Individual-level variation in reproductive effort in chestnut oak (Quercus montana Willd.) and black oak (Q. Velutina Lam.)

Masting is a population-level reproductive strategy, where individuals synchronize large but intermittent seed production. Despite the high degree of synchrony at population level, there can be considerable variation in reproduction among (intraspecific variation). Here, we use 18 years acorn production data from individual chestnut oak and black control thinned stands, to understand what factors influence differences effort variability. We included variety tree-level measurements, environmental characteristics, measurements tree cores determine if certain characteristics were associated variations reproduction. considered both mean annual per m2 crown interannual (CV) as response variables. also classified super producers (i.e., those that consistently produce more acorns than others), good, fair poor less or have higher number failure years). In oak, 14% contributed 34% total acorns, while made up 35% trees only 16% (14% individuals) 31% (24% 9% acorns. Diameter breast height (DBH) was most consistent variable for explaining intraspecific variability larger had lower CV oak). Other variables influenced elevation clay content slope oak. found no significant effect thinning treatment on Our results illustrate how distinguish groups, which used inform management selective harvesting decisions.