Azione esercitata da alcuni inibitori respiratori sulla crescita e sull'inverdimento di plantule di Picea abies e di Larix decidua

Abstract

Action of some respiratory inhibitors on growth and greening of seedlings of Picea and Larix.—The effects of sodium azide, arseniate, jodoacetate, fluoride and 2,4-dinitrophenol on growth and greening of dark germinated seedlings of Picea abies and Larix decidua were studied.

All the inhibitors showed a negative influence on growth (determined as fresh weight) of Picea seedlings and even more remarkably on Larix seedlings.

Greening was significantly inferior to that of control plants only for groups of Picea seedlings treated with sodium azide, at all the concentrations used, and for groups treated with fluoride and arseniate at the highest concentrations.

All the groups of Larix seedlings, instead, treated with inhibitors, with the exception of the ones treated with sodium fluoride at the lowest concentrations, presented a chlorophyll content inferior to that of control groups.

From the above results the different influence of inhibitors on Picea and on Larix seedlings might be due to the different metabolic pathways through which the pigment synthesis in the two species under study takes place.     

Osservazioni Anatomo-Fisiologiche Sulla Kleinia Articulata Haworth

Abstract

Ultrastructural modifications of plastids in leaflets of Larix decidua and Picea excelsa during sprouting of buds.—Ultrastructural modifications of plastids in leaflets of Larix decidua and Picea excelsa during sprouting of buds kept in different light conditions were observed.

While in quiescent buds of both species typical plastids with magnograna are present, fully expanded leaflets kept in the light have plastids with an organized lamellar apparatus.

When the buds are kept in darkness the cells of the fully expanded, etiolated leaflets have hardly differentiated plastids with prolamellar bodies partially modified into short tubules and vesicles.

Plastids of Picea and Larix buds, in their development, behave almost identically both in darkness and in the light.

The differences previously observed in dark grown seedlings of the two species are not to be found in buds.     

Comparative studies on the mycorrhization of Larix decidua and Picea abies by Suillus grevillei

Summary Mycorrhization of Picea abies has been achieved, for the first time, with six strains of Suillus grevillei by a new culture method, using activated charcoal paper and liquid medium as a substrate. Mycorrhization of P. abies and Larix decidua was compared, and the process was found to be significantly different in the two tree species. S. grevillei is not incompatible with P. abies, but it forms mycorrhizae more readily with L. decidua. Hyphal growth was clearly stimulated on the surface of roots of Larix but retarded on Picea. A well organized Hartig net was formed with both tree species, but wall protuberances were frequently observed on the outer cell walls of Picea cortex cells when the Hartig net was not fully developed. No conspicuous cell wall reactions occurred in Larix roots. Cell wall protuberances may be comparable to those in transfer cells and are interpreted as an alternative to Hartig net development. Anatomical differences between roots of Larix and Picea, and physiologically active substances such as recognition factors on the root surfaces, are discussed with respect to their responsibility for the different reactions of S. grevillei.     

Ricerche Comparate Sulla Morfologia e Sulla Fisiologia di Larix e di Picea

Abstract

Comparative researches on morphology and physiology of PICEA and LARIX. The chlorophyll content of seeds and seedlings during germinations in darkness. — Very different are the chlorophyll contents of the seeds and the seedlings of Picea excelsa and Larix decidua grown in darkness.

In Picea chlorophyll is abundantly synthetized in cotyledons in the passage from seed to seedling stages. In Larix however this synthesis is very poor. These differences are more evident after the outgrowth of cotyledons from the primary endosperm and its exhaustion.

If seedlings of both species are exposed to 3.000 lux of light intensity for 24 hours, after development in darkness, one can observe much stronger chlorophyll synthesis in Larix cotyledons than icea.

These figures quanti atively express the different light-dipendence of chlorophyll synthesis in these two plants and offer a more adherent interpretation of the different ecological behaviours that are caracteristic of these two plants.     

