The objective of this study is to examine large-scale spatial patterns of tree growth and climatic variation and to investigate the possible role of climate in determining tree growth patterns over space. This study represents one of the first uses of geostatistical methods to extract information about the spatial variation of climate from tree rings in western North America. It is also one of the first uses of data in spatial series to study the relationships of spatial variations between climate and tree growth. Geostatistics analyzes the spatial structure of the variables by assuming that adjoining data are correlated with each other over space and that the particular relationship expressing the extent of spatial correlation can be analytically and statistically captured in a function. It is applied to both June Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and ring-width index data from western North America. One basic assumption of applying geostatistics in this study is that the spatially uncorrelated small-scale variations are insignificant and represent background noise in large-scale dendroclimatic studies. The statistical relationships between the spatial variations of June PDSI and ring-width index are studied by simple scatter diagrams and correlation analysis. This is done in terms of yearly variations and variations of spatial patterns. Both of them support the contention that the large-scale spatial variations in ring-width index data can be used to infer the spatial variations of climate variables. Based upon the results of this research it can be concluded that geostatistics is a viable method to characterize the spatially correlated variations in dendroclimatology. By applying geostatistics to data sets, information about the spatial variations of climate contained in tree-ring data are enhanced, and the large-scale variations of climate are emphasized. The analysis of yearly relationships over space is particularly useful for identifying statistical relationships between climate and tree growth in a geographic region. The main factors of climate controlling ring-width index are identified as well as the less frequent limiting events. Once the statistical relationships are validated, they can be used to infer the spatial variations of past climate from variations in tree-ring index.

A mathematical model has been developed to describe the growth of trees in stands of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) from age ten to age 100 years. An initial square pattern of spacing was assumed. At age ten years the trees were assumed to be open-grown, that is, growing in diameter at breast height at a maximum rate. A regression of d.b.h. on age was obtained from eighteen open-grown, Douglas fir trees measured on the Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island. The relationship derived from these data agreed with further data collected elsewhere in the coastal regions of British Columbia and Washington and in the interior of British Columbia. The d.b.h. growth of individual trees was predicted by five-year periods. Relationships between crown width and d.b.h. were calculated from data on 426 open-grown, Douglas fir trees. There was a close correlation between crown width and root spread for open-grown trees. A multiple regression equation was obtained for height of 869 trees on d.b.h. and basal area per acre. All regression equations calculated for use in the model, were highly significant statistically. The model is initiated with a matrix of 15 x 15 trees (or tree "locations”). The initial d.b.h. of each tree is specified and, from the crown width/d.b.h. regressions, the crown width of each tree is calculated. As long as the tree remains free of competition, this calculated crown width is reduced by 40 per cent by the reduction factor "REDFAC", to give the "competitive" crown width. This was because it was found that, in young Douglas fir plantations, there could be considerable overlapping of the crowns before d.b.h. growth was reduced. As soon as competition sets in the original 40 per cent reduction is systematically reduced. The proportion of the circumference of each tree that is occupied by the crowns of surrounding competitors is then calculated. This proportion indicates the amount of competition to which the tree is being subjected and varies between zero, if the tree is open-grown, and one or more, if the tree is completely enclosed by the surrounding competitors. If the reduction is sufficiently great, continued survival of the tree is considered unlikely, and the tree is assumed to have died. The periodic d.b.h. growth of the surviving trees is calculated at five-year intervals to age 100 years. All calculations are performed using am I.B.M. 7090 electronic computer. A summary of the structure of the stand can be printed out at the end of each five-year period if required. Height growth can be described by modifying the stand model by including an appropriate regression equation. Similarly, volume growth can be estimated by modifying the basic stand model. The mathematical model developed here satisfactorily describes the growth of Douglas fir stands on an individual tree basis, over a wide range of site conditions, stand densities, amounts and distributions of mortality and thinning regimes. Field data cannot be secured to evaluate the accuracy of all the tests made. However, there are no gross errors in absolute values and results are accurate proportionately. The model described here can aid the forester in managing Douglas fir stands in the Pacific Northwest. By simulating the growth of his stands from age ten to age 100 years in a few minutes he can study questions that would otherwise require several human generations to evaluate. