the annual phe-nological periodic table was drawn up. The correlation between various phenophases, the air temperature and active accumu-lated temperature were analyzed and expounded. The authors also analyzed the similarities and differences of phenophases among clonal individuals as well as the blooming properties of male and female flowers at the same time. This study could pro-vide theoretical reference for working out the production plan of improved varieties and other management measures in seed orchard of Larix principis-rupprechtii.

Age–age correlations and early selection for growth traits in 40 half-sib families of Larix principis-rupprechtii

Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr is a dominant species in coniferous forests of North China.However,early selection of L.principis-rupprechtii for growth traits is poorly characterised.To explore the optimal selection age for this species,heights(HT)and diameters at breast(DBH)of 40 half-sib families were measured at ages 3,12,22,and 28 years in a progeny test population established in the town of Kangjiahui,Shanxi Province.Age trends in heritability,age–age genetic correlations,and early selection efficiency for height and DBH were analysed.The individual heritability of these growth traits varied over time,and maximized at different ages(0.55 at age 12 for HT and 0.48 at age 28 for DBH).The age–age genetic correlations were always positive,and the majority were high(0.790–0.953)between the juvenile and mature ages for HT and DBH.For the same pairs of measurements,HT demonstrated higher age–age genetic correlations than DBH,and both age–age genetic correlation data sets were described well by the linear relationship with the logarithm of the age ratio(r2[0.90).The regression slope for DBH was lower than that for HT.Based on the early selection efficiency estimates,the optimal selection age could be as early as age 6 for DBH and 8–9 years for HT.The results of this study provide information that can be used to assist early selection practices in L.principis-rupprechtii improvement programs in Shanxi Province.

Variations in stem radii of Larix principis-rupprechtii to environmental factors at two slope locations in the Liupan Mountains,northwest China

Relationships between stem growth and climatic and edaphic factors,notably air temperatures and soil moisture for different slopes,are not completely understood.Stem radial variations were monitored at the bottom and top slope positions in a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons.Total precipitation during the growing season in 2017 and 2018 was 566 mm and 728 mm,respectively.Stem contractions typically occurred after mid-morning followed by swelling in the late afternoon in both plots,reflecting the diurnal cycle of water uptake and loss.Trees at the two locations showed the same growth initiation(mid-May)because of the small differences in air and soil temperatures.There were no significant differences in cumulative stem radial growth between the bottom plot(1.57±0.34 mm)and the top plot(1.55±0.26 mm)in 2018.However,in 2017,the main growth period of the bottom plot ceased 17 days earlier than in the top plot,while cumulative seasonal growth of the bottom plot(1.08±0.25 mm)was significantly less than the top plot(1.54±0.43 mm).Maximum daily stem shrinkage was positively correlated with air and soil temperatures,solar radiation,vapor pressure deficits,and negatively correlated with volumetric soil moisture content.The maximum daily shrinkage reflected transpiration rates as affected by environmental factors.Daily radial stem increment was correlated with precipitation and volumetric soil moisture in both years,but with air temperatures only in 2017.The seasonal growth of L.principis-rupprechtii Mayr thus shows interannual dynamics,while precipitation constitutes a key driving factor.

Estimation of leaf area index from high resolution ZY-3 satellite imagery in a catchment dominated by Larix principis-rupprechtii,northern China

Leaf area index(LAI) is a key factor that determines a forest ecosystem's net primary production and energy exchange between the atmosphere and land surfaces.LAI can be measured in many ways, but there has been little research to compare LAI estimated by different methods. In this study, we compared the LAI results from two different approaches, i.e., the dimidiate pixel model(DPM) and an empirical statistic model(ESM) using ZY-3 high-accuracy satellite images validated by field data. We explored the relationship of LAI of Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr plantations with topographic conditions. The results show that DPM improves the simulation of LAI(r = 0.86,RMSE = 0.57) compared with ESM(r = 0.62, RMSE =0.79). We further concluded that elevation and slope significantly affect the distribution of LAI. The maximum peak of LAI appeared at an aspect of east and southeast at an elevation of 1700–2000 m. Our results suggest that ZY-3 can satisfy the needs of quantitative monitoring of leaf area indices in small-scale catchment areas. DPM provides a simple and accurate method to obtain forest vegetation parameters in the case of non-ground measurement points.

