Rainfall seasonality and drought performance shape the distribution of tropical tree species in Ghana.

Tree species distribution in lowland tropical forests is strongly associated with rainfall amount and distribution. Not only plant water availability, but also irradiance, soil fertility, and pest pressure covary along rainfall gradients. To assess the role of water availability in shaping species distribution, we carried out a reciprocal transplanting experiment in gaps in a dry and a wet forest site in Ghana, using 2,670 seedlings of 23 tree species belonging to three contrasting rainfall distributions groups (dry species, ubiquitous species, and wet species).

Towards a multidimensional root trait framework: a tree root review.

Contents 1159 I. 1159 II. 1161 III.

The effects of drought and shade on the performance, morphology and physiology of Ghanaian tree species.

In tropical forests light and water availability are the most important factors for seedling growth and survival but an increasing frequency of drought may affect tree regeneration. One central question is whether drought and shade have interactive effects on seedling growth and survival. Here, we present results of a greenhouse experiment, in which seedlings of 10 Ghanaian tree species were exposed to combinations of strong seasonal drought (continuous watering versus withholding water for nine weeks) and shade (5% irradiance versus 20% irradiance).

Early wound reactions of Japanese maple during winter dormancy: the effect of two contrasting temperature regimes.

During winter dormancy, temperate trees are capable of only a restricted response to wounding. Depending on the ambient temperature during winter dormancy, wounded trees may start compartmentalization, e.g.

Regeneration patterns in boreal Scots pine glades linked to cold-induced photoinhibition.

Regeneration patterns of Pinus sylvestris L. juveniles in central Siberian glades were studied in relation to cold-induced photoinhibition. Spatial distribution of seedlings in different height classes revealed higher seedling densities beneath the canopy than beyond the canopy, and significantly higher densities of seedlings < 50 cm tall on the north side of the trees.