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / Full text to be digitised and attached to bibliographic record. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Enhancement of vegetative growth in young citrus plantings The establishment of citrus involves high input costs, with break-even usually only attained after six years, making early returns imperative for economic survival. Early production is inseparably associated with good growth of the trees in the non-bearing years. In cool and cold production regions, coupled with a high frequency of wind, the initial tree growth is unsatisfactory. Trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Progibb® (GA3), Promalin'" (G~+7 + BA), Kelpak® (seaweed extract containing auxins and cytokinins) and soil applications of Temik® (aldicarb) as a means to promote vegetative growth. GA3 and/or aldicarb significantly increased tree height, without increasing the stem diameter in comparison to the control trees on 'Eureka' lemon, but not on 'Lisbon' lemon. G~+7 + BA or Kelpak® treatments did not have an effect on tree growth or fresh weight distribution. In conclusion, growth stimulation by GA3 and/or aldicarb could lead to quicker filling of the allotted space, and consequently higher, earlier yields, but further trials are required to verify these results. Insufficient carbohydrate and nitrogen reserves are often implicated in poor establishment performance of nursery trees. The effect of tree size at planting and different topping heights on early growth in the field were evaluated; also the physical and chemical profile of tall nursery whip trees were quantified. Significant correlations were found between the initial stem diameter and final stem diameter and initial tree height and final tree height at the end of the first growing season. Stem diameter increase was significantly reduced in topped trees relative to untopped trees. Roots comprised approximately 22%, and the aboveground portion about 78% of total dry weight. Roots nearly always contained higher concentrations of carbohydrates and nitrogen reserves. However, the aboveground sections, comprising a higher proportion of total dry weight, contained more than two thirds of total carbohydrates and nitrogen reserves. Topping of nursery whip trees at 60 cm aboveground thus would result in a loss of 33 to 37% dry matter, 29 to 33% carbohydrates and 37 to 46% nitrogen. Therefore, planting large, untopped nursery trees enhance initial tree growth in the orchard. The use of well-branched nursery trees for orchard planting can shorten the time to commercial fruit production. Citrus nursery trees do not develop lateral shoots adequately in the nursery or in the field and therefore necessitate various branch induction techniques. Two trials on newly-planted (one or five months after planting) trees were conducted to evaluate various branch induction techniques, viz., girdling, Promalin® (G~+7 + BA) (at 1000 or 2000 mg/I) and/or leaf removal and notching either to individual buds or the whole trees. The first trial, on l-month-old trees did not yield significant results. In the second trial, notching and girdling significantly increased the number and total length of lateral branches, but notching was the most effective technique. As the first trial, on the very young trees, yielded no significant results, it seems that trees have to be well established before they will respond. In young, non-oearing trees a lot of energy is invested in the flowering process, which results in an inhibition of vegetative growth. Gibberellic acid (GA3) and heavy mineral oil (Bac-oil) treatments, either individually or in combination, applied during early winter were evaluated as a means to reduce flowering levels in young nonbearing citrus trees. GA3 and mineral oil either separately or in combination were sprayed from April to July to the whole tree. GA3 and mineral oil either individually or in combination applied late in May to late June markedly reduced flowering. GA3 application in mid April had a minimal effect on flowering levels. Peak responses to GA3 coincided with a significant reduction in bud sprouting. Although optimum application time proved to be around May to July, this time is likely to vary from year to year depending on the influence of the prevailing temperature and other climatic conditions. The winter application of GA3, specifically, and possibly in combination with mineral oil to inhibit flowering and early vegetative growth may be utilised commercially. However, response may vary dramatically from season to season. Effect of time of application and concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxypropionic acid (2,4-DP) and l-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) as potential fruit thinning agents to reduce fruit set soon after flowering and enhance vegetative growth were evaluated over a two year period. 