Abstract Detail

Ecophysiology

Hillabrand, Rachel [1], Hacke, Uwe [1], Lieffers, Victor [2], Hogg, Ted [3], Martinez Sancho, Elisabet [4], Menzel, Annette [4].

Dendroecological observations of aspen and balsam poplar growing concurrently in Ministik, AB.

Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and balsam poplar (P. balsamifera) are two of the most widespread tree species in North America. Both are species of ecological and commercial importance in western Canada. Evaluating the impacts of climate change on these species is currently a topic of interest because the climate in the aspen parkland eco-region of western Canada is predicted to become drier and more similar to the current prairie region to the south. Besides an increased risk for drought, dry conditions could also exacerbate the effect of insect outbreaks on these trees. Though past analysis of tree rings has demonstrated that aspen growth is strongly impacted by drought and defoliation in western Canada, records of balsam poplar response to climate are rare. Moreover, climate change impacts for both species may be observed with higher temporal resolution through analyses of xylem anatomical changes over time. Time-series analysis of xylem hydraulic and structural features can provide greater insight into the seasonal adaptation and adjustment of trees to climate by extracting data from different parts of the tree ring, reflecting variation throughout the each year. The determination of how these species individually respond to climate where they co-occur will provide more accurate knowledge for future forest management at a stand level. This project will be accomplished through three objectives: (1) The assessment of how climate influences tree ring width in a stand with co-occurring aspen and balsam poplar. (2) The determination of climate signals present within chronologies of xylem anatomy of each species. (3) The assessment of the impact of specific drought and defoliation events on these trees using both ring width and xylem anatomy chronologies with metrics determining tree resistance, recovery, and resilience to extreme events.

1 - University of Alberta, Renewable Resources, 442 Earth Science Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G2E3, Canada
2 - University of Alberta
3 - Northern Forestry Centre, Natural Resources Canada
4 - Technical University Munich

Keywords:
climate change
drought
defoliation
aspen
balsam poplar
dendroecology
xylem.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Ecophysiology Poster Session
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEP007
Abstract ID:522
Candidate for Awards:Physiological Section Best poster presentation