Sterck Frank J.

Understanding trait interactions and their impacts on growth in Scots pine branches across Europe

Project Number: Parcs Data Center 43722 / 4D CH-7083

Project Type:	Research_Project
Project Duration:	02/02/2012 - 07/11/2012 project completed
Funding Source:	other ,
Leading Institution:	Centre for Ecosystem Studies, Wageningen University
Project Leader:	Mr. Frank J. Sterck Wageningen University PO 47 NL-NL6700 AA Wageningen Netherlands e-Mail: frank.sterck(at)wur.nl

related to this project.

for which the project has a relevance.

Research Areas:

Biodiversity

Abstract:
1. Plants exhibit a wide variety in traits at different organizational levels. Intraspecific and interspecific
studies have potential to demonstrate functional relationships and trade-offs amongst
traits, with potential consequences for growth. However, the distinction between the correlative
and functional nature of trait covariation presents a challenge because traits interact in complex
ways.
2. We present an intraspecific study on Scots pine branches and use functional multi-trait concepts
to organize and understand trait interactions and their impacts on growth. Branch-level
traits were assessed for 97 branches from 12 Scots pine sites across Europe.
3. To test alternative hypotheses on cause–effect relationships between anatomical traits,
hydraulic traits and branch growth, we measured for each branch: the tracheid hydraulic diameter,
double cell wall thickness, cell lumen span area, wood density, cavitation vulnerability,
wood-specific hydraulic conductivity, the leaf area to sapwood area ratio and branch growth.
We used mixed linear effect models and path models to show how anatomical traits determine
hydraulic traits and, in turn, how those traits influence growth.
4. Tracheid hydraulic diameter was the best predictor of cavitation vulnerability (R2 = 0Æ09
explained by path model) and specific conductivity (R2 = 0Æ19) amongst anatomical traits. Leaf
area to sapwood area ratio had the strongest direct effect on branch growth (R2 = 0Æ19) and was
positively associated with the tracheid hydraulic diameter (R2 = 0Æ22). A number of bivariate
correlations between traits could be explained by these functional relationships amongst traits.
5. The plasticity in tracheid hydraulic diameter (10.0–15.1 lm) and leaf area to sapwood area
ratio (600–6051 cm2 cm)2) and the maintenance of a minimum leaf water potential (between )2
and )2Æ5 MPa) appear to drive the anatomical and hydraulic traits of Scots pine across Europe.
These properties are major drivers of the functional trait network underlying the growth variation
amongst pine branches and thus possibly contribute to the ecological success of pines at a
local and continental scale.

Publications:
Sterck et al. (2012): Understanding trait interactions and their impacts on growth in Scots pine branches across Europe. Functional Ecology 2012, 26, 541–549.
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Last update: 4/5/22
Source of data: ProClim- Research InfoSystem (1993-2024)
Update the data of project: CH-7083

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