The Early- to Latewood Transition Phenology Is Asynchronous between the Different Parts of Abies forrestii var. smithii in Jiaozi Mountain, Yunnan, China

Abstract

Phenological synchronicity of different tree parts and habitats can provide valuable insights into the physiological relationships and regulatory factors of different phenologies. The earlywood (EW) to latewood (LW) transition of the xylem is a critical process closely related to the key functions and physiological processes of trees. This study investigated the phenology phase of the EW–LW transition in branches and stems of Smith fir (Abies forrestii var. smithii Viguié & Gaussen) along an altitude gradient (3600 m, 3800 m, and 4000 m) in Jiaozi Mountain, Yunnan, China, in 2021. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that branches transition earlier than stems, but the elevation does not affect the transition time. We monitored the EW–LW transition dates weekly using microcores and then correlated them to the climatic conditions and developmental processes. Our findings revealed that the EW–LW transition timing varied among the different parts of the tree but was synchronized across the different elevations. Furthermore, the transition always occurred earlier in branches than in the stem, but the difference narrowed with increasing altitude. The EW–LW transition was mainly influenced by photoperiod, which plays a crucial role as a signaling factor. Additionally, the tree crown was more sensitive to environmental changes than the stem. The transition time of stems was less sensitive to environmental factors than that of branches. Therefore, our results suggest that the earlywood to latewood transition is regulated by developmental factors, and the photoperiod may indirectly regulate the developmental process of trees as a signaling factor, thus regulating the earlywood to latewood transition time. Our study provides new insights into the developmental regulation and climate sensitivity of tree ring formation.