Two of the most pressing questions involving ancient bristlecone pines are how microsite factors lead to differences in tree responses to climate at high-elevation sites, and how global change has impacted growing season events. Disparities in climate response at treeline and subalpine locations have been associated with local environmental characteristics while the increasing growth trend found at treeline has been linked to warming. In this study, environmental conditions were considered in order to identify microsite differences between trees growing at two different elevations on four aspects of a conical-shaped mountain in the White Mountains, California. Dendrochronological, environmental, correlational, and spectral methods were employed to explore differences in ring-width chronologies. Albedo, soil thickness, and percent slope led to ring-width variability. Northwestern upper site was most highly correlated with precipitation, while the Southeastern lower site showed a strong negative correlation with temperature. This work indicates that selection of climate-sensitive trees a priori necessitates the consideration of local environmental factors, and these microsite differences resulted in different climate responses between nearby trees. By monitoring growing season events at the historic phenology site from the 1962-64 (Fritts 1969), natural variations and responses to climate change can be identified. Morphological and physiological phenophases, dendrometer traces, and environmental data were collected throughout the summers of 2007 and 2008. Duration and timing of cambial activity (tracheid lifespan) in the present study were similar to those recorded in the Fritts (1969) investigation, while pollination onset and bud opening occurred earlier in this study. No change was found in duration and timing of cambial activity suggesting that changes in cambial phenology are not an explanation for the increasing growth trend found at upper forest borders. On the other hand, changes in bud opening and pollination onset may be related to recent warming. To monitor diurnal and seasonal stem variability as part of phenologic studies on several trees, a point potentiometer dendrometer was designed. The newly designed point potentiometer dendrometer was tested in multiple environments and found to be versatile, cost-effective, and portable, working well in semi-arid and arid environments.

Considerable research has occurred in recent years to build Agathis australis (D. Don) Lindley (kauri) tree-ring chronologies for paleoclimate applications and to identify statistical relationships between kauri tree rings and climate. This paper reports on a multi-year study of the seasonal growth of kauri, designed to assist in the interpretation of identified statistical relationships, and to determine if kauri’s seasonal growth characteristics are dependent on tree size. To achieve this, 43 kauri (0.09-2.00 m diameter) at Huapai Scientific Reserve were fitted with vernier bands to measure circumference change over 3-4 growing seasons. Absolute (mm) and relative (proportion of total ring) monthly growth rates were calculated for each tree and statistics characterizing the timing of growth were calculated (e.g. date corresponding to 50% of growth). Tree size-related differences were assessed by splitting the data into three subsets based on size, then comparing the monthly growth rates and growth timing statistics for the subsets. The growth timing statistics were also correlated with tree diameter. A key finding is the strong dominance of spring growth, with October and November alone accounting for 38-50% of the total ring width. This result is consistent across age cohorts, although the largest trees tended to peak in November, rather than October. This indicates that kauri tree rings are likely to have value in terms of reconstructing spring conditions; consistent with reported statistical relationships between kauri tree rings and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon. High inter-tree variance in growth rates characterized the results, but little of this variance was accounted for by tree size. Although relationships between tree size and growth characteristics were generally weak and inconsistent, they are considered sufficient to warrant a precautionary approach in the development of tree-ring chronologies for climate reconstruction purposes.

