Climate Data for Field Trials: Onsite Micro Stations Versus ClimateNA

Background Studies in diverse environmental fields require accurate climate data for point locations that are often distant from reliable public weather stations. ‘Onsite’ micro weather stations can be established directly at research locations, but purchase, establishment, and maintenance costs and data gaps can limit their feasibility. Alternatively, climate data for point locations can be predicted from ClimateNA, a publicly available software package, but the prediction accuracy in remote and mountainous locations is uncertain. Results We compared ClimateNA predictions with observations from onsite weather stations located at 11 interior spruce provenance trials in British Columbia, Canada. We found that ClimateNA predictions were highly accurate for temperature variables (average prediction error 0.77°C; most R2 values > 0.99) but moderate for precipitation variables (average prediction error 27mm; 0.21 < R2 values < 0.58) when compared with onsite weather data (with random errors identified). Growth response functions developed with the two data sources showed similar patterns for temperature variables. Conclusions Our results suggest that 1) temperature variables can be accurately predicted at remote and mountainous locations using ClimateNA; 2) precipitation variables are more accurately predicted with ClimateNA than with onsite weather stations, which were considerably affected by random factors; and 3) response functions provide an effective, independent tool to assess alternative sources of climate data. Our results recommend the use of ClimateNA over onsite weather stations, except where highly accurate precipitation data are required, in which case, high-quality onsite weather stations must be established and carefully maintained.

Analysis of Latvian and Belarusian Oak (Quercus robur L.) Population Provenance and Genetic Structure Using Chloroplast Markers

In this study, oak specific chloroplast simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to analyse Latvian and Belarusian oak (Quercus robur L.) population provenance and genetic structure. Chloroplast haplotypes were compared between Latvian and Belarusian pedunculate oak, and several common haplotypes were identified. The SSR haplotypes were compared to previously reported PCR-RFLP haplotypes, and haplotypes from the A (eastern European) and C (central European) lineages were identified. C lineage haplotypes were only found in the western region of Latvia. Haplotypes shared between Latvia and Belarus were all from the A lineage. Despite the much smaller population size of oak in Latvia in comparison to Belarus, the level of genetic diversity identified using the chloroplast SSR markers is similar. Provenance trials will need to be established in order to determine the suitability of Belarusian oak reproductive material for deployment in Latvia. Based on the results from this comparison of chloroplast haplotypes, as well as climatic similarities, it is probable that Belarusian oak material will be better suited to the eastern regions of Latvia compared to the western regions of Latvia.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) cones phenotypic variation growing in provenance trials of Arkhangelsk region

The study results of phenotypic variability of Scots pine cones climatype (23 variants) in provenance trials in the Plesetsk forestry of the Arkhangelsk region, created in 1977, are given. The distribution of cones in the collection of provenance according to the forms of the apophysis proposed by Pravdin L.F. is presented, linear parameters, mass, shape coefficient and density of cones are determined. Pine provenances were conditionally divided into two groups depending on the geographical coordinates of the original plantations — western (with a latitudinal localization of climates from 68 to 55 degrees. N., but close in longitude) and eastern (with a longitude localization of climates from 40 to 73 degrees. E., but close in latitude) groups. In both groups, the distribution of cones according to the forms of the apophysis has a similar structure, the form of the apophysis f. gibba is most pronounced. The severity of the shape of the apophysis of the cone can be associated with the genetic features of the species and with the conditions of the growth place of the original plantations. Significant correlation connections between shape of cones apophysis with temperature climatic indices are established. In the collection of provenances, when growing under the same type of conditions, the length and width of the cone are equalized between offspring, however, the increase in the mass of the bump and the decrease in its density are under great genetic control, although it is associated with the geographical origin of the offspring.

Growth performance of Khaya senegalensis seedlings influenced by provenances and latitudinal gradients in the nursery

Seedling growth performance is germane and pertinent in plant variables when analyzing tree provenance trials as it indicates its adaptability of the seed to the environments/habitat. The study was undertaken to examine the comparative studies on seedling performance of Khaya senegalensis at nursery stage in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. Seeds from four sources in different States in Nigeria: Oyo, Borno, Jigawa and Kano States were collected and planted to observe their morphological attributes. Seedlings variables (Plant height, collar diameter and number of leaves) were observed and recorded fortnightly for sixteen (16) weeks after germination was completed. It was observed that seeds from Oyo state performed best while seeds from Kano state had the least performance. Provenances variation indicate genetic and environmental differences that can be utilized for afforestation programmes and thus, this study recommends the seeds from Oyo state for large scale afforestation since it performed best. Keywords: Khaya senegalensis, seed provenance, seedling height, collar diameter and number of leaves.

