Whole-tree autumn pheno logy: delving into above- and belowground wood formation
The n ovelty of my work is to study the whole tree phenology, including not only leaf and stem but also coarse and fine roots. Contrary to the p revailing assumption that the seasonal growth of coarse roots mirrors aboveground stem, we found that coarse root growth does not halt in autumn; xylem cells continue to be formed throughout the winter. Elon gation of fine roots was also observed in autumn and winter, supporti ng the idea of a continuous belowground growth that is decoupled from the seasonal aboveground growth. Our findings hold implications for understanding tree functioning, in particular the seasonal wood forma tion, the environmental controls of tree growth and the carbon reserv es dynamics.
DESCRIPTION: The novelty of my work is to study the whole tree phenolo gy, including not only leaf and stem but also coarse and fine roots. Contrary to the prevailing assumption that the seasonal growth of coa rse roots mirrors aboveground stem, we found that coarse root growth does not halt in autumn; xylem cells continue to be formed throughout the winter. Elongation of fine roots was also observed in autumn and winter, supporting the idea of a continuous belowground growth that is decoupled from the seasonal aboveground growth. Our findings hold implications for understanding tree functioning, in particular the se asonal wood formation, the environmental controls of tree growth and the carbon reserves dynamics. Whole-tree autumn phenology: delving in to above- and belowground wood formation END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR