Physiology of Compression Wood Formation

Localized cooling of stems induces latewood formation and cambial dormancy during seasons of active cambium in conifers

“…A consensus has emerged that latewood formation in conifers is controlled by both internal and external factors (Larson, 1964;Wodzicki, 1971;Denne and Dodd, 1981;Timell, 1986). Certain environmental conditions, such as severe drought conditions, can induce the formation of latewood in conifers (Shepherd, 1964;Zahner et al, 1964).…”

“…The annual transition from the formation of earlywood to the formation of latewood is a conspicuous developmental process in conifers in temperate and cool regions. Earlywood is characterized by thin-walled tracheids with large radial diameters, while latewood is composed of tracheids with smaller radial diameters and thick cell walls (Larson, 1964;Denne and Dodd, 1981;Timell, 1986;Schweingruber, 1988). Thus, the induction of latewood is associated with changes in cellular morphology.…”

“…The amount of latewood controls wood quality through changes in wood density and reflects the amount of CO 2 fixed by each tree. The process of latewood formation in trees is therefore of considerable interest and has been studied in detail (Larson, 1964;Wodzicki, 1971; Denne and Dodd, 1981;Timell, 1986;Funada et al, 1987Funada et al, , 1990Funada et al, , 2001Sundberg et al, 1987;Schweingruber, 1988;Uggla et al, 2001;Begum et al, 2012). The cited studies suggest that changes in environmental conditions and/or endogenous factors might be important factors in the formation of latewood.…”

“…In trees, dormancy is established during autumn, in advance of the cold season. The timing of cambial dormancy is regulated by both internal and environmental factors (Larson, 1964;Wodzicki, 1971; Denne and Dodd, 1981;Timell, 1986). Environmental factors such as short photoperiod are widely accepted as the primary regulators of the cessation of growth and the induction of dormancy in trees (Little and Wareing, 1981;Mellerowicz et al, 1992).…”