High risk of growth cessation of planted larch under extreme drought

Abstract Larch trees are widely used in afforestation and timber plantations. Yet, little is known on how planted larch cope with increasing drought. We a tree-ring network of 818 from 31 plantations spanning most the distribution Larix principis-rupprechtii to investigate extreme drought influences radial growth northern China. found that summer drought, rather than temperature or precipitation, had strongest relationship throughout region. Drought increased frequency recent decades, leaving strong imprint larch, particularly dry sites. Across its distribution, experienced droughts more frequently displayed lower resistance but higher recovery after it, suggesting these populations were better adapted droughts. Radial decreased severe declines below threshold Palmer Severity Index (PDSI) value ?3 ?3.5. Extreme (PDSI < ?4.5) caused reduction 62% chronic events around 20% total compared mean driest Given current climate projections for China indicate increase severity large portions largest project world, those drier edge, likely experience reductions future.