Physiological mechanism of mast seeding: the role of resource balance during floral bud development in mature Fagus crenata forest

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25292094
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Forest science
• Research Institution: Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute
• Principal Investigator: Han Qingmin 国立研究開発法人森林総合研究所, 植物生態研究領域, チーム長 (40391180)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 稲垣 善之 国立研究開発法人森林総合研究所, 四国支所, 主任研究員 (00353590) ; 壁谷 大介 国立研究開発法人森林総合研究所, 植物生態研究領域, 主任研究員 (30353650) ; 野口 享太郎 国立研究開発法人森林総合研究所, 立地環境研究領域, 主任研究員 (70353802)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: マスティング / 貯蔵資源量 / 資源動態 / 窒素 / 非構造性炭水化物 / 至近要因

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to elucidate the mechanism of mast seeding, growth pattern and resource dynamics in both reproductive and vegetative organs were assessed in Fagus crenata forests. The main findings are (1) new photo-assimilates are preferentially used for new branch growth even with fruiting load, (2) since seed growth consumes substantial new photo-assimilates, new branches are shorter in fruiting trees. In addition, stored carbohydrate contributes also to seed growth. Therefore, fruiting did not result in reduction in starch concentration in branchlets, (3) nitrogen is mainly stored in branchlets, (4) mobile nitrogen storage decreased after masting. These results suggest that nitrogen may be the limiting resource for masting in F. crenata.

Free Research Field

樹木生理生態学