Temporal patterns of radial growth in declining Austrocedrus chilensis forests in Northern Patagonia: The use of tree-rings as an indicator of forest decline

摘要: Abstract Using dendrochronology, combined with tree- and stand-level information, we reconstructed the temporal dynamics of ‘mal del cipres’, a widespread decline Austrocedrus chilensis forests in Argentina. We developed 12 new site-specific ring-width chronologies representing growth trees no external (crown) or internal (radial growth) symptoms decline. By comparing series individual these reference chronologies, detected reduced radial growth, likely due to 301 symptomatic dead overstory out 1082 sampled trees. Radial also occurred 67 living asymptomatic crowns providing evidence that can be an early indicator cipres’. The length averaged 27 years for all was 29 22 years trees, respectively; maximum 80 years. At site level, onset ranged from 1920s 1960s, preceding dates reported historical records. 1979, ⩾75% per exhibited conclude precedes crown at least some A. Reduced prior implies water uptake had been reduced, possibly because root damage Phyophthora drought their interactions. It suggests salvage harvests aim eradicate facilitate residual may not most effective management response