Institute of Forest Ecology
Topic
The influence of different site conditions on the differentiation of growth and photosynthetic traits in selected forest tree species of the same origin
PhD. program
Forest Ecology
Year of admission
2024
Name of the supervisor
Ing. Gabriela Jamnická, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen
Annotation
Acclimation is one of the mechanisms involved in the ability of trees to cope with changes in their natural environmental conditions and ensure sufficient population viability even under deteriorating environmental conditions. The dissertation will focus on the analysis and evaluation of the variability of photosynthetic and growth traits of selected species of forest trees of the same genetic origin (Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea, Acer pseudoplatanus) planted in 5 locations with different climatic conditions and soil parameters. The approach of measuring differences between species as well as within species among locations using newly planted juvenile trees will exclude possible differences caused by individual adaptation to the environment at their place of origin. Within the proposed topic, based on the examination of trait variability (height and diameter, stomatal morphology, photosynthetic efficiency, content and quality of photosynthetic pigments, etc.), it will be possible to assess the degree of acclimation and adaptive potential of the species in adapting to the conditions of specific locations. Additionally, the study will attempt to identify the predominant environmental factor driving these changes.