2,4-DP at 150 and 300 mg/I and NAA at 200 and 400 mg/! were sprayed on 2- and 4-year-old 'Mihowase' Satsuma, as well as on 2-year-old 'Marisol', 'Nules' and 'Oroval' Clementine trees at two times (late October and early November). The higher concentration of 2,4-DP and NAA generally did not result in increased fruit abscission in the first year. However, in the case of 2,4-DP the higher concentration resulted in stronger thinning in the second year. 2,4-DP and NAA can be used as potential fruit thinning agents to reduce fruit set on young non-bearing trees. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verbetering van vegetatiewe groeie by jong sitrus-aanplantings Die vestiging van sitrus behels hoë insetkoste en die gelykbreekpunt word gewoonlik eers na ses jaar bereik. Vroë opbrengste is dus noodsaaklik vir ekonomiese oorlewing. In koel en koue produksie-areas, met baie wind, is die aanvanklike boomgroei onvoldoende. Studies is uitgevoer om die effek van blaarbespuitings van Progibb'" (GA3), Promalin® (G~+7 + BA), Kelpak (seewier-ekstrak wat ouksien en sitokiniene bevat) en grondtoedienings van Temik® (aldicarb), as metodes om vegetatiewe groei te verbeter te evalueer. GA3 en/of aldicarb het boornhoogte betekenisvol laat toeneem, sonder om stamdeursnit te bevoordeel op 'Eureka' suurlemoen, maar nie op 'Lisbon' suurlemoen nie. G~+7 + BA of Kelpak'" behandelings het geen effek op boomgroei of varsmassa-verspreiding gehad nie. Groeistimulasie deur GA3 en/of Aldicarb kan lei tot vinniger vul van spasie, en hoër en vroeër oeste, maar verdere studies is nodig om die resultate te bevestig. Onvoldoende koolhidraat- en stikstofreserwes word dikwels gekoppel aan swak vestigingsprestasie van kwekerybome. Die effek van boomgrootte by planttyd en verskillende tophoogtes op vroeë groei in die veld is geëvalueer; die fisiese en chemiese profiel van lang ongetopte kwekerybome is ook gekwantifiseer. Betekenisvolle korrelasies is gevind tussen die aanvanklike stamdeursnit en en finale stamdeursnit en tussen aanvanklike boomhoogte en finale boomhoogte aan die einde van die eerste groeiseisoen. Stamdeursnit-toenarne is betekenisvol verminder in getopte bome relatief tot ongetopte bome. Wortels het uit ongeveer 22% en die bogrondse porsie ongeveer 78% van die totale droë massa bestaan. Wortels het bykans altyd hoër konsentrasies koolhidrate- en stikstofreserwes bevat. Die bogrondse gedeeltes, wat ook 'n hoër proporsie van die totale droë massa bevat, het meer as twee derdes van die totale koolhidraat en stikstofreserwes. Die top van kwekerybome op 60 cm bo die grond sal lei tot 'n verlies van 33 tot 37% droë massa, 29 tot 33% koolhidrate en 37 tot 46% stikstof. Dus, die plant van groot, ongetopte kwekerybome sal die aanvanklike boomgroei in die boord verbeter. Die gebruik van goedvertakte kwekerybome by planttyd kan die tyd tot komrnersieële vrugteproduksie verkort. Sitrus-kwekerybome gee nie voldoende laterale vertakking in die kwekery of in die boord nie. Twee studies op pas-aangeplante bome (een en vyf maande na plant) is uitgevoer om verskillende tegnieke om laterale lootgroei te stimuleer te evalueer, nl. Promalin® (G~+7 + BA) (teen 1000 of 2000 mg/I) en/of blaarverwydering, en die maak van kerfies op individuele knoppe of op bome as geheel. In die eerste studie, op die een-maand-oue bome, is geen betekenisvolle resultate verkry nie. In die tweede studie het kerfies en ringelering die hoeveelheid en lengte van laterale takke betekenisvol vermeerder, maar kerfies was meer effektief. Die bome moet egter blykbaar goed gevestig wees voor dit reageer. In jong, nie-draende bome word baie energie gebruik in die blomproses en dit lei tot die inhibisie van vegetatiewe groei. Gibberelliensuur (GA3 ) en 'n swaar mineralolie (Bac-oil) wat individueel of in kombinasie toegedien is tydens die vroeë winter is geëvalueer as 'n tegniek om blomvlakke in jong nie-draende sitrusbome te verminder. GA3 en minerale olie individueel of in kombinasie, is gespuit vanaf April tot Julie op die bome as geheel. GA3 en minerale olie toegedien individueel of in kombinasie laat in Mei tot Junie het blomvlakke verminder. GA3 toegedien in middel April het 'n minimale effek gehad. Die beste reaksie op GA3 het saamgeval met 'n betekenisvolle vermindering in die bot van knoppe. Alhoewel die optimum tyd van toediening rondom Mei tot Julie is, mag hierdie tyd wissel van jaar tot jaar afhangende van die effek van heersende temperature en ander klimaatstoestande. Die wintertoediening van GA3, spesifiek en moontlik in kombinase met minerale olie om blomvlakke en vroeë vegetatiewe groei te verminder kan kommersieel gebruik word. Die reaksie op hierdie behandelings mag egter drasties wissel van seisoen tot seisoen. Die effek van die tyd van toediening en konsentrasie van 2,4- dichlorofenoksipropioonsuur (2,4-DP) en 1-naftaleenasynsuur (NAA) as potensiële vruguitdunagente om vrugset kort na blom totaal te verminder en om vegetatiewe groei te verbeter, is geëvalueer oor 'n twee-jaarperiode. 