Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

RICE , STANLEY ARTHUR [1], Ross, Sonya L. [2].

Chilling hastens spring budburst in some tree species but not others.

We gathered twigs from three deciduous tree species in Oklahoma when autumn leaf senescence was advanced: Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), and pecan (Carya illinoensis). Some of the twigs received three weeks of refrigeration; some twigs received six weeks; the control twigs received none. The twigs were kept under fluorescent lights in a temperature-controlled room, allowing the buds to burst. Six weeks of chilling caused sycamore buds to open three times as early as control buds, and caused pecan buds to open twice as early as control buds. Budburst of sweetgum twigs, however, was unaffected. If global warming causes winters to become warm, some tree species (such as sweetgum) will open their buds earlier even without chilling, while a warm winter may delay budburst in other tree species such as sycamore and pecan.

1 - Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Biological Sciences, 1405 N Fourth Ave Box 4027, Durant, OK, 74701, USA
2 - Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Physical Plant, 2906 N. First St., Durant, OK, 74701, USA

Keywords:
phenology
budburst
global warming
Liquidambar styraciflua
Platanus occidentalis
Carya illinoensis.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 24
Location: Clearwater/Grove
Date: Tuesday, July 29th, 2014
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: 24001
Abstract ID:221
Candidate for Awards:None