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5.01.08 - Understanding wood variability

UNIT NOTICEBOARD

2019-03-11

Crown structure as cause and effect in modeling tree growth, form, and wood quality

Technical Session C4d at the XXV IUFRO World Congress;
Curitiba, Brazil; 29 September - 5 October 2019.

Co-organizers: Doug Maguire (Oregon State University); Peter Newton (Natural Resources Canada)

Sponsors: 4.01.02 - Growth models for Tree and Stand Simulation; 5.01.08 - Understanding wood variability   

Crown attributes are key physiological determinants of tree growth which respond readily to silvicultural manipulations and mediate many aspects of stem allometry and stand structure, in turn dynamically influencing wood production, wood quality, and many other ecosystem services. Topics will cover mechanisms by which thinning, fertilization, and genetic manipulation influence crown structure; corresponding linkages to light capture, vertical distribution of stem increment, wind loading/damage, and micro- and macroanatomy of wood; and development of associated modelling solutions for quantifying these cause-and-effect loops. The session aims to integrate interactive responses and influences of crown structure at numerous levels through state-of-the-art multidisciplinary presentations.    

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Coordinator:

John Moore, New Zealand

Deputies:

Barry Gardiner, France

Manuela Romagnoli, Italy

Laurence "Laurie" Schimleck, United States

About Unit

The natural world is synonymous with variability. Trees are variable, with obvious physical differences between Genre, and between species of the same Genus.  As well as variability across Genre and species, there is variability within one species.  Phenotypical differences between individuals are driven by genetics and the environment. This group have an interest in genetic and environmental, either natural or man-made (i.e. silviculture), factors that affect tree growth, architecture and consequentially influence the hydraulic and mechanical properties of the wood contained within. The focus extends to the variation in wood anatomy and hydro-mechanical properties within one tree, including reaction wood. Our interests are driven by both the benefits of wood to trees, in a biomechanical sense, and the resulting effects on forest products.