2,4-DP teen 150 en 300 mg/l en NAA teen 200 en 400 mg/l is gespuit op 2- en 4-jaaroue 'Mihowase' Satsuma, en ook op 2-jaaroue 'Marisoi', 'Nules' en 'Oroval' Clementines op twee tye (laat Oktober en vroeg November). Die hoër konsentrasies van 2,4-DP en NAA het oor die algemeen nie gelei tot 'n verhoging in vrugafsnoering in die eeste jaar nie. Met 2,4- DP het die hoër konsentrasie gelei tot strawwer uitdunning in die tweede jaar. 2,4-DP en NAA kan as potensiële vruguitdunagente op jong, nie-draende bome gebruik word.

Wong, Man Wing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 173-188). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.xi / List of Figures --- p.xiii / List of Plates --- p.xv / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Definition of Rare earth elements --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Discovery of REEs --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Physical and chemical properties of REEs --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Abundance of REEs on earth --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Bastnasite --- p.11 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Monazite --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Xenotime --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5 --- Reserves and resources --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- World reserves --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- REE resources in China --- p.18 / Chapter 1.6 --- Production and demand of REEs --- p.20 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Production and demand in US --- p.21 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Production and export in China --- p.23 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- Production in other countries --- p.24 / Chapter 1.7 --- Separation of REEs --- p.24 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- Classical methods --- p.24 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- Modern methods --- p.25 / Chapter 1.7.2.1 --- Ion exchange separation --- p.25 / Chapter 1.7.2.2 --- Solvent extraction --- p.25 / Chapter 1.8 --- Applications --- p.26 / Chapter 1.8.1 --- Alloys --- p.26 / Chapter 1.8.2 --- Permanent magnets --- p.28 / Chapter 1.8.3 --- Catalysts --- p.29 / Chapter 1.8.4 --- Glass additives --- p.30 / Chapter 1.8.5 --- Phosphors in television screens and similar fluorescent surfaces --- p.31 / Chapter 1.8.6 --- Fertilizers and feed additives --- p.32 / Chapter 1.9 --- REEs in the environment --- p.33 / Chapter 1.9.1 --- REEs in soil --- p.33 / Chapter 1.9.2 --- REEs in plants --- p.35 / Chapter 1.10 --- Overview of toxicological studies of REEs --- p.36 / Chapter 1.11 --- Current study --- p.38 / Chapter 1.11.1 --- Thesis outline --- p.3 8 / Chapter 1.11.2 --- Objectives --- p.38 / Chapter 1.11.3 --- Significance --- p.39 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Phytotoxicity of rare earth elements / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.41 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Ecotoxicity of REEs --- p.41 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Toxicity tests using higher plants --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Advantages of seed germination and root elongation test --- p.44 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Selection of species --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Endpoint of test --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- Median effect estimates --- p.50 / Chapter 2.1.7 --- Objective --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Test species --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Test chemicals --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Range finding test --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Definitive test --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Statistical analyses --- p.52 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.53 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Range finding test --- p.53 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Definitive test --- p.53 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- Germination rate --- p.53 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- Root length --- p.55 / Chapter 2.3.2.3 --- Germination index --- p.58 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- The median effective concentration --- p.61 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.62 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Dose-response curves of REEs --- p.62 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Relative toxicity of the four REEs --- p.63 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Mechanism of effect of REEs on seed growth --- p.67 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Comparison between different endpoints --- p.68 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Comparison between different species --- p.70 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- Limitations and improvement --- p.71 / Chapter 2.4.7 --- Methods of measuring root length --- p.72 / Chapter 2.5 --- Conclusions --- p.73 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Growth of tree seedlings in soil treated with rare earth elements / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.75 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.77 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Soil --- p.77 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Tree seedlings --- p.77 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- REEs --- p.78 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Greenhouse experiment --- p.78 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Soil analysis --- p.80 / Chapter 3.2.5.1 --- Initial properties --- p.80 / Chapter 3.2.5.2 --- Post harvest analysis --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Plant analysis --- p.83 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.83 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.84 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Growth --- p.84 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- Height --- p.84 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Basal diameter --- p.87 / Chapter 3.3.1.3 --- Biomass --- p.89 / Chapter 3.3.1.4 --- Standing leaf number --- p.92 / Chapter 3.3.1.5 --- Chlorophyll fluorescence --- p.95 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Tissue contents --- p.97 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- REEs concentrations --- p.97 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Nitrogen concentrations --- p.99 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- Phosphorus concentration --- p.101 / Chapter 3.3.2.4 --- Mineral concentrations --- p.102 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Soil --- p.104 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- Initial properties --- p.104 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- REEs concentrations --- p.106 / Chapter 3.3.3.3 --- Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations --- p.107 / Chapter 3.3.3.4 --- Mineral concentrations --- p.109 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.110 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Effects of REEs on growth --- p.110 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Mechanisms of the effect of REEs --- p.112 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Nutrient uptake --- p.114 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Soil nutrient contents --- p.116 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Comparison between REEs --- p.118 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- Comparison between species --- p.121 / Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusions --- p.123 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Bioavailability and accumulation of rare earth elements / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.124 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.126 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Soil --- p.126 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Tree seedlings --- p.126 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Pot experiment --- p.127 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Chemical speciation of soil --- p.129 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.130 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.130 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Plant performance --- p.130 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Tissue contents of La --- p.144 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Soil --- p.144 / Chapter 4.3.3.1 --- Soil final pH --- p.146 / Chapter 4.3.3.2 --- Soil La contents --- p.146 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- "Association between pH, organic matter and La contents in soil and plant" --- p.149 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.151 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Growth performance of tree seedling on different soil conditions --- p.151 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Comparison between growth parameters --- p.152 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Speciation in soils --- p.154 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Bioavailability of REEs in soil --- p.155 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Factors affecting bioavailability of REEs --- p.158 / Chapter 4.4.6 --- Distribution of REEs in plants --- p.162 / Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusions --- p.165 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- General conclusions --- p.167 / Chapter 5.1 --- Summary of major findings --- p.167 / Chapter 5.2 --- Suggestions for further investigation --- p.171 / References --- p.173

No description available.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The understanding of pear branching and bearing habits is required to optimise management practices. The objective of this study was to quantify the branching and bearing habits of pear cultivars under South African conditions of sub-optimal winter chilling. Two-year-old branches of Pyrus communis L. were classified into groups according to the proleptic (from dormant buds) branching habit. In Winter 1998 upright and flat, two-year-old branches were randomly sampled from trees of seven pear cultivars, i.e., Forelle (on Quince A and BPI rootstocks), Abaté Fetel, Flamingo, Packham's Triumph, Golden Russet Bose, Rosemarie and Beurre D'Anjou (all on BPI rootstock). Laterals were classified according to length « lem, 1-5cm, 5-20cm and >20 cm) and position (distal to proximal quadrants on the two-year-old axis). The number of shoots per cm of quadrant length, per length class for each cultivar was subjected to a cluster analysis, then a canonical and a stepwise discriminant analysis. The cultivars were grouped into four groups from Group 1 (Flamingo) which resembles a spurred growth habit with strong apical control, to Group 4 (Packham's Triumph and Golden Russet Bose) which resembles a spreading growth habit and weak apical control. The bearing habits of the same pear cultivars were quantified. In Winter 1998 ten unpruned branches were tagged on trees of each of the seven cultivars. The description started with the development of the main fruiting branch, forming several leaves in the first year of growth (designated year Y), with meristems developing in the leafaxils. In the following season (year Y+1), these axillary meristems have five alternatives: to remain as a latent bud (L), to develop as a vegetative bud (V), to become a flower bud not setting fruit (F), to become a flower bud producing a fruit (P) or to abort and leave a scar (S). Each year the development of these axillary buds were observed and classified anew, giving rise to a sequence. Between 50% ('Forelle/QA') and 75% ('Rosemarie') of buds remained in the growing phase (comprising of V, F or P buds) during the years of monitoring. It was shown that the predominant bud state in the growing phase was V. Although flower formation was low for all cultivars throughout the trial period, 'Packham's Triumph' and 'Rosemarie' displayed a relatively high proportion ofF and P buds in year Y+1. The latter two cultivars also displayed the bourse-over-bourse bearing phenomenon (PP), producing flowers and fruit terminally on bourse shoots. Artificial extinction of reproductive buds was applied in Winter 1999 to individual branches of the pear cultivar Doyenne du Cornice. This pear variety bears on spurs and is prone to biennial bearing. The objective was to reduce the number of growing buds, thereby increasing the allocation of assimilates to remaining reproductive structures. Three thinning intensities, i.e. 0%, 33% and 66% removal of reproductive buds and two methods, i.e. removal of proximal reproductive buds and removal of reproductive buds situated distally on spurs (by means of cutting back) were utilised. Autonomy of fruiting structures was not enhanced, but results warrant the repetition of this trial using whole trees as experimental units. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dit is belangrik om die vertakkings- en drawyses van pere te verstaan, aangesien bestuurspraktyke hierdeur bepaal word. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die vertakkings- en drawyses van pere onder Suid-Afrikaanse toestande van sub-optimale winterkoue te kwantifiseer. Tweejaar-oue Pyrus communis L. takke is volgens hul proleptiese (vanuit dormante knoppe) vertakkingswyse in groepe geklassifiseer. Regop en plat takke van die peerkultivars Forelle (op Kweper A and BPI onderstamme), Abaté Fetel, Flamingo, Packham's Triumph, Golden Russet Bose, Rosemarie en Beurre D'Anjou (almalop BPI onderstam) is in die winter van 1998 gemonster. Jaarlote is volgens lengte « l cm, 1-5cm, 5-20cm and >20 cm) en posisie (distale tot proksimale kwadrante op die tweejaar-oue draer) geklassifiseer. Die getal lote per cm, per lengte klas per kwadrant vir elke kultivar is toe onderwerp aan 'n groep analise en daarna aan 'n kanoniese en 'n stapsgewyse diskriminant analise. Kultivars is in vier groepe gegroepeer vanaf Groep 1 (Flamingo) wat 'n spooragtige vertakkingswyse en sterk apikale kontrole toon, tot Groep 4 (Packham's Triumph en Golden Russet Bose) met 'n spreidende vertakkingswyse en swak apikale kontrole. Bogenoemde peerkultivars is ook gebruik vir die kwantifisering van drawyses. In die winter van 1998 is tien ongesnoeide takke per boom gemerk. Die beskrywing van die drawyses het begin met die ontwikkeling van die