A method is set forth which makes use of a commercially available, non-metric, solid-state matrix camera to capture spatial and spectral data from an individual tree bole that can be used to measure characteristics about the stem. In this study diameters and heights were measured and used to estimate the volume of 20 red oak (Quercus spp.) stems ranging in diameter at breast height from 16 to over 60 cm and height from 12 to 20 meters. Images were taken from four orthogonal directions around the each stem. Diameter estimates from matching camera to stem distances (3 to 15 meters) of opposite sides were arithmetically averaged. Two arithmetic averages from perpendicular directions were then geometrically averaged. It was found that locating the camera farther from the tree led to more consistent results over the entire stem while locating it closer to the tree provided the most precise estimates provided the inclination angle did not exceed 45 degrees. This method resulted in geometric mean diameter estimates within ± 4 cm for all heights combined when obtained at a distance of 12 m or greater using a 95 % chi-square maximum anticipated error statistic. Error increases with increased stem height from ± 3 cm to ± 7 cm for heights from 1 to 20 meters. In general, the error is equivalent to 3 times the instrument precision, which varies with distance. Two-thirds of the time volume estimates were within 8 percent, which is quite an improvement over the 30 percent interval afforded by an appropriate volume equation. / Master of Science

Uma dificuldade para o manejo adequado da irrigação em espécies de plantas perenes, como por exemplo num pomar, é determinar o momento e a quantidade de água que deverá ser aplicada. Há vários métodos tradicionais de medida de consumo diário de água, assim como indicadores do déficit hídrico, mas cada um apresenta seu grau de dificuldade de uso no campo que levam, às vezes, à aproximações pouco exatas. Diante destes problemas e levando em consideração a importância dos citros na economia nacional, o presente trabalho teve dois objetivos principais: a) avaliar dois métodos de determinação de fluxo de seiva para a estimação da taxa de transpiração diária de plantas de lima ácida 'Tahiti' e, b) avaliar o uso da contração radial do ramo ou caule (utilizando um dendrômetro de precisão) e da transpiração relativa da planta (estimada a partir do fluxo de seiva), como indicadores vegetais diretos de deficiência hídrica. Para atingir estes objetivos, foram instalados experimentos em dois pomares, um de plantas jovens e outro de plantas adultas, de lima ácida 'Tahiti'. Os métodos de determinação da transpiração (fluxo de seiva) foram o de balanço de calor (BC) e o da sonda de dissipação térmica (SDT). A comparação entre os dois métodos em um ramo de uma planta adulta, e a comparação do SDT com medidas lisimétricas em plantas jovens, demonstrou o bom desempenho de ambos e sua possibilidade de uso na quantificação da transpiração em citros, principalmente como subsídio à irrigação localizada. No BC há necessidade de precauções para minimizar erros devidos à variações espúrias que os valores de fluxo de seiva sofrem ao longo do período matinal ou de superestimativas no período noturno. No caso da SDT, uma fonte de erro que causa subestimativa é a ocorrência de gradiente térmico natural no caule/ramos nas regiões de medida da sonda, com necessidade de corrigir o erro para medidas mais acuradas. A SDT mostra-se uma técnica confiável e de vantagens em relação ao BC, pela menor complexidade e custo. As variáveis dendrométricas do caule/ramos, recomendadas na bibliografia como indicadoras de estresse hídrico (variação da amplitude diária de contração, da diferença em dias subsequentes do diâmetro máximo e do diâmetro mínimo), mostraram-se problemáticas, pela complexa relação que apresentam com a disponibilidade hídrica no solo, demanda evaporativa do ar e tamanho do caule. A análise da evolução do diâmetro máximo diário e, também, do diâmetro médio mostrou potencialidade de uso como técnica indicadora de estresse hídrico. No entanto, recomenda-se estudos mais aprofundados que considerem regimes hídricos do solo diferenciados e com imposição de secagem mais acentuada, além de se levar em conta características próprias de resposta de espécies cítricas à disponibilidade hídrica do solo e à demanda atmosférica. A transpiração relativa, expressa pela relação entre a transpiração atual e a transpiração máxima (calculada por unidade de área foliar), guardou relação com a variação da disponibilidade hídrica do solo, mas comparada à análise da evolução do diâmetro máximo do caule, mostrou-se menos estável. / A difficulty for the appropriate handling of irrigation of perennial plants like orchards is to determine the moment when and the amount of water that should be applied. There are several traditional methods to determine water nsumption, as well as indicators of water stress.However, they all