Rules of Changes in Soil Nutrients and Enzyme Activities of Larix principis-rupprechtii in Different Forest Ages

In this study,three different ages of Larix principis-rupprechtii forests in 5,10 and 20 years were selected as the research objects,and the changes in soil nutrient and soil enzyme activities in different growth stages were analyzed. The results showed that the contents of organic matter and available phosphorus in the soil of different growth stages showed a significant downward trend with the increase of soil depth.For different forest ages in the same soil layer,the soil available phosphorus content declined with the increase of the forest age. The organic matter content of 40-60 cm in 20 years of forest age was the lowest in July,which was 4. 17 g/kg,significantly lower than that in other soil layers. Besides,the soil available phosphorus content of 5 years of forest age reached the maximum in July,with an average of 4. 44 mg/kg,which was higher than the available phosphorus content in soil in May and September,but the difference between the three months was not significant. The changes in ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen content in soil with different forest ages were consistent with the changes in the soil depth,showing a downward trend. In the new leaf stage,the ammonium nitrogen content of the L. principis-rupprechtii forest land in5 years of age at 20-40 and 40-60 cm of the soil depth was 13. 47 and 9. 09 mg/kg,respectively,which was 46. 9% and 64. 2% lower than that at 0-20 cm( 25. 36 mg/kg) of the soil depth. The soil nitrate nitrogen content of 20 years of forest age was 19. 24 mg/kg,which was25. 8% lower than that of 10 years of forest age,showing significant difference( P < 0. 05). In addition,with the increase of the age of L. principis-rupprechtii,soil catalase( CAT),alkaline phosphatase( ALP) and urease( Ure) decreased,and the decline of ALP was slow,while CAT and Ure decreased significantly. In summary,it is concluded that the soil fertility of forest land declined with the increase of forest age on the basis of change trend of soil nutrient and soil enzyme activity in the surveyed forest age.

Effect of thinning intensity on the stem CO_(2) efflux of Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr

Background:Stem CO_(2) efflux(E_(S))plays a critical role in the carbon budget of forest ecosystems.Thinning is a core practice for sustainable management of plantations.It is therefore necessary and urgent to study the effect and mechanism of thinning intensity(TI)on E_(S).Methods:In this study,five TIs were applied in Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr 21-,25-,and 41-year-old stands in North China in 2010.Portable infrared gas analyzer(Li-8100 A)was used to measure ES and its association with environmental factors at monthly intervals from May to October in 2013 to 2015.In addition,nutrients,wood structure and nonstructural carbon(NSC)data were measured in August 2016.Results:The results show that ES increased with increasing TI.The maximum ES values occurred at a TI of 35%(3.29,4.57 and 2.98μmol·m^(-2)·s^(-1))and were 1.54-,1.94-and 2.89-fold greater than the minimum E_(S) value in the CK stands(2.14,2.35 and 1.03μmol·m^(-2)·s^(-1))in July for the 21-,25-and 41-year-old forests,respectively.The E_(S) of the trees in low-density stands was more sensitive to temperature than that of the trees in high-density stands.Soluble sugars(SS)and temperature are the main factors affecting ES.When the stand density is low enough as 41-year-old L.principis-rupprechtii forests with TI 35%,bark thickness(BT)and humidity should be considered in addition to air temperature(T_(a)),wood temperature(T_(w)),sapwood width(SW),nitrogen concentration(N)and SS in the evaluation of ES.If a change in stand density is ignored,the CO_(2) released from individual 21-,25-and 41-year-old trees could be underestimated by 168.89%,101.94% and 200.49%,respectively.CO_(2) release was estimated based on the stem equation in combination with the factors influencing ES for reference.Conclusions:We suggest that it is not sufficient to conventional models which quantify ES only by temperature and that incorporating the associated drivers(e.g.density,SS,SW and N)based on stand density into conventional models can improve the accuracy of ES estimates.