hoof tak van die dra-eenheid. In die eerste jaar van groei (genoem jaar Y) ontwikkel meristeme in die blaar oksels. In die daaropvolgende seisoen (jaar Y+1) is daar vyf ontwikkelings moontlikhede vir die oksellêre knoppe: om latent te bly (L), om vegetatief te ontwikkel (V), om te blom sonder die set van 'n vrug (F), om te blom en 'n vrug te set (P) of om te aborteer en 'n letsel te los (S). Die ontwikkeling van hierdie oksellêre knoppe is elke jaar gemonitor en opnuut geklassifiseer om sodoende 'n reeks te vorm. Gedurende die moniteringstydperk het tussen 50% ('ForelleIKweper A') en 75% ('Rosemarie') van die knoppe in die groeifase (G) (bevattende V, F ofP knoppe) gebly. Die proporsie knop tipes per jaar vir die onderskeie kultivars het getoon dat die oorheersende knop tipe in die G-fase V-knoppe is. Alhoewel blom inisiasie laag was gedurende die hele proeftydperk, het 'Packham's Triumph' en 'Rosemarie' relatiefhoë verhoudings F en P knoppe in jaar Y+1 getoon, wat gepaard gaan met dié kultivars se vermoë om vrugte op een jaar-oue lote te dra. Die beurs-oor-beurs verskynsel (PP) het ook by dié twee kultivars voorgekom. Reproduktiewe knoppe van die peerkultivar Doyenne du Comice is in die winter van 1999 verwyder (kunsmatige abortering) vanaf indivuduele takke. Hierdie peerkultivar dra op spore en is geneig tot alternatiewe drag. Die doel was om die hoeveelheid groeiposisies te verminder en sodoende die allokasie van reserwe assimilate na oorblywende reproduktiewe strukture te verhoog. Drie uitdun intensiteite (0%,33% en 66% van reproduktiewe knoppe verwyder) en twee metodes (verwydering van proksimale spoorknoppe en verwydering van distale spoorknoppe) is gebruik. Outonomiteit van reproduktiewe strukture was nie verhoog nie, maar resultate regverdig die herhaling van dié eksperiment. Daar word aanbeveel dat volledige bome dan as eksperimentele eenhede gebruik word.

This thesis reports results of a study of relationships between photosynthetic activity and developmental parameters, and cambial activity (wood formation rate), during and following the period of active wood formation in untreated white spruce seedlings, and in seedlings stressed either by extensive stem incisions, or by tilting. The approach involved the use of two non-destructive methods for measuring photosynthetic activity: chlorophyll a fluorescence using optical instrumentation, and CO₂ uptake using infrared gas exchange techniques. Photosynthetic development was examined by estimating chlorophyll a content from a specific fluorescence parameter (O-level), and by the relative occurence of specific chloroplast stroma and membrane (thylakoid) proteins using electrophoretic and immunoblotting techniques. Cambial activity was determined using digitized image analysis of prepared cross-sections of seedling stems. Several fluorescence parameters were strongly correlated to cambial activity in untreated seedlings during the period of active wood formation (in mid-summer). However, the correlations were severely diminished or non-existent when cambial activity was arrested (in late-summer and autumn). Correlations between fluorescence and cambial activity in stressed seedlings were not discernible at any time, suggesting that the induced stresses resulted in a substantial alteration in normal source:sink relationships. Carbon dioxide uptake measures, either uncorrected or corrected to estimated chlorophyll α content, were not measurably correlated to cambial activity in untreated or stressed seedlings at any time in this system. Chlorophyll α content estimated from O-level fluoresecence, was not related to cambial activity in untreated or stressed seedlings. The relative occurences of two enzymes and proteins associated with photosynthetic carbon fixation, i.e. ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) and Coupling Factor, did not appear to be influenced by applied wounding and geotropic stresses. In contrast to the strong correlations found between fluorescence parameters and current season stem vigour, pre-season seedling height and cross-sectional stem areas were not related to stem vigour. These results suggest that in unstressed white spruce seedlings, the measure of specific chlorophyll α fluorescence parameters, using the methods delineated in this study, offers an alternative and more strongly predictive means of assessing current stem vigour, than measures of seedling dimensions. The results of this study provide strong evidence for, and a degree of elucidation on, the anticipated but previously unestablished existence of a source:sink relationship between leaves and vascular cambium in conifer seedlings. This information should provide an initial foundation for the elucidation of non-invasive methodologies by which to assess stem vigour of white spruce seedlings, and to probe source:sink relationships in other conifer species. / Science, Faculty of / Botany, Department of / Graduate

