Effects of climate on wood formation of Quercus robur L. and Quercus pyrenaica Willd. along a mediterraneity gradient in Galicia: an Integrated analysis using phenology, anatomy, and dendroecology

Abstract

This Thesis is focused on the study of seasonal dynamics of wood formation and non-structural carbohydrates, as well as on the climatic information contained in tree-ring series, in two ring-porous species with contrasting ecological strategies (Q. robur L. and Q. pyrenaica Willd.) along a water-availability gradient in Galicia. This integrative approach allows us to yield a detailed portrayal of the processes controlling wood formation, and their consequences on tree hydraulic functionality and the carbon balance. This research is particularly concerned about the environmental control of growth, whereby the obtained information is used to ascertain the responses of deciduous oaks to the ongoing environmental change.