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Ontogenetic trends in the morphological features of main stem annual shoots of Pinus pinaster (Pinaceae)
Author(s) -
Heuret Patrick,
Meredieu Céline,
Coudurier Thierry,
Courdier Florence,
Barthélémy Daniel
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
american journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.218
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1537-2197
pISSN - 0002-9122
DOI - 10.3732/ajb.93.11.1577
Subject(s) - chronosequence , biology , pinaceae , pinus pinaster , shoot , botany , ontogeny , ramification , main stem , juvenile , annual growth % , pinus <genus> , horticulture , ecology , ecological succession , mathematics , combinatorics , genetics
Phase change refers to the transition between juvenile and adult vegetative phases. The study of trees throughout their entire life span requires retrospective analyses and validates the use of a chronosequence by sequencing observations at different and successive stages. The main axis growth pattern of 62 maritime pines ( Pinus pinaster ) selected in a chronosequence of three stands consisting of 8‐, 22‐, and 48‐yr‐old trees was analyzed retrospectively. Comparison of measured features (length, number of axillary products, reproductive organs) at common ages from the three stands supported the validity of using these data to form a continuous chronosequence. Endogenous trends in tree development are revealed free from variability due to annual growth conditions. Two main phases of development corresponding respectively to the juvenile vegetative and adult reproductive stages were identified, and the transition between both occurred in 9‐yr‐old trees. The relevance of these two phases and more generally the notion of phase changes are discussed in light of observed trends in the values of studied growth and branching parameters that may either show gradual variations (such as length of annual shoot) or a distinctive expression in one or the other phase (such as presence of female cones).