scholarly journals Life at the margin: the mating system of Mediterranean conifers

Web Ecology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Restoux ◽  
D. E. Silva ◽  
F. Sagnard ◽  
F. Torre ◽  
E. Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mating System ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
High Density ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Mixed Mating ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Selfing Rate ◽  
Water Regimes ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Mature Stand

Abstract. Mixed mating, where a single tree progeny results from a mixture of selfing and outcrossing, is widespread in conifers and could be an evolutionary advantage at ecological margins when mating partners become scarce. This study analyzes how the mating system responds to bioclimate and density variations. We surveyed published data on the mating system of Abies, Picea and Pinus species when information on bioclimate and stand density was available. Our survey revealed that Mediterranean species demonstrate a lower selfing rate than other species and that the proportion of selfed versus outcrossed progeny is not fixed within species. The highest variability in mating types within populations was found when stand density was the most variable. To show how density affects the proportion of selfed versus outcrossed progeny, we used isozymes to genotype single tree seeds from a marginal Abies alba forest in Mediterranean France (Mont Ventoux) where low-to high-density stands are found. We then tested the adaptive potential of the different high and low density progenies by sowing them under controlled nursery conditions and measuring germination rate and seedling survival after 4 yr under 3 different water regimes. Although the mean value of outcrossing rate was typical for mixed mating conifers (tm = 0.85), individual outcrossing rates varied from 0.05 to 0.99 and were strongly correlated with stand type and density (tm from 0.87 in high-density to 0.43 in low-density marginal stands). Significantly fewer seeds from the low density marginal stand germinated (32% vs. 53% in the high density mature stand), although seedlings from the marginal stand had a better 4-yr survival (81%) than seedlings from the high-density mature stand (63%) when the three water regimes (from least to most stressful) were averaged. Trees from low density stands may be at a selective disadvantage because they produce more selfed progeny than trees from high-density stands. However, selfed seeds may be purged early on (at the embryo stage) and the remaining seeds tend to produce seedlings with better fitness. Variability of the selfing rate might thus be an adaptive strategy for species in highly contrasted environments where selection of both reproductive assurance and avoidance of inbreeding depression may be density dependent.

Effects of stand density on outcrossing rate in two Norway spruce (Picea abies) populations

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 2704-2708 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Morgante ◽  
G. G. Vendramin ◽  
P. Rossi
Keyword(s):  
Picea Abies ◽  
Mating System ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Outcrossing Rate ◽  
High Density ◽  
Low Density ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Key Words Mating System

The mating system was investigated in two neighbouring Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) populations with markedly different stand densities. The amount of outcrossing was estimated using open-pollinated array data at four enzyme loci. Multilocus estimates of the proportion of viable progeny owing to outcrossing were 0.956 and 0.955 for the low- and high-density stand, respectively, indicating that the large reduction in stand density had no impact on outcrossing rates. The multilocus estimate was higher than the mean single-locus estimate only for the low-density stand. The lowering of the mean estimate in the low-density stand is probably a consequence of the clustering of related individuals. The regression of pollen allele frequencies on ovule genotype, which is a direct measure of the effective selfing caused by consanguineous matings, had a significant coefficient for the low-density stand and a nonsignificant one for the high-density stand. This obvservation confirms that the major effect of low-stand density in Norway spruce is the occurrence of consanguineous matings. Key words: mating system, outcrossing rate, inbreeding, Norway spruce, stand density.

scholarly journals Growth, Biomass Production and Root Development of Chinese fir in Relation to Initial Planting Density

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taimoor Farooq ◽  
Wenjing Wu ◽  
Mulualem Tigabu ◽  
Xiangqing Ma ◽  
Zongming He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Chinese Fir ◽  
High Density ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Intermediate Density

