Resprounting Dynamics
71
stems, stands exploited by selection thinning show in 30 years a structure
relatively similar to mature or undisturbed forests, i.e. with few stems per
stool. In contrast, stands exploited by clear-cutting show after the same time
a very different pattern, with a high number of smaller sprouts in each stool.
Nevertheless, both patterns can be very influenced by site characteristics,
which will finally shape the forest structure. For instance, old forests on poor
sites still exhibit a high density of small stems, probably due to less interference between sprouts for light as the canopy remains partially open.
Despite, under the present management and disturbance regime, the regeneration of holm oak forests seems to be assured through resprouting, and
thus recruitment of new individuals from seeds is probably not very important, this may in the long term compromise the genetic diversity and the very
continuity of these forests. Thus, some authors have claimed that the persistence of holm oak individuals only via resprouting might eventually lead to
genet senescence and decreasing productivity (Floret et al. 1987; Ducrey
1992). Moreover, from the genetic point of view and although holm oak
shows substantial genetic variability within populations (Michaud et al.
1992), a very long life span coupled with preferential regeneration through
resprouting can finally constrain genetic differentiation, and limit the response to environmental change.
References
Axelrod DI (1989) Age and origin of chaparral. In: Keeley SC (ed) The California chaparral. Paradigms reexamined. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, pp 7-19
Aymard M, Fredon JJ (1986) Etude des relations entre une racine et les rejets de la souche chez
Castanea sativa Mill. Ann Sci For 43:351-364
Can adell J (1995) Vegetative regeneration of Arbutus unedo L. and Erica arborea L. after disturbances: the role of root structures in the acquisition and use of resources. PhD Thesis,
Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra
Can adell J, Roda F (1991) Root biomass of Quercus ilex in a montane Mediterranean forest. Can
J For Res 21:1771-1778
Castell C (1992) Ecofisiologia d'individus adults i rebrots de dues especies esclerofil·les mediterranies: Arbutus unedo i Quercus ilex. PhD Thesis, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra
Castell C, Terradas J, Tenhunen JD (1994) Water relations, gas exchange, and growth of resprouts
and mature plant shoots of Arbutus unedo L. and Quercus ilex L. Oecologia 98:201-211
Champagnat P (1989) Rest and activity in vegetative buds of trees. Ann Sci For 46 Suppl: 9-26
Christensen NL (1987) The biogeochemical consequences of fire and their effects on the vegetation of coastal plain of southeastern United States. In: The role of fire in ecological systems.
SPB Academic Publishing, The Hague, pp 1-21
Djema A (1995) Cuantificaci6n de la biomasa y mineral omasa subteminea de un bosque de
Quercus ilex L. MSc Thesis, Instituto Agron6mico del Mediternineo, Zaragoza
Ducrey M (1992) Quelle sylviculture et quel avenir pour les taillis de chene vert (Quercus ilex L.)
de la region mediterraneenne franc;:aise. Rev For Fr 44:12-34
Ducrey M, Boisserie M (1992) Recnl naturel dans des taillis de chene vert (Quercus ilex L.) ala
suite d' explotations partielles. Ann Sci For 49:91-109
71
stems, stands exploited by selection thinning show in 30 years a structure
relatively similar to mature or undisturbed forests, i.e. with few stems per
stool. In contrast, stands exploited by clear-cutting show after the same time
a very different pattern, with a high number of smaller sprouts in each stool.
Nevertheless, both patterns can be very influenced by site characteristics,
which will finally shape the forest structure. For instance, old forests on poor
sites still exhibit a high density of small stems, probably due to less interference between sprouts for light as the canopy remains partially open.
Despite, under the present management and disturbance regime, the regeneration of holm oak forests seems to be assured through resprouting, and
thus recruitment of new individuals from seeds is probably not very important, this may in the long term compromise the genetic diversity and the very
continuity of these forests. Thus, some authors have claimed that the persistence of holm oak individuals only via resprouting might eventually lead to
genet senescence and decreasing productivity (Floret et al. 1987; Ducrey
1992). Moreover, from the genetic point of view and although holm oak
shows substantial genetic variability within populations (Michaud et al.
1992), a very long life span coupled with preferential regeneration through
resprouting can finally constrain genetic differentiation, and limit the response to environmental change.
References
Axelrod DI (1989) Age and origin of chaparral. In: Keeley SC (ed) The California chaparral. Paradigms reexamined. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, pp 7-19
Aymard M, Fredon JJ (1986) Etude des relations entre une racine et les rejets de la souche chez
Castanea sativa Mill. Ann Sci For 43:351-364
Can adell J (1995) Vegetative regeneration of Arbutus unedo L. and Erica arborea L. after disturbances: the role of root structures in the acquisition and use of resources. PhD Thesis,
Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra
Can adell J, Roda F (1991) Root biomass of Quercus ilex in a montane Mediterranean forest. Can
J For Res 21:1771-1778
Castell C (1992) Ecofisiologia d'individus adults i rebrots de dues especies esclerofil·les mediterranies: Arbutus unedo i Quercus ilex. PhD Thesis, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra
Castell C, Terradas J, Tenhunen JD (1994) Water relations, gas exchange, and growth of resprouts
and mature plant shoots of Arbutus unedo L. and Quercus ilex L. Oecologia 98:201-211
Champagnat P (1989) Rest and activity in vegetative buds of trees. Ann Sci For 46 Suppl: 9-26
Christensen NL (1987) The biogeochemical consequences of fire and their effects on the vegetation of coastal plain of southeastern United States. In: The role of fire in ecological systems.
SPB Academic Publishing, The Hague, pp 1-21
Djema A (1995) Cuantificaci6n de la biomasa y mineral omasa subteminea de un bosque de
Quercus ilex L. MSc Thesis, Instituto Agron6mico del Mediternineo, Zaragoza
Ducrey M (1992) Quelle sylviculture et quel avenir pour les taillis de chene vert (Quercus ilex L.)
de la region mediterraneenne franc;:aise. Rev For Fr 44:12-34
Ducrey M, Boisserie M (1992) Recnl naturel dans des taillis de chene vert (Quercus ilex L.) ala
suite d' explotations partielles. Ann Sci For 49:91-109