Protein-storing vacuoles in inner bark and leaves of softwoods

Summary The seasonal occurrence of protein-storage vacuoles in parenchyma cells of the inner bark and leaf tissues of seven softwood species was examined. Previously published results showed that these organelles often fill the phloem parenchyma cells of the inner bark tissues in overwintering hardwoods, whereas they are absent from this tissue during the summer. We hypothesize that the organelles are involved in the storage of reduced nitrogen during wintering, in a manner analogous to protein bodies of seeds. A survey of the phloem and cambial parenchyma tissues in six evergreen softwood species (Pinus strobus, P. sylvestris, Picea abies, P. glauca, Abies balsamea, and Thuja occidentalis) and in one deciduous softwood species (Larix decidua) was conducted. There was a large variation in the degree and timing of protein-storage vacuole formation between the individual genera and species. The organelles were not seen in summer samples of inner bark tissues of any of the genera or species examined. Protein-storage vacuoles were common in the bark tissues of Pinus, Abies and Thuja, occasionally seen in Picea, and rarely found in Larix during the winter. One-year-old leaves were also examined, since in all but Larix they are overwintering structures and can act as potential sites of nitrogen storage. Protein-storage vacuoles were present in Pinus and Thuja leaf tissue in both summer and winter, in Abies during winter only, and were absent from Picea leaf tissue at all times. These results indicate that the formation of protein-storage vacuoles prior to overwintering is not a ubiquitous phenomenon in softwoods.     

Tree growth response along an elevational gradient: climate or genetics?

Environment and genetics combine to influence tree growth and should therefore be jointly considered when evaluating forest responses in a warming climate. Here, we combine dendroclimatology and population genetic approaches with the aim of attributing climatic influences on growth of European larch (Larix decidua) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). Increment cores and genomic DNA samples were collected from populations along a ~900-m elevational transect where the air temperature gradient encompasses a ~4 °C temperature difference. We found that low genetic differentiation among populations indicates gene flow is high, suggesting that migration rate is high enough to counteract the selective pressures of local environmental variation. We observed lower growth rates towards higher elevations and a transition from negative to positive correlations with growing season temperature upward along the elevational transect. With increasing elevation there was also a clear increase in the explained variance of growth due to summer temperatures. Comparisons between climate sensitivity patterns observed along this elevational transect with those from Larix and Picea sites distributed across the Alps reveal good agreement, and suggest that tree-ring width (TRW) variations are more climate-driven than genetics-driven at regional and larger scales. We conclude that elevational transects are an extremely valuable platform for understanding climatic-driven changes over time and can be especially powerful when working within an assessed genetic framework.     

Growth forms and age estimation of treeline species

The correct evaluation of the age of small tree individuals is of great importance in ecological studies, and can be performed if growth units are identifiable even under strong environmental constraints. We aimed to assess the reliability of age evaluation of small individuals of four species commonly occurring at the treeline in the Alps and the Apennines (N Italy), Picea abies, Pinus cembra, Larix decidua and Fagus sylvatica. A total of 224 individuals were sampled along an altitudinal gradient up to the treeline. For each species, we assessed the growth architecture and the appearance of annual growth units; for each individual, age and evaluation uncertainty were estimated. To verify the estimation a core or a cross-section was obtained. The estimated age was compared with the tree-ring age through linear regression and reduced chi square test, and the estimation accuracy was evaluated as function of tree age, dimension and environmental parameters. A good estimation was possible for all species, even when loss of vertical growth occurred. The highest error occurred for Larix, the lowest for Pinus; the error was generally correlated with tree age and dimension, and was affected by altitude and geomorphology. Good reduced chi square values were reached considering only the youngest individuals for Fagus and Picea and the smallest for Fagus and Larix; the uncertainty was generally underestimated for Pinus. Even though reliable age estimation could be obtained, a realistic and species-specific evaluation of the estimation uncertainties is necessary to assess estimation accuracy for ecological studies.     

Middle to Late Holocene vegetation history of the Upper Engadine (Swiss Alps): the role of man and fire

To reconstruct the vegetation and fire history of the Upper Engadine, two continuous sediment cores from Lej da Champfèr and Lej da San Murezzan (Upper Engadine Valley, southeastern Switzerland) were analysed for pollen, plant macrofossils, charcoal and kerogen. The chronologies of the cores are based on 38 radiocarbon dates. Pollen and macrofossil data suggest a rapid afforestation with Betula, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus cembra, and Larix decidua after the retreat of the glaciers from the lake catchments 11,000 cal years ago. This vegetation type persisted until ca. 7300 cal b.p. (5350 b.c.) when Picea replaced Pinus cembra. Pollen indicative of human impact suggests that in this high-mountain region of the central Alps strong anthropogenic activities began during the Early Bronze Age (3900 cal b.p., 1950 b.c.). Local human settlements led to vegetational changes, promoting the expansion of Larix decidua and Alnus viridis. In the case of Larix, continuing land use and especially grazing after fire led to the formation of Larix meadows. The expansion of Alnus viridis was directly induced by fire, as evidenced by time-series analysis. Subsequently, the process of forest conversion into open landscapes continued for millennia and reached its maximum at the end of the Middle Ages at around 500 cal b.p. (a.d. 1450).     