have difficulties when used in the field because their approaches are not very accurate. Taking into consideration these problems and the importance of citrus in the economy of the state of São Paulo, the present work had two main objectives: a) to evaluate two methods for the estimation of sap flow in the determination of the daily rate of transpiration of plants of 'Tahiti' lime and b) to evaluate the use of the variation of the stem/branches diameter (by using a precision dendrometer) and the relative transpiration (estimated starting from the sap flow) as direct plant indicators of water stress. To reach these objectives, experiments were set up in two orchards of 'Tahiti' lime, one of young plants and another of adult plants. The methods for the determination of the transpiration (sap flow) were: the heat balance method (HBM) and the heat dissipation probe method (HDPM). The comparison between the two methods in a branch of an adult plant and the comparison of HDPM with lisimeter measurements in young plants demonstrated the accuracy of both methods for the quantification of the transpiration in citrus, mainly as a tool for located irrigation. With HBM, precautions should be taken to minimize errors due to spurious variations of sap flow values along the morning or overestimation of the values during night. With HDPM, the occurrence of a natural thermal gradient in the branch or stem is an error source that causes underestimation and that should be taken into account for accurate estimations. HDPM has shown to be a reliable technique with advantages over HBM for its less complexes and lower cost. The use of dendrometric variables of the stem (the variation of the daily contraction, the maximum diameter and the minimum diameter), in the literature recommended as indicative of water stress, is problematic because of the complex relationship that they have with the soil water status, the atmospheric water demand and the size of the stem. The analysis of the evolution of the daily maximum diameter and also, of the mean diameter are potential indicative techniques of plant water stress. However, more profound studies under different soil moisture regimes, with imposition of severe drying of the soil, that also take into account specific response characteristics of citrus species to the soil water status and the atmospheric water demand are needed. The relative transpiration (RT), expressed by the relationship between the current transpiration and the maximum transpiration (calculated by unit of leaf area), was related to the soil water status variation. However, its relation with the analysis of the evolution of the maximum diameter of the stem was less stable.

As plantações comerciais de Eucalyptus no Brasil destacam-se mundialmente, pela produtividade alcançada no manejo de curta rotação. Os elevados índices obtidos são o reflexo da adaptabilidade às condições edafoclimáticas, do melhoramento genético e de práticas silviculturais adotadas. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento dessas plantações sofre influência de agentes bióticos e abióticos, sendo os de maior limitação nos trópicos a disponibilidade hídrica e a fertilidade do solo. O objetivo com esta dissertação foi, portanto, avaliar o efeito da fertilização completa com NPK e de omissões isoladas de cada nutriente, no crescimento de povoamentos clonais (entre 48 e 60 meses de idade) e, respostas as variações climáticas no ritmo de incremento do tronco e no índice de área foliar (IAF). Este estudo foi conduzido em 4 sítios florestais, localizados nos Estados de São Paulo e Mato Grosso do Sul, diferindo quanto ao material genético (híbridos E. grandis x urophylla e E. urophylla x globulus), tipos climáticos (Cwa e Aw) e classes de solo (Latossolo Vermelho, Latossolo Vermelho-amarelo e Neossolo quartzarênico). O delineamento experimental consistiu de cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Faixas dendrométricas permanentes foram utilizadas para monitorar o incremento do tronco das árvores, a cada 15 dias, ao longo de 12 meses. De cada tratamento, 15 árvores foram selecionadas, de acordo com a circunferência a altura do peito e desvios. O IAF foi estimado pelo método indireto de fotografias hemisféricas, mensalmente, por meio de 16 imagens do dossel de cada tratamento. Nos sítios, a produtividade de madeira variou entre 52 e 22 m³ha-1 ano-1, sendo limitante as omissões isoladas de N e de K. Condições atípicas do clima de 2014 afetaram significativamente o crescimento dos povoamentos, principalmente em São Paulo, no qual a redução da precipitação pluvial anual variou entre 35 e 74% (em relação a normal climatológica - 2008/20014). O incremento médio acumulado em área da secção transversal do tronco (ASTt) variou de 8,6 cm² a 13,4 cm². As oscilações entre máximo e mínimo incremento da ASTt, diferiram entre o grau de estresse e heterogeneidade dos povoamentos (maiores e menores árvores), o que pode ser explicado em até 