Acacia angustissima (prairie acacia).

A. angustissima is a thornless shrub up to 4 m in height. This species is originally from Central America and tolerates a wide range of soils and climates, from high altitude pine-oak forests to extremely dry habitats in the lowlands of Mexico. A. angustissima is a deep-rooted nitrogen fixing pioneer, and is valuable in reducing soil erosion. It is a useful browse species, and may also be planted on acid soils. The species flowers prolifically and is a valuable honeybee plant. A. angustissima has shown great promise in recent alley cropping experiments in lowland Papua New Guinea (Brook, 1992), and may outperform more familiar species of Calliandra and Leucaena in biomass production. It performed best in a multipurpose tree evaluation in a range of sites in the same region from 20-1650 m in altitude (Brook et al., 1992). This species also showed promise in a range of trial sites in Zimbabwe, Ghana to Hawaii. Trials so far have been based on seed collected on an opportunistic basis, and further research is required on genetic improvement of the species throughout its range for international provenance trials. In some regions it may become an aggressive colonizer.

Radial Growth Response of European Larch Provenances to Interannual Climate Variation in Poland

The present study identified the similarities and differences in the radial growth responses of 20 provenances of 51-year-old European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) trees from Poland to the climatic conditions at three provenance trials situated in the Polish lowlands (Siemianice), uplands (Bliżyn) and mountains (Krynica). A chronology of radial growth indices was developed for each of 60 European larch populations, which highlighted the interannual variations in the climate-mediated radial growth of their trees. With the aid of principal component, correlation and multiple regression analysis, supra-regional climatic elements were identified to which all the larch provenances reacted similarly at all three provenance trials. They increased the radial growth in years with a short, warm and precipitation-rich winter; a cool and humid summer and when high precipitation in late autumn of the previous year was noted. Moreover, other climatic elements were identified to which two groups of the larch provenances reacted differently at each provenance trial. In the lowland climate, the provenances reacted differently to temperature in November to December of the previous year and July and to precipitation in September. In the upland climate, the provenances differed in growth sensitivity to precipitation in October of the previous year and June–September. In the mountain climate, the provenances responded differently to temperature and precipitation in September of the previous year and to precipitation in February, June and September of the year of tree ring formation. The results imply that both climatic factors and origin (genotype), i.e., the genetic factor, mediate the climate–growth relationships of larch provenances.

Long-term performance of Norway spruce in two provenance trials in Latvia

Norway spruce is economically important tree species in the Baltic Sea region, covering large areas and being productive in pure plantations. The species is often regenerated with planting. It is important to choose not only productive, but also robust reproductive material with good adaptability, hardiness and quality traits. The use of appropriate transferred provenances can be an option to increase forest productivity at final-harvest moment. Thus, it is necessary to know long-term fitness of different seedlots. We examined two provenances trials in Western and Eastern Latvia at the age of 34 and 29 years, respectively. We assessed effect of provenance on growth performance, stem quality, and budburst time. In milder climate of Western Latvia, superior growth showed northward-transferred later flushing provenances from the Carpathian Mountains and Lithuania, resulting in by up to 32 % higher yield than the trial mean. No advantages were observed for early flushing Western Russian seedlots facing southward transfer. Latvian provenances showed variable performance regarding productivity and stem quality. In harsher climate of Eastern Latvia, selection of productive local seedlots seemed reasonable option due to relatively lower probability of trees with stem defects comparing to transferred material.

A compilation of North American tree provenance trials and relevant historical climate data for seven species

Tree provenance trials consist of a variety of seed sources (or provenances) planted at several test sites across the range of a species. The resulting plantations are typically measured periodically to investigate provenance performance in relation to abiotic conditions, particularly climate. These trials are expensive and time consuming to establish, but are an important resource for seed transfer systems, which aim to match planting sites with well-adapted (climatically suitable) seed sources. Provenance trial measurements may be underutilized because the data are scattered across publications, conference proceedings, and university theses. Here we document an effort to collect available provenance trial measurements and associated climate data for seven eastern North American tree species (Pinus strobus, Pinus banksiana, Picea glauca, Picea mariana, Quercus rubra, Larix laricina, Betula alleghaniensis). The resulting datasets included a total of 773 provenances and 62 test sites, with 65 historical climate variables appended to each location. We hope this data will support forest managers in making seed transfer decisions, particularly in an era of rapid climate change.