An in vitro method for establishing mycorrhizae on coniferous tree seedlings

Summary A method for in vitro synthesis of mycorrhizae on coniferous tree seedlings is described. Tree seedlings (Larix decidua Mill., Picea abies (L.) Karst, and Pinus sylvestris L.) and fungi Amanita muscaria (L. ex Fr.) Hooker, Piloderma croceum Erikss. et Hjorst., Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker et Couch, and Suillus grevillei (Klotzsch) Singer were maintained under sterile conditions in petri dishes. Typical ectomycorrhizae were established within 2–3 weeks after inoculation and within 2 months after germination of seedlings. Eventually a high percentage of mycorrhizal root tips was obtained.     

L'Azione dell'Ossigeno Liquido Sulla Germinabilità dei Semi Duri di Ginestrino (Lotus Corniculatus L.) e di Ladino (Trifolium Repens L.)

Abstract

Comparative researches on morphology and physiology of PICEA and LARIX. Fresh weight and chlorophyll content in seedlings kept at various light intensities. — The fresh weight and the chlorophyll content of lots of seedlings from Larix decidua and Picea excelsa grown on sand for 12 days in climatic cell at 25 [ddot]C with 86% relative humidity and a light intensity of 90, 250, 500, 1.000, 2.000 and 4.000 lux were determined.

The fresh weight of Picea seedlings is not significantly affected by all light intensities except for 4.000 lux, where it is 20% higher. Even in dim light (90 lux) the fresh weight of Picea seedlings is only 7% inferior to that of the lot kept at 2.000 lux.

The results obtained in Larix are remarkably different; its fresh weight is more influenced by the light intensity: at 4.000 lux, e. g., the fresh weight is considerably higher (more than 20%) than the arithmetical mean of all the lots, while at 90 lux it appears greatly inferior (30%) to the lot kept at 2.000 lux.

No correlation exhists between fresh weight and chlorophyll content variations.

In Larix only the difference between seedlings kept at 250 lux and 90 lux is very strong. In the latter the chlorophyll content for g. f. w. is 40% inferior to the average of all the lots. At the maxime intensities the chlorophyll content of Larix seedlings appears to be particularly increased, while that of Picea seedlings is slightly inferior to that observed at 2.000 lux.

These figures are in agreement with the special ecology of the two plants and particularly with the light need of Larix, as it is clearly demonstrated by the fresh weight and chlorophyll content per g. f. w. and by the different ratio in chlorophyll contents of the lots of seedlings kept at 2.000 and 4.000 lux.     

Inheritance of mitochondrial DNA in the conifer Larix

Summary Restriction fragment length polymorphisms between Larix leptolepis and Larix decidua were identified in heterologous hybridization experiments, using wheat mitochondrial DNA probes specific for atp9, coxI, nad3/rps12, and orf25. Analysis of eight individuals of each reciprocal hybrid of these two species revealed that mitochondrial DNA was maternally inherited. Furthermore, sequences homologous to wheat orf25 were also identified in Larix gmelini, Larix siberica, Larix olgensis, and Larix laricina, as well as Ginkgo biloba, Picea mariana, Picea glauca and Pinus contorta.     

Paternal inheritance of chloroplast DNA in Larix

Restriction enzyme analysis was used to determine the inheritance of chloroplast DNA in conifers. The plant material studied included five individual trees of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) and Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis Sieb. & Zucc.) and six hybrids from controlled crosses between these species. The chloroplast DNA fragment patterns generated by Bam-HI and Bcl-I were species-specific. Paternal inheritance of chloroplast DNA patterns was found in most Larix crosses. One hybrid showed maternal chloroplast DNA patterns. In addition, two other hybrids had mixed Bam-HI patterns suggesting recombination between maternal and paternal chloroplast DNA. The mechanisms favoring paternal inheritance in conifers are not known. Paternal inheritance of chloroplast DNA is suggested it to be a general phenomenon in conifers.     

Étude anatomique et comparative de charbons de bois de Larix decidua Mill. et de Picea abies (L.) Karst

The anatomical criteria for the identification of the genera Larix and Picea defined on wood samples by Bartholin (1979) and Anagnost et al. (1994) have been tested on charcoal in order to permit a taxonomic discrimination between two European alpine species, Lark decidua Mill. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. Examination under an episcopic microscope with a high magnification (× 1 000) of the bordered pits of the ray tracheid walls, the only really discriminating criterion, shows a new type of indented pit. This makes it possible to identify the two species more accurately. Thus, these two species can now be distinguished on charcoal instead of only on wood. However, this distinction remains uncertain if the fragment size is under 1 mm, which is often the case in pedoanthracological samples from high altitude soils.     

