Drought elicits contrasting responses on the autumn dynamics of wood formation in late successional deciduous tree species

Abstract Research on wood phenology has mainly focused reactivation of the cambium in spring. In this study we investigated if summer drought advances cessation formation and it any influence structure late successional forest trees temperate zone. The end xylogenesis was monitored between August November stands European beech pedunculate oak Belgium for two consecutive years, 2017 2018, with latter year having experienced an exceptional drought. Wood affected by drought, ceasing cambial activity maturation about 3 weeks earlier 2018 compared 2017. Beech ceased before oak, but its did not differ years. Furthermore, 2 no significant difference found ring width, percentage mature fibers season, vessel size density. show thinner fiber walls, whereas showed thicker walls. paper, that can have important impact season xylem development. This will help to better understand ecosystems improve models.