Does Canadian forestry need physiology research?

Abstract

. Colombo1 and W.C. ~a r k e r ' IntroductionThe need for intensive forest management practices that are ecologically sustainable is growing. However, the importance of plant physiology research, which is critical to developing such practices, continues to be overlooked and undervalued. Physiology is the branch of biology dealing with the function of organisms, either singly or in communities, or the function of the tissues, organs, or cells of an organism (Salisbury and Ross 1985). Understanding plant physiology in relation to environment may appear to be a logical prerequisite for sound forest management. Some 50 years ago, the respected plant physiologist Paul Kramer expressed concern that the potential productivity of North American forests would not be realized because intensive forest management would be hindered by physiological obstacles inhibiting the growth of forest plantations (Kramer 1948). He felt these obstacles would develop because foresters were generally unaware of the contributions plant physiology could make to forestry. What is more, few plant physiologists investigating commercial tree species had forestry training, so their ability to recognize and work on problems important to foresters was poor. He reiterated these concerns several times (Kramer 1956(Kramer , 1986). In our view, plant physiology continues to fall short of its potential contributions to forestry.Historically, Canadian forestry research has focused on forestry practices promoting low cost, high volume timber production, but in the past decade forestry research has evolved towards broader land management issues, especially those concerning ecosystem sustainability (Canadian Council of Forest Ministers 1995). However, as was the case with intensive forest management in the 1940s, the potential contributions of plant physiology to today's priorities have not generally been recognized. Government-directed research has largely shifted to address non-timber production issues, yet Canadian forest industry continues to rely on many forest management practices that are based on experience and empirical trials rather than a sound understanding of physiology.Physiology research can support the development of both ecologically sustainable and intensive forest management practices (i.e., practices increasing wood supply without causing long-term degradation of forest health or biodiversity), helping the Canadian forest industry meet its dual ecological and economic goals. A mixture of research in plant physiology and silviculture is essential for developing predictive, process-based models, which in turn will provide the foundation for the development of ecologically sustainable forest management practices. In this paper we examine some recent cases where plant physiology research has contributed to forestry, and explore the need for plant physiology research in the development of sustainable and intensive forest management. ' Physiology from the Molecule to the LandscapeTo develop intensive forest management and ecologically sustain...

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