Mitochondrial DMA variation in somatic embryogenic cultures ofLarix

outhern hybridization analysis using wheat mitochondrial gene-specific probes indicates that changes in mitochondrial genomic organization and the relative representation of certain genomic regions occur during in vitro somatic embryogenic cell culture ofLarix species. We observed differences in the mitochondrial (mt)DNA hybridization patterns between somatic embryogenic cell cultures and trees grown from seed forLarix leptolepis,L. decidua, and the reciprocal hybrids of these twoLarix species. This is the first study to describe the correlation of molecular changes in a gymnosperm mitochondrial genome with in vitro somatic embryogenic cell culture. Quantitative differences in mtDNA hybridization signals were also observed among a 4-year-old somatic embryogenic cell culture ofLarix ×eurolepis trees regenerated from this culture, and the seed source tree from which the somatic embryogenic cell cultures were initiated.     

Cytological and molecular relationships between Larix decidua,L. leptolepis and Larix x eurolepis: identification of species-specific Chromosoms and synchronization of mitotic cells

The effects of different concentrations of hydroxyurea (HU) and aphidicolin (APH) on the mitotic index (MI) were compared in cells of embryogenic cultures of Larix decidua, L. leptolepis, and L. decidua x L. leptolepis (Larix x eurolepis). The highest enhancement of the MI was obtained with HU at 1.25 mM and 0.6% colchicine. In general the MI decreased with an increase of HU or APH concentration (over 1.25 mM for HU and 5 M for APH). Detailed karyotype analyses were made on the somatic complement of L. decidua, L. leptolepis, and their hybrid. These karyotypes were asymmetrical and advanced, with the smaller chromosomes being more submedian than the larger ones. The topography of chromosome 7 of L. decidua and chromosome 9 of L. leptolepis was found to be the most significant cytotaxonomic characteristic in differentiating these two species. Cytological data indicate that Japanese larch (L. leptolepis) is phylogenetically closer to European larch (L. decidua) than the Siberian larch group (L. sibirica and L. sukaczewii). Chromosomes with unusually long kinetochores were found in both species and the hybrid. Hyperploid cells (2n = 25) were observed in the hybrid (Larix x eurolepis) material analyzed. A genomic L. decidua probe hybridized strongly to dots of DNA from L. leptolepis indicating that there is high sequence homology between these two species.     

长白落叶松、日本落叶松和兴安落叶松幼苗光合作用特性比较研究

研究长白落叶松(Larix olgensis Herry.),日本落叶松(Larix kaempferi Carr.) 和兴安落叶松(Larix gmelinii Rupr.)当年生和一年生幼苗的光合作用日变化、季节变化和光响应曲线,结果表明：①三种植物中,长白落叶松、日本落叶松当年生和一年生幼苗和兴安落叶松当年生幼苗光合速率日变化都呈双峰曲线,具有明显的“午休”特征。兴安落叶松一年生幼苗的光合速率日变化呈单峰曲线。②日本落叶松的光饱和点 (LSP) 最高,兴安落叶松光补偿点（LCP）最低。③三种落叶松的一年生幼苗都是在生长中期表现出最大的光合能力。从年龄来看,落叶松当年生幼苗在生长初期和生长中期的光合能力要低于一年生幼苗,但在生长后期高于一年生幼苗。④从种来看,生长初期,当年生和一年生幼苗的最大净光合速率(P_max)均为日本落叶松＞兴安落叶松＞长白落叶松;生长中期,当年生幼苗的P_max规律与生长初期相似,一年生幼苗的P_max为长白落叶松＞日本落叶松＞兴安落叶松;生长后期,当年生幼苗的P_max为长白落叶松＞兴安落叶松＞日本落叶松,一年生幼苗的P_max与生长中期一年生幼苗的规律正好相反。通过分析我们得到结论：三个树种在生长季节相同阶段具有不同的光合特性;每个种不同年龄和生长季节不同阶段也表现出不同的光合特性;三个树种中,长白落叶松幼苗对光抑制引起的光合器官损伤的修复能力最强,日本落叶松次之,兴安落叶松最弱;日本落叶松幼苗较喜光,光合作用能力较强,不易发生光抑制,而兴安落叶松幼苗较耐阴。因此在育苗和造林时应考虑不同树种的光合特性调节最佳的光照条件。     

Indagini Sull'Ecologia dei Semenzali di Picea

Abstract

Research on the ecological requirements of «Picea abies» seedlings. — In order to understand better the germination and first year growth of Norway spruce, we laid down during 1966 an experimental seeding in the nursery of Paneveggio (Trento) using 5 different soils, 3 levels of light and 2 levels of moisture.

