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Within-crown distribution of male and female cones on clonal Sitka spruce trees

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Abstract

The within-crown distribution of cones (strobili) was mapped on 48 mature grafts of Sitka spruce [Picea schensis (Bong.) Carr.]. The total number of cones per tree was increased by a mainstem injection of 20 mg GA4/7 and 8 mm wide bark ring. The cones and buds were classified as either lateral or terminal on each individual branch. The distribution of lateral female, terminal female, lateral male and terminal male cones, showed a general progression from the upper distal to lower proximal regions of the tree crown in all 12 clones. Evidence for preferential allocation of cones to particular branch types is presented. The region of the tree with the greates number of cones varied with treatment and reflected differences in the sex ratio of the individual trees. There is evidence for a relationship between branch length, position within the crown and the type of cone produced.

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Dick, J.M., Longman, K.A. & Smith, R.I. Within-crown distribution of male and female cones on clonal Sitka spruce trees. Trees 8, 278–282 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00202671

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00202671

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