Evaluation of natural forest regeneration as a part of land restoration in the Khentii massif,Mongolia

Forest stands in the semi-arid environment of northern Mongolia have an essential role in controlling ongoing desertification in the surrounding landscape.Over the last decade,the total forest area has decreased dramatically.The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of natural regeneration as an essential element for ensuring sustainability of these forests.Based on field measurements from 120 plots in six sites,our assessment tool revealed five qualitative categories of forest regeneration,allowing us to assess impacts of both grazing and environmental conditions on the regeneration process.Grazing is a crucial factor and adversely affects regeneration.For sites with relatively low grazing intensity,low soil moisture levels represent the main reason for reduced regeneration.The approach to classification proposed in this study allows for the identification and interpretation of stand conditions where natural regeneration has failed.This study provides an important foundation to inform decisionmaking related to land protection and restoration actions.Our findings could be used in comparative studies and,importantly,may aid further mapping of Mongolian forests.

大兴安岭兴安落叶松(Larix gmelinii)天然林分级木转换特征

通过调查样地,作树干解析,分析了不同结构兴安落叶松天然林分级木(优势木、平均木和被压木)转换特征。研究表明:(1)不同结构的兴安落叶松天然林分级木转换年龄、方向和转换率均不同。兴安落叶松分级木转换率29.4%。分级木中,优势木、平均木和被压木转换率分别35.3%、41.2%、11.8%。分级木转换中,优势木与平均木相互转换比例较高,优势木转平均木占83.3%,平均木转优势木占85.7%;优势木向被压木转换比例仅为16.7%;被压木不能转换成优势木,只能转换成平均木,被压木中无转换占88.2%,在森林经营和抚育采伐中应考虑伐除这些被压木。(2)在林分年龄36～65a范围内,随着林分年龄增大,其转换率呈增加趋势。林分年龄30～39a、50～59a和60～69a时,其转换率分别0、33.3%和46.7%。(3)随着林分密度增加,分级木转换率呈增高趋势。当林分密度小于2500株.hm-2时,主要于优势木与平均木间转换。当林分密度大于2500株.hm-2时,才出现其它分级木与被压木相互转换现象。(4)不同林型分级木转换率和转换方向不同。草类-落叶松和杜香-落叶松林分级木转换率分别50%和9.5%。(5)不同水平格局林分分级木转换率不同。聚集分布和随机分布时,其转换率分别61.1%和13.3%。

兴安落叶松天然林3个主要树种单木断面积生长模型

【目的】构建兴安落叶松Larix gmelinii天然林3个主要树种组的断面积生长混合效应模型,提高断面积生长模型的预估精度,为兴安落叶松天然林的林分生长动态研究提供理论参考。【方法】以大兴安岭林区兴安落叶松天然林的主要树种组(兴安落叶松、白桦、栎类)为研究对象,采用4期森林资源连续清查的626块复测样地数据,首先使用多元逐步回归方法建立单木断面积生长模型,其次在最优基础模型的基础上,引入样地随机效应,建立单木断面积生长混合效应模型,最后对模型进行检验。【结果】期初胸径(D)的倒数(1/D)、每公顷株数(N)、大于对象木的胸高断面积和(B_(L))、对象木胸径与林分算数平均胸径之比(B_(L)/D)、海拔(E)以及坡度和坡向的组合(T_(c))对兴安落叶松天然林单木断面积的生长有显著影响(P<0.05)。考虑样地随机效应的混合效应模型的赤池信息准则(AIC)、贝叶斯信息准则(BIC)明显降低,对数似然值(LogLik)明显增大。引入异方差函数和自相关结构后,提高了混合效应模型预估的精度;混合效应模型的平均绝对误差(Bias)和均方根误差(RMSE)均比基础模型的低,兴安落叶松、白桦、栎类最优混合效应模型的R^(2)分别由0.435提高到0.658、由0.354提高到0.489、由0.307提高到0.379。【结论】与基础模型相比,考虑层次结构的混合效应模型能显著地改善模型的拟合效果,为内蒙古大兴安岭地区兴安落叶松天然林的林分生长动态预测提供了具有生物学意义和统计学可靠性的断面积生长模型。