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb) Hook) is a commercially valuable timber species that is widely planted in southern China and accounts for 6.1% of the global plantation forests. However, appropriate planting density that ensures high plantation productivity is largely unexplored in this species. The aim of the study was to examine tree growth, biomass production, and its allocation among different organs in relation to initial planting density, and to examine whether planting density has an impact on root development. Mortality, diameter at breast height and tree-height of all trees were determined and measured in wider (2.36 × 2.36 m), intermediate (1.83 × 1.83 m) and narrow (1.44 × 1.44 m) spacing with stand density of 1450 trees ha−1, 2460 trees ha−1 and 3950 trees ha−1, respectively. In each stand, three plots of 20 × 20 m at a distance of 500 m were delineated as the sampling unit. Biomass was determined by destructive sampling of trees in each stand and developing allometric equations. Root morphological traits and their spatial distribution were also determined by carefully excavating the root systems. The results showed an increase in diameter of trees with decreasing stand density while tree height was independent of stand density. Biomass production of individual trees was significantly (p < 0.05) less in high-density stand (32.35 ± 2.98 kg tree−1) compared to low-density stand (44.72 ± 4.96 kg tree−1) and intermediate-density stand (61.35 ± 4.78 kg tree−1) while stand biomass production differed significantly in the order of intermediate (67.63 ± 5.14 t ha−1) > high (57.08 ± 3.13 t ha−1) > low (27.39 ± 3.42 t ha−1) stand density. Both average root length and root volume were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the high-density stand than stands with low and intermediate density. Analysis of spatial distribution of root systems revealed no overlap between roots of neighboring trees in the competition zone in low-density stand, a subtle overlap in the intermediate density stand and larger overlap in the high-density stand. It can be concluded that better growth and biomass production in intermediate density stand could be explained by better root structural development coupled with minimal competition with understory vegetation and between trees; thus intermediate stand density can be optimal for sustaining long-term productivity and may reduce the management cost in the early phase of the plantation.

Biomass and growth of Populustremuloides in northeastern Alberta: estimates using hierarchy in tree size

1984 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 610-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. Lleffers ◽  
J. S. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Allometric Equation ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Tree Biomass ◽  
Stand Growth ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Northeastern Alberta

Biomass and growth (productivity) of Populustremuloides Michx. was determined from 20 × 20 m plots in 39 even-aged stands in northeastern Alberta. The diameters of all trees were measured at a 1.3-m height. In each stand, the periodic annual basal area increment (1977–1981) of 10–16 sample trees was proportional to the square of the diameter of each tree. This relationship was used to estimate the change in diameter of each tree in the stand for the 5-year period. The current biomass and the biomass per tree 5 years earlier were determined from an allometric equation of tree biomass versus diameter. A point estimate of growth over the last 5 years was determined by the difference between these values. Stands ranged from 23 to 57 years old, aboveground biomass from 37 to 156 t ha−1, and current rates of production from 1.5 to 5.2 t ha−1 year−1. Single tree cumulative biomass and growth were highest in low density and older stands. Stand biomass was highest in older stands but showed no relationship to stand density. Stand growth was not related to age, but was higher in more dense stands. There was no detectable reduction in growth near an SO2 source in the study area.

Pine caterpillar outbreak and stand density impacts on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics and their stoichiometry in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) plantations in subtropical China

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 601-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang-Min Fang ◽  
Lynn M. Christenson ◽  
Fang-Chao Wang ◽  
Ju-Ping Zeng ◽  
Fu-Sheng Chen
Keyword(s):  
Stand Density ◽  
Pinus Massoniana ◽  
High Density ◽  
P Availability ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Resorption Efficiency ◽  
Masson Pine ◽  
N Concentration ◽  
N Resorption ◽  
N Resorption Efficiency

Masson pine caterpillar (MPC, Dendrolimus punctatus Walker) outbreaks periodically occur in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) plantations in southern China; however, their effects on nutrient cycling remain unclear. In 2011, an MPC outbreak occurred in pine plantations with different stand densities, which facilitated a comparison of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling dynamics. Monitoring of soil and foliar nutrients from pre- to post-outbreak years (i.e., from 2010 to approximately 2012) indicated that soil NO3–-N concentration and fluxes were higher after the outbreak in low-density plantations, whereas soil NH4+-N and P availability varied minimally and were not different between the high- and low-density sites. Pine foliage responses to the MPC outbreak were dependent on stand density. At the high-density site, foliar N increased by 40% with an increase of 25% in N resorption efficiency and by approximately 200%–300% in P resorption efficiency, whereas there was an increase of 50% N concentration, a 65% increase in N resorption efficiency, and a >500% increase in P resorption efficiency at the low-density site. Overall, soil nutrients were higher in low-density than high-density plantations, whereas leaf nutrient resorption had the opposite results after an MPC outbreak. The effects of a periodic MPC outbreak could increase plant N:P stoichiometry in these plantations, particularly in the denser stands.

