Seedling density modifies the growth responses of yellow birch maternal families to elevated carbon dioxide

摘要: We studied seedling growth responses to ambient and elevated CO2 (350 700 μL L−1) of three maternal families yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), raised both individually in high-density stands. Seedlings competitive, dense stands exhibited markedly lower average CO2-induced enhancements than grown plants (16% vs. 49%). Maternal differed their CO2. However, differences among were contingent upon density; which the greatest at low density least CO2-responsiveness high density. These data are discussed two separate contexts; reliability estimates fertilization potential forest species based solely on plants, evolutionary consequences rising regenerating tree populations.