73% pelas variáveis precipitação pluvial, amplitude térmica e temperatura média. Os tratamentos mais afetados pelo clima foram os de fertilização completa e omissão de K. Não houve diferença do IAF entre tratamentos, apenas em relação a sazonalidade climática. / Commercial plantations of Eucalyptus in Brazil stand out worldwide, for the high productivity in the managements of short rotation. The high indexes obtained are the reflection of adaptability to the edaphoclimatic conditions, the genetic improvement and the silvicultural practices adopted. However, the development of these plantations is influenced by biotic and abiotic agents, which in the tropics the most limiting factors are water availability and soil fertility. The objective of this dissertation was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of complete NPK fertilizationand the isolated omissions of each nutrient on the growth of clonal stands (between 48 and 60 months of age) and, responses to climatic variations in the dynamic of increment of the trunk and leaf area index (LAI). This study was conducted in four forest sites, located in the states of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, differing in genetic material (hybrids E. grandis x urophylla and E. urophylla x globulus), climatic types (Cwa and Aw) and soil classes (Quartzipsammen, Rhodic Hapludox, Typic Hapludox). The experimental design consisted of five treatments and four replicates. Permanent dendrometric bands were used to monitor the increment of the tree\'s stems, measuring it each 15 days, for 12 months. From each treatment, 15 trees were selected, according to the circumference of the mean chest height and deviations. The LAI was estimated by the indirect method of hemispheric photographs, monthly, using 16 images of the canopy of each treatment. At the sites, wood productivity varied between 52 and 22 m³ ha-1 year-1, being limiting the isolated omissions of N and K. Atypical conditions of the climate of 2014 significantly affected the growth of the stands, mainly in São Paulo, in which the annual rainfall reduction varied between 35 and 74% (in relation to the normal climate - 2008/2014). The mean cumulative increase in trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) ranged from 8,6 cm² to 13,4 cm². The variations between maximum and minimum increment of TCSA differed between the degree of stress and heterogeneity of stands (larger and smaller trees), which can be explained in up to 73% by the variables rainfall, thermal amplitude and average temperature. The treatments most affected by the climate were those of complete fertilization and omission of K. There was no difference in LAI between treatments, only in relation to climatic seasonality.

Uma dificuldade para o manejo adequado da irrigação em espécies de plantas perenes, como por exemplo num pomar, é determinar o momento e a quantidade de água que deverá ser aplicada. Há vários métodos tradicionais de medida de consumo diário de água, assim como indicadores do déficit hídrico, mas cada um apresenta seu grau de dificuldade de uso no campo que levam, às vezes, à aproximações pouco exatas. Diante destes problemas e levando em consideração a importância dos citros na economia nacional, o presente trabalho teve dois objetivos principais: a) avaliar dois métodos de determinação de fluxo de seiva para a estimação da taxa de transpiração diária de plantas de lima ácida 'Tahiti' e, b) avaliar o uso da contração radial do ramo ou caule (utilizando um dendrômetro de precisão) e da transpiração relativa da planta (estimada a partir do fluxo de seiva), como indicadores vegetais diretos de deficiência hídrica. Para atingir estes objetivos, foram instalados experimentos em dois pomares, um de plantas jovens e outro de plantas adultas, de lima ácida 'Tahiti'. Os métodos de determinação da transpiração (fluxo de seiva) foram o de balanço de calor (BC) e o da sonda de dissipação térmica (SDT). A comparação entre os dois métodos em um ramo de uma planta adulta, e a comparação do SDT com medidas lisimétricas em plantas jovens, demonstrou o bom desempenho de ambos e sua possibilidade de uso na quantificação da transpiração em citros, principalmente como subsídio à irrigação localizada. No BC há necessidade de precauções para minimizar erros devidos à variações espúrias que os valores de fluxo de seiva sofrem ao longo do período matinal ou de superestimativas no período noturno. No caso da SDT, uma fonte de erro que causa subestimativa é a ocorrência de gradiente térmico natural no caule/ramos nas regiões de medida da sonda, com necessidade de corrigir o erro para medidas mais acuradas. A SDT mostra-se uma técnica confiável e de vantagens em relação ao BC, pela menor complexidade e custo. As variáveis dendrométricas do caule/ramos, recomendadas na bibliografia como indicadoras de estresse hídrico (variação da amplitude diária de contração, da diferença em dias subsequentes do diâmetro máximo e do