Radial Variation in Wood Structure and Function in Woody Plants, and Hypotheses for Its Occurrence

摘要: Woody stems, branches, and roots display large progressive changes in structure function from the pith outwards, a pattern known as core/outerwood or juvenile/mature wood pattern. For example, typical radial (TRP), characterized mostly for commercial softwoods, includes increases density by factor of up to 1.5, tracheid width 2, length 4. These will have substantial effects on success failure plant. Our knowledge drivers universality are minimal spite 150 years research that has been concentrated softwoods. This chapter (1) provides brief description nature magnitude structural functional along radius woody (2) clarifies whether ring number size best explain pattern, (3) introduces briefly evaluates hypotheses significance patterns, with developmental, hydraulic, mechanical hypotheses. The indicates major gaps different biomes plant types, examples systems which advances could be made. An improved why develops into structures we observe provide basis better predictions behavior across environments. It is also essential tree breeders developing adapted stock environments, foresters processors predicting end-product quality.