Germination has been faster on mineral than on organic soils, and has also been enhanced by irrigation (especially on organic soils) and by shading. The number of seedlings at the end of the first growing season was higher in irrigated plots; irrigation having a stronger influence in combination with reduced shade or organic soils. Dry weight of plants increased with increasing light and moisture. More solar radiation also results in increased soil evaporation which, above a certain level, can have a negative effect on seedlings weight; this is especially evident on organic soils. The ratio stem weight/root weight, inversely proportional to the available light, was highest on organic soils and lowest on mineral soils. Seedling height was enhanced both by irrigation and shading: the increased height with the reduction of light (this causing also weight reduction) must be interpreted as another sign of light deficiency.

Taking into account the situation in a forest environment, it is possible to recognise that organic soils are the least favourable to the spruce seedlings, while mineral soils are those most favourable, since the seedlings which will grow upon the latter are better adapted to draught and uprooting caused by alternances of frost and defrost.

The different behaviour of spruce seedlings on the soils tested can be explained mainly by differences of available water in the various soils.     

First record of Adelges (Cholodkovskya) viridanus (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in North America,with a description of the fundatrix form in Japan

Adelges (Cholodkovskya) viridanus (Cholodkovsky 1896) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) is found throughout Eurasia where it is understood to be anholocyclic, feeding on species of larch (Larix), without host alternation. For the first time, we report this species in North America, outside of its native range, from specimens collected in an arboretum in Ohio, USA. Molecular phylogenetic analysis was inconclusive as to whether it was introduced from Europe or Asia. In addition, specimens collected from Picea jezoensis in Japan were confirmed for the first time as A. (C.) viridanus by matching DNA sequences to specimens collected on Larix. Therefore, A. (C.) viridanus is either capable of completing a host-alternating holocycle in Japan, or includes very recently diverged anholocyclic populations on Picea. Finally, we describe the adult fundatrix form, which was previously unknown.     

Die organischen Säuren im Cambialsaft von Larix decidua Mill

Summary The quantitatively most important organic acids in the cambial sap of Larix decidua have been isolated and characterised. Quinic acid predominated and smaller amounts of shikimic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, amino acids and sugar phosphates were also present. It is shown by the aphid-technique that quinic acid is probably transported in the phloem from the young needles and shoots to the cambial zones of the tree.

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Zweite Mitteilung über den Cambialsaft von Larix decidua. Erste Mitteilung in Planta (Berl.) 73, 155–160 (1967).     

Comparing growth phenology of co-occurring deciduous and evergreen conifers exposed to drought

Plant phenological events are influenced by climate factors such as temperature and rainfall. To evaluate phenological responses to water availability in a Spring Heath-Pine wood (Erico-Pinetum typicum), the focus of this study was to determine intra-annual dynamics of apical and lateral growth of co-occurring early successional Larix decidua and Pinus sylvestris and late successional Picea abies exposed to drought. The effect of reduced plant water availability on growth phenology was investigated by conducting a rainfall exclusion experiment. Timing of key phenological dates (onset, maximum rate, end, duration) of growth processes were compared among species at the rain-sheltered and control plot during 2011 and 2012. Shoot and needle elongation were monitored on lateral branches in the canopy at c. 16 m height and radial growth was recorded by automatic dendrometers at c. 1.3 m height of >120 yr old trees. Different sequences in aboveground growth phenology were detected among the three species under the same growing conditions. While onset of radial growth in April through early May was considerably preceded by onset of needle growth in Larix decidua (5–6 weeks) and shoot growth in Pinus sylvestris (c. 3 weeks), it occurred quite simultaneously with onset of shoot growth in Picea abies. Low water availability had a minor impact on onset of aboveground growth, which is related to utilization of stored water, but caused premature cessation of aboveground growth. At the control plot mean growing season length was 130 days in Pinus sylvestris, 95 days in Larix decidua and 73 days in Picea abies, supporting the hypothesis that early successional species are resource expenders, while late successional species are more efficient in utilizing resources and develop safer life strategies. High synchronicity found in culmination of radial growth in late spring (mid-May through early June) prior to occurrence of more favourable environmental conditions in summer might indicate sink competition for carbohydrates to belowground organs. This is supported by completion of apical growth in mid June in all species, except for needle growth of Pinus sylvestris which lasted until early August. Phenological observations of conifers exposed to drought revealed that tree water status early during the growing season determines total annual aboveground growth and, besides temperature, species-specific endogenous and/or environmental factors (most likely photoperiod and/or different threshold temperatures) are involved in controlling apical and lateral growth resumption after winter dormancy.