Abstract
Introduction
Scots pine populations in the SE “Sistema Ibérico” range suffered a severe defoliation in the S face of the crown in isolated trees of thinned stands. This process was detected at the end of the winter 2001–2002.
Aim
We hypothesise that winter conditions may be as critical for Scots pine survival as summer drought, even for these southern populations. In this way, the possible connection between the microclimate conditions and the risk of xylem embolism during the winter of 2001–2002 was analysed.
Discussion
The additional decrease in water potential found in the affected trees could be caused by the combination of (1) low soil temperatures limiting water uptake by roots, (2) a higher vulnerability to drought-induced embolism due to the occurrence of repeated freeze–thaw cycles, and (3) high radiation events throughout the winter, increasing the loss of water by transpiration. Thus, the additional induction of embolism found in the affected trees (ca. 27%) could be caused by the combination of these factors.
Conclusion
Estimated conditions during winter 2001–2002 were extremely unfavourable, leading probably to an impaired water status and high embolism rates, which may have induced the severe defoliation observed in crowns of affected trees.
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Acknowledgements
This study was supported by a specific collaboration agreement between CITA-Aragón and Departamento de Medio Ambiente-Gobierno de Aragón. Moreover, this study was partially supported by INIA project SUM2008-00004-C03 (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación). Financial support from Gobierno de Aragón (A54 research group) is also acknowledged.
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Peguero-Pina, J.J., Alquézar-Alquézar, J.M., Mayr, S. et al. Embolism induced by winter drought may be critical for the survival of Pinus sylvestris L. near its southern distribution limit. Annals of Forest Science 68, 565–574 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-011-0068-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-011-0068-0