diâmetro mínimo), mostraram-se problemáticas, pela complexa relação que apresentam com a disponibilidade hídrica no solo, demanda evaporativa do ar e tamanho do caule. A análise da evolução do diâmetro máximo diário e, também, do diâmetro médio mostrou potencialidade de uso como técnica indicadora de estresse hídrico. No entanto, recomenda-se estudos mais aprofundados que considerem regimes hídricos do solo diferenciados e com imposição de secagem mais acentuada, além de se levar em conta características próprias de resposta de espécies cítricas à disponibilidade hídrica do solo e à demanda atmosférica. A transpiração relativa, expressa pela relação entre a transpiração atual e a transpiração máxima (calculada por unidade de área foliar), guardou relação com a variação da disponibilidade hídrica do solo, mas comparada à análise da evolução do diâmetro máximo do caule, mostrou-se menos estável. / A difficulty for the appropriate handling of irrigation of perennial plants like orchards is to determine the moment when and the amount of water that should be applied. There are several traditional methods to determine water nsumption, as well as indicators of water stress.However, they all have difficulties when used in the field because their approaches are not very accurate. Taking into consideration these problems and the importance of citrus in the economy of the state of São Paulo, the present work had two main objectives: a) to evaluate two methods for the estimation of sap flow in the determination of the daily rate of transpiration of plants of 'Tahiti' lime and b) to evaluate the use of the variation of the stem/branches diameter (by using a precision dendrometer) and the relative transpiration (estimated starting from the sap flow) as direct plant indicators of water stress. To reach these objectives, experiments were set up in two orchards of 'Tahiti' lime, one of young plants and another of adult plants. The methods for the determination of the transpiration (sap flow) were: the heat balance method (HBM) and the heat dissipation probe method (HDPM). The comparison between the two methods in a branch of an adult plant and the comparison of HDPM with lisimeter measurements in young plants demonstrated the accuracy of both methods for the quantification of the transpiration in citrus, mainly as a tool for located irrigation. With HBM, precautions should be taken to minimize errors due to spurious variations of sap flow values along the morning or overestimation of the values during night. With HDPM, the occurrence of a natural thermal gradient in the branch or stem is an error source that causes underestimation and that should be taken into account for accurate estimations. HDPM has shown to be a reliable technique with advantages over HBM for its less complexes and lower cost. The use of dendrometric variables of the stem (the variation of the daily contraction, the maximum diameter and the minimum diameter), in the literature recommended as indicative of water stress, is problematic because of the complex relationship that they have with the soil water status, the atmospheric water demand and the size of the stem. The analysis of the evolution of the daily maximum diameter and also, of the mean diameter are potential indicative techniques of plant water stress. However, more profound studies under different soil moisture regimes, with imposition of severe drying of the soil, that also take into account specific response characteristics of citrus species to the soil water status and the atmospheric water demand are needed. The relative transpiration (RT), expressed by the relationship between the current transpiration and the maximum transpiration (calculated by unit of leaf area), was related to the soil water status variation. However, its relation with the analysis of the evolution of the maximum diameter of the stem was less stable.

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is a valued, Mississippi tree species with very little published mensurational data. Tree profile equations are effective tree volume predictors but are typically developed from measurements on destructively sampled trees, an impractical method on valuable species. This study developed black walnut and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) profile equations from non-destructive measurements using a Barr & Stroud FP15 optical dendrometer. Accuracy of the dendrometer was validated by taking both optical dendrometer and felled, direct measurements on green ash trees. Two profile models were evaluated for measured tree data. Separate equations were created from optical dendrometer tree profile data for black walnut and green ash and felled tree profile data for green ash. The Barr & Stroud allowed tree profile equations to be developed from standing tree measurements with acceptable accuracy, thus providing useful tools towards the valuation and management of southeastern black walnut and green ash.

