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Forests
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Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Crown Function, Morphology, and Dynamics
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Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Crown Function, Morphology, and Dynamics

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 6854

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Thomas J. Dean

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
Interests: crown dynamics; stem mechanics; population biology; competition; size–density relationships
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this Special Issue to feature papers that deepen our insight into the genetic and environmental factors responsible for overall crown morphology. Genetics determines the overall structure of branches, and how tolerant branches are to shade. The environment consisting of the regional climate, disturbance regime, and atmospheric quality affects the longevity and extension of both branches and foliage. Indirect biotic factors create a special class of effects. Examples of such effects include intercrown abrasion, shade and shelter from conspecific and heterospecific competitors, and water and nutrient diversion by hemiparasites such as mistletoe.

We would like to bring together all types of studies concerning these biotic and abiotic effects on crown morphology. We are especially interested in studies that integrate the consequences of these effects at various levels of organization, such as tree size and form; tree and stand growth; branch, foliage, and stand dynamics. Both simulations and experimental studies are welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Branch growth;
  • Crown length;
  • Functional crown;
  • Foliage horizontal and vertical distribution;
  • Shade tolerance and branch longevity;
  • Branch autonomy.

Prof. Dr. Thomas J. Dean
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ideotype
  • leaf area
  • branching
  • live–crown ratio
  • shade tolerance
  • light attenuation
  • remote sensing
  • herbivory

