Effects of environmental factors on wood formation in Scots pine stems

Summary To find the optimal conditions for growth and development of tracheid walls in Scots pine stems the effects of temperature and precipitation on xylem cell production by the cambium, radial cell expansion and secondary wall thickening have been studied. The observations were carried out on 10 specially chosen 50 to 60-year-old trees, growing in central Siberia, over 2 seasons. The data on the number of cells in differentiation zones and mature xylem along radial rows of tracheids, radial and tangential sizes of tracheids and their lumens were used for calculating cambial activity, the rates and durations of cell development in the zones, and both the thickness and cross sectional areas of tracheid walls. The mean day, mean maximal diurnal and mean minimal nocturnal temperatures have been shown by correlation and regression analyses to affect differentially separate stages of cytogenesis. The temperature influenced the initial division the side of xylem and radial cell expansion mainly in May–June, while the influence of precipitation increased in July–August. Throughout all seasons it was the temperature that had the main influence on the biomass accumulation in cell walls. Optimal values of temperature and precipitation for cell production by cambium, radial cell expansion and secondary wall thickening have been calculated. The data are discussed in connection with productivity and quality of wood.