An interlocking group of studies was carried out to address the concept of the free-to-grow seedling. This term is an attempt to define plantation establishment in a manner cognizant of early hazards from brush competition and other stresses. The studies were carried out on one- to five-year old Douglas-fir plantations on moist, rich sites in coastal British Columbia. Data were generated from field measurements and harvest sampling of the planted trees and their associated competing vegetation. On these productive sites, tree growth appears sensitive to interference from neighbouring brush species. An index implying competitive shading was derived and proved a useful measure of stress on the planted trees, particularly when measured as a relative production rate. Growth losses varied with the light environment at specific crown positions. Therefore, height growth was not affected by competition until the terminal leader was shaded. This allows height growth to remain independent of competition level until the tree is overtopped on these sites. The trees studied showed great ability to acclimate and survive relatively heavy shading by competing vegetation. After competition release treatment, trees were generally able to re-acclimate the current seasons growth to the increased light intensity. Growth following competition release was significantly improved by a chemical brush control treatment, while mechanical brushing resulted in little net change in competition levels after one year. The growth on these trees in the year following release from competition was also best measured as a relative production rate. The vegetation on untreated areas followed a strong successional trend during the period studied. The trend was a function of differences in height growth patterns between species modified by leaf area index. In general, woody species tend to succeed geophytes and microphanerophytes on these sites. A proposed free-to-grow definition in biological terms states that a tree must be free from competitive shading on the terminal leader and increasing in height relative to the competing vegetation. The free-to-grow status can be assessed by on a threshold value of the competition index and a predictive model for the comparative height increment of the tree and its competitors. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate

Tree-rings were analyzed to assess the relative importance of slope position and aspect as determinants of the climate-sensitivity of sugar maple and white oak radial growth. Tree size, crown condition, forest and soil composition, and site indices were assessed to document environmental differences between site-types and to verify similarity of stands within the same site-type. Climate-sensitivity was assessed using mean between-tree correlation, principal components analysis, mean sensitivity, regression analysis, and analysis of radial growth decline after severe drought. Ecological differences were found between high and low sites on north and south facing aspects. Sugar maple did not exhibit greater climate-sensitivity than white oak. Both species showed greater climate-sensitivity on upper and south-facing slopes. / Department of Biology

Stem profile models which allow for both taper and form changes (Gray 1956) were constructed and evaluated. Gray defined form to be the basic shape of the tree, e.g. cone or parabolid, and taper to be the rate of narrowing in diameter given a tree form. Ormerod's stem profile model was selected as the basic model since its parameters were readily interpretable in terms of Gray's taper and form definitions. Two stage modeling procedures were used to relate individual tree taper and form parameters to tree and stand characteristics. Two second-stage parameter estimation alternatives were evaluated. Parameter estimates for both techniques, ordinary least squares and random function analysis, were similar. Characteristics used to predict stem form were total tree height, crown ratio, height to the live crown, site index, and tree age. The taper parameter was related to diameter at breast height, crown ratio and site index. Error evaluations suggest that substantial gains in predicting stem diameters were not made using the variable taper and form stem profile models. Two methods were proposed for modeling whole stem inside-bark diameter or cross-sectional area increment. Whole stem increment models were derived from several stem profile models and Presseler's hypothesis on the vertical distribution of cross-sectional area growth. Stem profile models evaluated for constructing compatible increment models were Kozak and others (1969), Ormerod (1973), Goulding and Murray (1976), Max and Burkhart (1976), Cao and others (1980), and Amidon (1984). The increment model based on Presseler's hypothesis was derived as a generalization of the work of Mitchell (1975). Evaluations, with limited increment data, consistently showed that the models based on Presseler's hypothesis predict inside-bark diameter increment with less error than do the profile model compatible increment models. This may be due to the lack of crown information currently used in stem profile models. / Ph. D.