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3474 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Relationship between Tree Growth, Crown Size, and Neighboring Tree Species Diversity in Mixed Coniferous and Broad Forests Using Crown Size Competition Indices
by Yiru Wang, Zhaohua Liu, Jiping Li, Xiaoyu Cao and Yong Lv
Forests 2024, 15(4), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040633 - 30 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1613
Abstract
Competition among trees for limited resources (e.g., sunlight, water, and nutrients) impacts their growth differently. Crown plays a crucial role in resource access for trees. However, uncertainties persist regarding crown size differences, tree growth, and tree competition levels between coniferous and broadleaf trees [...] Read more.
Competition among trees for limited resources (e.g., sunlight, water, and nutrients) impacts their growth differently. Crown plays a crucial role in resource access for trees. However, uncertainties persist regarding crown size differences, tree growth, and tree competition levels between coniferous and broadleaf trees in mixed-age forests. We conducted a study on 3008 live trees across 28 plots in Hunan Province to measure individual crown size and tree growth increment. Introducing a new metric, the Crown Size Competition Index (CSCI), we assessed competition pressure among coniferous and broadleaf species in mixed-age forests. We examined the correlation between competition indices and tree growth increment while also investigating the influence of neighboring species diversity on tree competition. Our results revealed a significant negative correlation between the tree growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.(CL) and Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yang (PB) and the competition index. Increased competitive pressure on the focal tree corresponded to a decline in the growth of focal tree volume, with a more pronounced impact observed in PB compared to CL. The diversity of neighboring species contributed to variations in competition for the focal tree, with broadleaved species (PB) exerting a greater influence on the focal tree than coniferous species (CL). These findings underscore the competitive potential of PB in mature coniferous stands and advocate for the restoration of stratified mixes in CL broadleaf forests. Furthermore, our findings support the management strategies for the valuable tree species PB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Crown Function, Morphology, and Dynamics)
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16 pages, 2005 KiB  
Article
Branch Elongation, Bud Durability, and Wind-Generated Crown Movement Associated with Crown Abrasion in Deciduous Trees
by Wayne K. Clatterbuck, Tyler M. L. Brannon and Edward C. Yost
Forests 2024, 15(2), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15020247 - 28 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1075
Abstract
Trees that grow in close proximity to other trees are subject to crown and branch abrasion, causing mechanical injury. The loss of branch tips and buds through abrasion can affect the architecture and growth of tree crowns. This research quantifies the impacts of [...] Read more.
Trees that grow in close proximity to other trees are subject to crown and branch abrasion, causing mechanical injury. The loss of branch tips and buds through abrasion can affect the architecture and growth of tree crowns. This research quantifies the impacts of crown abrasion between neighboring trees of several deciduous species and how crown abrasion may influence stand dynamics. Tree interactions were evaluated during the dormant and growing seasons to determine how wind-generated movement affects crowns under foliated and un-foliated conditions. Branch elongation was measured in tree crowns where growth was both inhibited and uninhibited by adjacent trees. Bud durability was evaluated by growing season for species with determinate and indeterminate shoot growth forms using a pendulum impact tester. Crown movement during wind events was assessed by using three-axial accelerometers in the outermost points of tree crowns. Accelerometers logged the movement of branches in the tree crown. By using both the crown sway acceleration and associated bud durability and mass data, the possible force necessary to break or abrade buds and branches was calculated at different wind speeds. Branch elongation was greater for most species on the exposed side of the crown that was not affected by adjacent trees. Preformed buds from the determinate growth form were determined to have greater durability than sustained growth or indeterminant buds. Acceleration from wind gusts increased more rapidly as wind speed intensified in the growing season when leaves were on the tree than in the dormant season. This research suggests that crown abrasion contributes to the development of mixed species stands by reducing crown size and growth therefore allowing slower-growing species with determinant growth to stratify above faster growing trees with indeterminant growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Crown Function, Morphology, and Dynamics)
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15 pages, 3778 KiB  
Article
Assessing Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics of Pinus taeda Branches Undergoing Shade-Induced Mortality
by Adelodun R. Majekobaje and Thomas J. Dean
Forests 2023, 14(9), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14091704 - 24 Aug 2023
Viewed by 978
Abstract
Light acts as a complex signal, influencing various plant physiological, phenological and morphogenetic traits. Although previous studies have explored the effects of varying light levels on branch growth and survival, the underlying mechanisms of branch mortality under shade conditions remain poorly understood, hindering [...] Read more.
Light acts as a complex signal, influencing various plant physiological, phenological and morphogenetic traits. Although previous studies have explored the effects of varying light levels on branch growth and survival, the underlying mechanisms of branch mortality under shade conditions remain poorly understood, hindering our understanding of canopy dynamics. In this study, contrasting shade conditions were imposed on Pinus taeda branches, and the changes in their water relations and carbon dynamics were evaluated. Monthly measurements of the photosynthetic light–response curve (LRC), sap flow and water potential of the branches were conducted. Furthermore, the conditions that led to the deaths of lower branches were investigated, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to classify branches according to their mortality status. Significant shade treatment effects were observed for all photosynthetic parameters. The assimilation at light saturation (Amax), dark respiration rate (Rd), apparent quantum yield (AQY), light compensation point (LCP) and light saturation point (LSP) all decreased from full light to deepest shade, whereas the opposite was the case for the convexity term (θ). All water relations traits also decreased from full light to deepest shade; however, although significant shade effect was observed in stomatal conductance (gs) and sap flow, the differences in the pre-dawn (Ψpre-dawn) and mid-day (Ψmid-day) water potentials among treatments were not statistically significant. The PCA classification results showed that it could be used as a reliable method to screen for branch mortality as early as four months before mortality becomes evident. Our results shed more light on branch physiology and mortality under shade and have the potential to help improve the prediction of tree crown size, ultimately improving process-based forest growth models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Crown Function, Morphology, and Dynamics)
