Distribution and mixing of old and new nonstructural carbon in two temperate trees

Andrew D. Richardson; Mariah S. Carbone; Brett A. Huggett; Morgan E. Furze; Claudia I. Czimczik; Jennifer C. Walker; Xiaomei Xu; Paul Schaberg; Paula Murakami

doi:10.1111/nph.13273

Treesearch

Distribution and mixing of old and new nonstructural carbon in two temperate trees

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Andrew D. Richardson, Mariah S. Carbone, Brett A. Huggett, Morgan E. Furze, Claudia I. Czimczik, Jennifer C. Walker, Xiaomei Xu, Paul Schaberg, Paula Murakami

Year:

2015

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13273

Source:

New Phytologist. 206(2): 590-597.

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Abstract

We know surprisingly little about whole-tree nonstructural carbon (NSC; primarily sugars and starch) budgets. Even less well understood is the mixing between recent photosynthetic assimilates (new NSC) and previously stored reserves. And, NSC turnover times are poorly constrained. We characterized the distribution of NSC in the stemwood, branches, and roots of two temperate trees, and we used the continuous label offered by the radiocarbon (carbon-14, ¹⁴C) bomb spike to estimate the mean age of NSC in different tissues.

Keywords

carbohydrates, carbon allocation, Harvard Forest, radiocarbon (14C), storage, tree rings, wood

Citation

Richardson, Andrew D.; Carbone, Mariah S.; Huggett, Brett A.; Furze, Morgan E.; Czimczik, Claudia I.; Walker, Jennifer C.; Xu, Xiaomei; Schaberg, Paul G.; Murakami, Paula. 2015. Distribution and mixing of old and new nonstructural carbon in two temperate trees. New Phytologist. 206(2): 590-597.