兴安落叶松天然林林木竞争研究

【目的】兴安落叶松是我国寒温带的优势树种,基于不同竞争指数对其开展竞争研究,为天然林的可持续经营提供依据。【方法】采用四邻体法和泰森多边形法(即Voronoi图)确定每株对象木周围与其最邻近的竞争木,计算Hegyi简单竞争指数和建立在简单竞争指数基础之上的综合竞争指数,采用Kendall、Spearman相关性分析和曲线拟合的方法对简单竞争指数和包含多项林木因子的综合竞争指数的优劣性进行比较分析,并探讨泰森多边形法在兴安落叶松天然林中的适用性。【结果】1)竞争指数在与3种林木因子(胸径、树高和冠幅)的拟合中,简单竞争指数和综合竞争指数的拟合都呈极显著负相关关系(P <0.01);2)在确定竞争单元方法相同的前提下,简单竞争指数与各林木基本因子的拟合度都低于综合竞争指数的拟合度;3)泰森多边形法构建的综合竞争指数、简单竞争指数与林木基本因子的拟合度分别优于传统四邻体法构建的综合竞争指数和简单竞争指数。【结论】对比4种竞争指数,基于泰森多边形法的综合竞争指数最优,此竞争指数与各林木因子的拟合度最好,更适合该天然林林木竞争的研究。当林木个体胸径达到20 cm,树高和冠幅分别达到20 m和6 m前可以实施一些必要的抚育、管理措施。研究结果可为今后兴安落叶松林的合理经营与保护措施的制定提供参考依据。

大兴安岭不同演替阶段天然林物种多度格局模拟

为实现大兴安岭地区落叶松天然林的全周期可持续经营,以新林林业局翠岗林场3块100m×100m不同演替阶段(白桦林、落叶松-白桦混交林和落叶松林)的天然林固定调查样地数据为基础,采用统计模型(对数正态模型)、生态位模型(断棍模型、生态位优先占领模型、Zipf模型、Zipf-Mandelbrot模型)和中性模型(群落零和多项式模型、Volkov模型)对不同演替阶段天然林的乔木层、幼苗层和由乔木层划分的不同林层的物种多度格局进行拟合,并用χ~2检验和Kolmogorov-Smirnov检验选择最佳模型。结果表明:(1)在大兴安岭地区不同演替阶段的落叶松天然林群落中,Zipf-Mandelbrot模型的拟合效果均最好。(2)对数正态模型对于稳定的演替阶段白桦林和落叶松林的群落相较于过渡阶段群落落叶松-白桦混交林的物种多度分布的拟合效果更好。(3)在大兴安岭地区落叶松天然林中,生境过滤主导群落构建,随着群落不断演替生境过滤和中性过程减弱。(4)天然林群落乔木层的群落构建过程与乔木层内不同生长阶段林层的构建过程不同,生境过滤过程在落叶松林乔木层中逐渐减弱,而在落叶松林不同生长阶段的林层和更新层中增强。