Tree-ring formation of eastern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) at a boreal lake in northwestern Quebec, Canada, was monitored using manual band dendrometers to (i) retrace cambial activity phases, (ii) evaluate the effects of flooding on radial growth, and (iii) analyze the relationships with meteorological factors. The daily circumferential activity of four trees at each of two sites, a riparian and an upland site, was recorded during the growing season of 1996, a year with an extreme spring flood. First cambium cell divisions occurred near June 9, followed by a distinct and sustained upward trend in the stem basal area until mid-July that reflected the earlywood formation. The strongly synchronous circumferential activity at both sites suggests no adverse flooding effect on growth of the riparian trees, which is explained by the rapid retreat of the water just before growth initiation in early June. The following month until mid-August was characterized by strong short-term fluctuations caused by alternating drought and rain periods and a slight downward trend of the basal area for six of the eight banded white-cedars. The dendrometers of two trees, the closest to the lake, showed a slight upward trend probably reflecting latewood formation. Pearson correlation with meteorological data indicated that precipitation was positively related to the daily changes in basal area of all trees except during the period of earlywood formation, which probably resulted from the high soil moisture after spring snow-melting. Mean and minimum air humidity were positively related and maximum temperature negatively related to the daily variations in stem circumference during the whole monitoring period, emphasizing the importance of the internal water status on stem size.

As plantações sustentáveis e de alta produtividade de espécies de eucalipto podem contribuir para a solução dos desafios ligados a oferta de madeira para os diversos segmentos industriais, bem como os de ordem ambiental e social existentes no Brasil e no mundo. As pesquisas experimentais têm demonstrado que as fertilizações mineral e orgânica (biossólidos) aumentam a taxa de crescimento das árvores de eucalipto sendo, contudo, escassas as informações sobre as propriedades da madeira. A partir de dois experimentos de campo instalados na Estação Experimental de Itatinga-SP, foram realizadas avaliações da dinâmica do crescimento em diâmetro do tronco e das propriedades anatômicas e físicas do lenho de árvores de Eucalyptus grandis. As árvores de eucalipto foram plantadas no espaçamento de 3x2 m e fertilizadas com nitrogênio (plantio, 6, 12, 18 meses) e lodo de esgoto (plantio, 8 meses) no Experimento A e potássio e sódio (plantio, 6, 12 meses) no Experimento B. Nos dois experimentos foram selecionadas, de acordo com as classes de área basal, as árvores de eucalipto com idade de 22 meses e instaladas faixas dendrométricas para o monitoramento do incremento em diâmetro do tronco no período de fevereiro de 2006 a janeiro de 2007. Árvores de eucalipto selecionadas em classes de área basal foram cortadas com a idade de 24 meses e coletadas amostras do lenho em diferentes porcentagens da sua altura total. De cada tratamento, foram analisadas as propriedades anatômicas e físicas da madeira, sendo (i) variação radial das dimensões das fibras, vasos e da densidade aparente do lenho por densitometria de raios X e (ii) variação longitudinal da densidade básica do lenho. Nos dois experimentos detectou-se o efeito da sazonalidade climática no incremento em diâmetro do tronco das árvores, com períodos de máximo (fevereiromaio) e de mínimo (julho-agosto) crescimento. Foram, também, encontradas diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos de fertilização e as classes de área basal das árvores para o crescimento e para alguns parâmetros de densidade do lenho e dimensões das fibras e vasos. O modelo de variação da densidade aparente do lenho se caracterizou por valores elevados na região da medula, decrescendo e estabilizando em direção a casca. A densidade básica do lenho decresceu e/ou estabilizou da base até 25% da altura das árvores; aumentou entre 25 e 75% da altura e decresceu até o topo. A variação radial (medula-casca) foi caracterizada pelo aumento da largura, diâmetro do lume e comprimento e a diminuição da espessura da parede celular das fibras e pelo aumento do diâmetro tangencial e da área ocupada e redução da freqüência dos vasos. / The sustainable and high productivity plantations of eucalyptus species can contribute to the solution of the challenges regarding the wood for the several industrial sectors, as well as