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ŠUMARSKI LIST 11-12/2023 str. 39     <-- 39 -->        PDF

Influence of crown exposure on the morphological needle traits of nine conifers
Utjecaj ekspozicije krošnje na morfološka svojstva iglica devet četinjača
Biljana M. Nikolić, Katarina Mladenović, Ljubinko Rakonjac, Slobodan Milanović, Marija M. Marković, Srdjan Bojović, Nevena Čule
Summary
The aim of this research was to investigate if the crown exposure of some conifers influenced to needle properties. The leaf morphological traits of sixty-six trees of nine conifers: Atlas cedar, Austrian pine, Blue spruce, Douglas fir, European spruce, European yew, Serbian spruce, Silver fir, and White fir, from six Belgrade parks, were analyzed. Five needles were measured from each of the four main crown exposures. Length, width, area and perimeter of needles were investigated. Species, parks in which they were found, as well as crown exposures, differed mostly in needle length and needle width. Correlations between measured needle traits were determined by linear regression analysis. Strong positive correlations were found between the length, perimeter, and area of needles. The differences among the species in terms of light requirement determine species for individual planting as light-loving or partial shade species (Atlas cedar, European spruce, Serbian spruce, Blue spruce, Austrian pine and Douglas fir), or for group planting as shade-loving species (Silver fir, White fir and European yew).
Key words: conifers, correlations, exposure, needle morphology, parks.
INTRODUCTION
UVOD
The influence of light exposure on the tree crown, among other ecological factors is very important for the successful development of a species. In parks, where crowns are almost open, it is relevant whether a species is light or shade-loving. Other habitat conditions such as habitat exposition, geological substratum, soil, assemblage, air pollution, etc. also influence tree growth (e.g. Hällgren and Fredriksson 1982; Donovan et al. 2005; Freer-Smith et al. 2005).
Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is a tall, European high-mountain species, growing on silicate and limestone. As it tolerates dry air, arid soil, and polluted air of urban city very poorly, it is rarely used in parks. White fir (Abies concolor /Gordon/ Lind. ex Hildebr.) is a tall, high-mountain species though sometimes it can be found below 1000 MSL. It