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3D analysis of anatomical reactions in conifers after mechanical wounding: first qualitative insights from X-ray computed tomography

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Abstract

The ability of trees to recover from damage beyond the last-formed periderm as well as the drivers and nature of associated wound reactions have been studied for more than two centuries using macroscopic (desiccation, aeration or discoloration of wood) and microscopic approaches (anatomical and chemical reactions). However, no studies currently exist which address large-scale macroscopic and microscopic reactions surrounding wounds in the tangential, axial, and radial directions over continuous segments of tree stems. This note explores the potential of 3D X-ray computed tomography in assessing effects of wounding under natural conditions in European conifers (Abies alba, Larix decidua, Picea abies). We present results from a pilot study and qualitatively evaluate the potential of the approach used in assessing and illustrating the formation and spread of de-differentiated xylem parenchyma cells, xylem decay compartmentalization, resin ducts, and stabilizing compression wood cells.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge access to the XRCT provided by the Forensic Institute, University of Bern and would like to thank Prof. M. Thali for permissions. Scanning was performed by Mohan Somasundaram.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 1+3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland

    M. Stoffel

  2. Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, 1227, Carouge-Geneva, Switzerland

    M. Stoffel & M. Klinkmüller

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  1. M. Stoffel
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  2. M. Klinkmüller
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Correspondence to M. Stoffel.

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Communicated by T. Fourcaud.

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Stoffel, M., Klinkmüller, M. 3D analysis of anatomical reactions in conifers after mechanical wounding: first qualitative insights from X-ray computed tomography. Trees 27, 1805–1811 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-013-0900-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-013-0900-2

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