the environmental and social aspects in Brazil and in the world. The researches experimental have been demonstrating that the mineral and organic fertilizations (biosolids) increase the growth rate of the eucalypt trees being, however, scarce the information on the wood properties. From two field experiments installed in the Experimental Station of Itatinga-SP, evaluations were done one the growth dynamics in of trees diameter and the anatomical and physical wood properties of Eucalyptus grandis. The eucalypt trees were planted in the spacing 3x2 m and fertilized with nitrogen (planting, 6, 12, 18 months) and sewage sludge (planting, 8 months) in the Experiment A and potassium and sodium (planting, 6, 12 months) in the Experiment B. In the two experiments were selected, according with the classes of basal area, the eucalypt trees with 22 months old and installed dendrometer bands for the monitoring of the increment in trees diameter from February 2006 to January 2007. Eucalypt trees selected in classes of basal area were cut with 24 months old and wood samples were collected in different % of the total height. The anatomical and physical wood properties were analyzed, being (i) the radial variation of the fibers, vessels and the wood apparent density by of X-ray densitometry and (ii) longitudinal variation of the wood basic density. In the two experiments the effect of the climatic seasonality was detected in increment of the trees diameter, with laugher grow periods (February-May) and lower periods (July- August). Significant differences between the treatments and classes of basal area of the trees for the growth and some parameters of wood density and fibers and vessels were also detected. The model of variation of the wood apparent density was elevated near to pith and decreased/stabilizes in bark direction. The wood basic density decreased and/or it stabilized of the base until 25%; increased up to 75% and decreased up to 100% of the trees height. The radial variation was characterized by the increase of the width, lumen diameter and length and the decrease of the cell wall thickness of the fibers and for the increase of the tangential diameter and the area and reduction of the frequency of the vessels.

This research assesses whether a refinement of the temporal resolution of tree-ring data can improve our understanding of the radial growth-climate relationship. Two study sites in Northern Labrador were chosen, one coastal (Nain), and the other inland (Kamestastin). In Nain, microcore samples were taken weekly from the same five white spruce (Picea glauca) trees over the 2014 growing season. After cross sections were made and stained, the resulting 10µm thin radii provided a direct view of active ring development. In coastal Labrador, radial growth was initiated during the last week of June 2014, and ceased by August 25th. Circumference band dendrometers were installed on white spruce trees at both the Nain and Kamestastin sites. The dendrometers were used to measure micrometre-scale changes over the 2014 growing season. Analogous records of temperature were collected with equal temporal resolution, from an Environment Canada climate station (#8502800), and via a programmable data logger (UX120-006M, Onset HOBO). Correlation function analysis determined the relationship between daily temperature variables and daily variations in stem size. A strong relationship was found between minimum daily temperature and daily stem size at both sites over the eight week long growing season. Traditional dendrochronological sampling methods were utilized to retrieve tree cores from white spruce and eastern larch (Larix laricina) in Nain and Kamestastin. Site-specific master growth chronologies were created using crossdating and standardization techniques. After establishing long term records of monthly temperature and accumulated growing degree-days (GDD) at both study sites, a linear regression analysis was undertaken to determine the suitability of these two variables as predictors of annual-radial growth. An accumulated June/July GDD index was identified as an overall better predictor of annual ring-width than mean monthly temperature variables in northern Labrador. Exploring radial growth on an intra-annual scale helped to improve our understanding of the complex radial growth-climate relationship in Labrador. This allows for a strengthening of tree rings as a proxy climate indicator in remote regions of the northern boreal forest. The findings from this thesis provide the tools necessary to improve upon long-term climate reconstruction and forecasts of boreal forest structure in the face of climate change.