Maturation in Douglas-fir: I. Changes in stem, branch and foliage characteristics associated with ontogenetic aging

Two experiments were conducted to characterize changes associated with ontogenetic aging in coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and to identify possible maturation "markers" for this species. In the first experiment (Experiment 1), scions of ages 1, 4 and 9 years were collected from four seed zones in field progeny tests and grafted onto 1-year-old rootstocks. In Experiment 2, scions from five full-sib families of ages 1 and 10 years were collected from one progeny test and similarly grafted. Grafts for both experiments were planted in the field in a completely randomized design. The grafts were measured after two and six growing seasons. In Experiment 1, graft diameter, number of terminal bud flushes per year, number of branches, and branch length decreased with age. Plagiotropic angle and needle weight increased. All variables except needle length had a significant age x seed zone interaction. After 6 years, internodal stem diameters, numbers of nodal and internodal branches, and length and diameter of internodal branches decreased with age, and there were age x seed zone interactions with most variables. In Experiment 2, graft height and diameter, number of flushes, number and size of lateral branches, needle length and weight decreased with age. After 6 years, height and diameter, size and number of nodal and internodal branches, and leaf chlorophyll concentration (measured in April) decreased, but there were relatively few age x family interactions. An analysis based on traits that were significantly affected by age, but that did not interact with seed zone or family, indicated that main stem diameter, nodal branch length and nodal branch diameter were the most consistent and reliable maturation markers.