© 2004 Heron Publishing—Victoria, Canada
Cottonwood growth rate and fine root condensed tannin concentration
Kevin R. Kosola (1, 2, 3, 4), Donald I. Dickmann (1), Richard B. Hall (5) and Beth Ann A. Workmaster (3)
1. Forestry Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA / 2. W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI 49060, USA / 3. Department of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA / 4. Corresponding author (kkosola@facstaff.wisc.edu) / 5. Department of Forestry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA / Received July 8, 2003; accepted November 9, 2003; published online July 1, 2004
Summary
We examined the relationship between trunk diameter and diameter relative growth rate (RGR) and fine root condensed tannin
concentration in 12 genotypes of eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh.) planted in three locations across the north central United States. Across genotypes, trunk diameter, diameter
RGR and root condensed tannin concentration were negatively correlated at one location (Wisconsin), but showed no significant
correlation at the other locations (Iowa and Michigan). The factors responsible for this difference among sites remain unidentified,
but may be related to soil fertility.
Keywords:
phytochemistry, Populus deltoides, root defense, short-rotation, soil nitrogen, woody biomass.