不同经营方法对秦岭华北落叶松林分生长和林下植被的影响

【目的】探讨不同经营方法对秦岭华北落叶松林分生长和林下植被的影响,以期提高生态系统生产力,优化该地区华北落叶松人工林经营技术,为实现森林可持续经营提供理论和实践依据。【方法】以西北农林科技大学教学实验林场平河梁华北落叶松人工林为研究对象,根据近自然经营指导下的抚育间伐技术措施,设置间伐处理(T1,间伐强度20%)和林窗处理(T2,只留下少许保留木,伐出其他乔木,形成32 m×32 m的方形林窗),以未经营样地为对照(CK),间伐和林窗经营7年后,调查不同经营方法对人工林林分生长及林下植被更新和生长的影响。【结果】间伐后的林木平均胸径、单株材积、总蓄积量均显著高于对照组,但树高变化较小;间伐和林窗处理下的林下幼苗生长发育与对照组均存在显著差异(P<0.05);间伐处理中,华山松和云杉幼苗的成活率较高,但人工补植的红桦幼苗全部死亡;间伐和林窗处理既促进了人工补植幼苗生长,又促进了幼苗天然更新;间伐和林窗处理后林下灌草的物种多样性显著提高;间伐和林窗处理后林下灌草的种类和盖度提高,物种丰富度也显著增加,以间伐处理效果最佳;对照样地和经营后样地之间共有植物种少,而间伐处理和林窗处理之间共有种较多,相似性系数高。【结论】间伐和林窗2种经营方法对华北落叶松人工林生长均有促进作用,间伐经营对华北落叶松人工林生长和幼苗更新的促进效果更为明显,灌草的物种多样性也在间伐后显著提高,在秦岭其他区域的华北落叶松人工林中采用间伐经营更加合理。

More tree growth reduction due to consecutive drought and its legacy effect for a semiarid larch plantation in Northwest China

Extreme climate has increasingly led to negative impacts on forest ecosystems globally,especially in semiarid areas where forest ecosystems are more vulnerable.However,it is poorly understood how tree growth is affected by different drought events.In 2006–2009,the larch plantations in the semiarid areas of Northwest China were negatively affected by four consecutive dry years,which was a very rare phenomenon that may occur frequently under future climate warming.In this study,we analyzed the effect of these consecutive dry years on tree growth based on the data of the tree rings in the dominant layer of the forest canopy on a larch plantation.We found that the tree-ring width index(RWI)in dry years was lower than that in normal years,and it experienced a rapidly decreasing trend from 2006 to 2009(slope=-0.139 year^(-1),r=-0.94)due to water supply deficits in those dry years.Drought induced legacy effects of tree growth reduction,and consecutive dry years corresponded with greater growth reductions and legacy effects.Growth reductions and legacy effects were significantly stronger in the third and fourth consecutive dry years than that of single dry year(p<0.05),which might have been due to the cumulative stress caused by consecutive dry years.Our results showed that larch trees experienced greater tree growth reduction due to consecutive dry years and their legacy effect,and the trees had lower recovery rates after consecutive dry years.Our results highlight that consecutive dry years pose a new threat to plantations under climate warming,and thus,the effect of climate extremes on tree growth should be considered in growth models in semiarid areas.

凋落物及土壤浸提液对西伯利亚落叶松种子萌发的影响

化感作用是植物间信息交流的一种方式,对森林的天然更新有重要影响。西伯利亚落叶松(Larix sibirica)更新困难且种子萌发率低,林下凋落物及表层土壤存在的化感作用可能是影响其自然更新的重要因素之一。研究西伯利亚落叶松林下凋落物和土壤不同质量浓度的浸提液(0、1、2、5、10、20、40、60、80和100 g/L)对其种子萌发的化感作用,并选用发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数和化感综合效应指数来表征不同类型的浸提液对西伯利亚落叶松种子萌发的影响。结果表明,1)经过浸提液处理的种子相较于CK(0 g/L)均提前进入萌发期,低质量浓度浸提液(凋落物浸提液质量浓度<100 g/L,土壤浸提液质量浓度<60 g/L)处理过的种子萌发周期也会变长;2)林下凋落物和土壤均能对其种子萌发产生影响,在一定质量浓度范围内表现为“低质量浓度促进,高质量浓度抑制”,且以80 g/L质量浓度的土壤浸提液抑制作用最强,发芽率降低了8.33%(P<0.05);3)化感综合指数表现为低质量浓度大于高质量浓度,随着质量浓度增加,化感作用强度表现为先减小后增大,促进作用逐渐减小进而转为抑制作用。西伯利亚落叶松的林下凋落物和土壤存在明显的化感作用,在一定程度上影响天然林更新。