scholarly journals A stochastic model of selection on selfing rates in structured populations

1995 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ronfort ◽  
D. Couvet
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Stochastic Model ◽  
Mating System ◽  
Inbreeding Depression ◽  
Structured Populations ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Mixed Mating ◽  
Selfing Rate ◽  
Mixed Mating System ◽  
Biparental Inbreeding

SummaryPrevious theoretical studies of the evolution of the selfing rate have shown that mixed mating systems are not evolutionary stable states. Such models have, however, not included the effects of population structure and thus biparental inbreeding together with the evolution of selfing rates and inbreeding depression. In order to examine selection on selfing rates in structured populations, a stochastic model simulating a finite population with partial selfing and restricted pollen and seed dispersal has been developed. Selection on the mating system was followed by introducing modifiers affecting the selfing rate. The major result was that, with density dependent recruitment, a process which maintains the population structure necessary for biparental inbreeding to occur, a mixed mating system could be maintained. This result was associated with an increase of the mutation load with high selfing rates, and the selected selfing rate depended on the degree of population structure rather than on the initial selfing rate. With low dominance of deleterious alleles, complete allogamy can be selected for. Further studies showed that the more general condition of spatial heterogeneity of recruitment can lead to similar results, the most important condition being the maintenance of genetic structure within populations. A brief survey of the empirical literature shows that a positive relationship between the magnitude of inbreeding depression and the inbreeding coefficient within populations has been observed, in support of the present model.

Quantitative defect studies in semiconductor TEM samples prepared by low angle ion milling

1995 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 512-513
Author(s):  
L. Mulestagno ◽  
J.C. Holzer ◽  
P. Fraundorf
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Milling Time ◽  
High Density ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Ion Milling ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Variable Angle ◽  
Major Disadvantage ◽  
Induced Defects

Due to the wealth of information, both analytical and structural that can be obtained from it TEM always has been a favorite tool for the analysis of process-induced defects in semiconductor wafers. The only major disadvantage has always been, that the volume under study in the TEM is relatively small, making it difficult to locate low density defects, and sample preparation is a somewhat lengthy procedure. This problem has been somewhat alleviated by the availability of efficient low angle milling.Using a PIPS® variable angle ion -mill, manufactured by Gatan, we have been consistently obtaining planar specimens with a high quality thin area in excess of 5 × 104 μm2 in about half an hour (milling time), which has made it possible to locate defects at lower densities, or, for defects of relatively high density, obtain information which is statistically more significant (table 1).

Scanning Electron Microscopic and Electrophoretic Observations on Barium Sulphate Used to Adsorb Clotting Factors

1975 ◽  
Vol 33 (02) ◽  
pp. 256-270
Author(s):  
R. M Howell ◽  
S. L. M Deacon
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Barium Sulphate ◽  
High Density ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Factor X ◽  
Clotting Factors ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Complementary Techniques ◽  
Scanning Electron

SummaryElectron microscopy and particle electrophoresis were found to be complementary techniques with which to complete the physical data from an earlier study on barium sulphates used to adsorb clotting factors from serum. The differences revealed by scanning electron microscopy (S. E. M.) in the physical shape of low and high density grades of barium sulphate particles appear to be of greater significance than charge as expressed by electrophoretic mobility, in determining whether or not precursor or preformed factor Xa is eluted.This conclusion was based on the finding that at pH values close to 7, where the adsorption from serum occurs, all samples with the exception of natural barytes were uncharged. However as the high-density, or soil-grade, was found by S. E. M. to consist of large solid crystals it was suggested that this shape might induce activation of factor X as a result of partial denaturation and consequent unfolding of the adsorbed protein. In contrast, uptake of protein into the centre of the porous aggregates revealed by S. E. M. pictures of low-density or X-ray grade barium sulphate may afford protection against denaturation and exposure of the enzyme site.The porous nature of particles of low-density barium sulphate compared with the solid crystalline forms of other grades accounts not only for its lower bulk density but also for its greater surface/gram ratio which is reflected by an ability to adsorb more protein from serum.Neither technique produced evidence from any of the samples to indicate the presence of stabilising agents sometimes used to coat particles in barium meals.

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