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12 pages, 1222 KiB  
Article
The Lateral Growth of Branches into Small Canopy Gaps: Implications for Competition between Canopy Trees
by Shaik M. Hossain and Matthew G. Olson
Forests 2023, 14(7), 1350; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14071350 - 30 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1244
Abstract
Much research in forest ecology has been devoted to examining the effect of gap formation on regeneration dynamics. However, comparatively little research has examined the process of gap closure, in which larger trees bordering the gap grow laterally to exploit available light. Thus, [...] Read more.
Much research in forest ecology has been devoted to examining the effect of gap formation on regeneration dynamics. However, comparatively little research has examined the process of gap closure, in which larger trees bordering the gap grow laterally to exploit available light. Thus, it remains uncertain whether disturbance disrupts or reinforces the competitive hierarchy established among different species and sizes classes. We quantified the lateral growth of three hardwood tree species with differing autecologies both before and after the formation of small gaps created by single-tree selection. Linear mixed-effect models were employed to link lateral growth to species and stem diameter to examine whether gap formation favors intolerant species and small trees in the canopy. Additional models were also developed to examine the relationship of lateral growth with branch length and tree height. Before gap formation, the mid-tolerant yellow birch grew considerably faster than the tolerant sugar maple and American beech. However, yellow birch was less responsive to gap formation (~16%) than sugar maple or beech, whose lateral growth increased by 42% and 39%, respectively. This suggests that gap formation reinforces the competitive dominance of tolerant species. In contrast, gap formation disrupts the competitive dominance of large trees in the canopy, since the lateral growth of small trees increased five times that of large trees. Thus, small silvicultural gaps bordered by small trees may close too quickly to permit the regeneration of mid-tolerant species. Following the release, small trees also grew faster than their larger counterparts, suggesting that lateral growth declines as the cost of reproduction increases with tree size. However, lateral growth did not vary with tree height or branch length, suggesting that lateral growth does not decline due to increasing support costs or hydraulic limitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Crown Function, Morphology, and Dynamics)
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20 pages, 1898 KiB  
Article
Morphological Crown Attributes Contributing to Differential Height and Diameter Growth among Families in a Coastal Douglas-Fir Progeny Test: Crown Structural Evidence for Crop Ideotypes
by Sukhyun Joo, Douglas A. Maguire, J. Bradley St. Clair, Terrance Z. Ye and Keith J. S. Jayawickrama
Forests 2023, 14(6), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14061263 - 19 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1377
Abstract
Theoretical tree crop ideotypes have long and narrow live crowns with a high total leaf area. This crown form allows more efficient exploitation of site resources, in part by physically occupying less growing space per unit leaf area and by packing a greater [...] Read more.
Theoretical tree crop ideotypes have long and narrow live crowns with a high total leaf area. This crown form allows more efficient exploitation of site resources, in part by physically occupying less growing space per unit leaf area and by packing a greater number of trees into a given area. Genetic selection for crop ideotypes has been proposed as a strategy for maximizing productivity per unit area in stands managed under intensive silviculture. The primary objective of this study was to test the relationship between the relative growth performance of different families in a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) progeny test and morphological crown attributes that conform to a theoretical crop ideotype. The overarching goal was to identify attributes conferring superior height and diameter growth on families and to facilitate the incorporation of these attributes and associated growth mechanisms into hybrid growth models for intensively managed plantations. Crown structural attributes were measured on destructively sampled trees and averaged for the entire crown and each third of live crown length among families. Multivariate analysis revealed that crown attributes averaged over the entire crown performed best for identifying families with different height and diameter growth, followed successively by the bottom, middle, and top crown third. Trees with relatively short branch lengths and steep branch angles tended to have higher total leaf area per unit crown length (TLACL), and this structural attribute showed a strong positive correlation with cumulative diameter growth. The ratio of crown width to crown length (CWL) was moderately and negatively correlated with cumulative height growth. The families displaying the most rapid diameter growth in this progeny test conformed to a theoretical crop ideotype, while those with the most rapid height growth displayed crown attributes with a less obvious relationship to the crop ideotype concept. TLACL implied one possible mechanism driving genetic gain in Douglas-fir families, given its high heritability and strongly positive correlation with growth performance. Incorporating TLACL as an explanatory variable in diameter growth models could at least partly represent different genetic levels. TLACL is less strongly correlated with height growth rate, so incorporating CWL may better represent genetic effects on height growth models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Crown Function, Morphology, and Dynamics)
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