Polyphenol Variation in Sitka Spruce

Abstract

The distribution of polyphenols in various tissues of Sitka spruce is described, with data on seasonal variation. Leaves were rich in a variety of flavonoids, but the main stem constituents were stilbenes. There was great variation both between and within provenances in most components, but evidence was obtained for differences in stilbene content attributable to provenance. Different temperature regimes caused marked differences in phenolic content, but clonal characteristics generally overrode treatment differences. High temperature favored polymeric polyphenol synthesis, while a lower temperature promoted high phenolic accumulations especially of monomeric components.