Long-Term Tree-Ring Response to Drought and Frost in Two Pinus halepensis Populations Growing under Contrasting Environmental Conditions in Peninsular Italy

Pinus halepensis dominates coastal to mountain areas throughout the Mediterranean Basin. Its growth plasticity, based on polycyclic shoot formation and dynamic cambial activity, tolerance extreme drought exceptional frosts, allows it colonize a vast array of environments. We used tree-rings from codominant pines compare lifespan, rates, age size distribution in typical (i.e., prolonged drought, occasional low-intensity fires) vs. inland hilly moister conditions, recurrent frosts) population. BAI trends, growth-limiting climate factors tree-ring anatomical anomalies were analyzed considering differences phenology obtained multispectral satellite images. The species maximum lifespan was 100–125 years. Mortality mainly due fire coast, or heart-rot site. Populations differed productivity, which maintained over time despite recent warming. Site conditions affected growing season dynamics, control ring by summer winter cold frequency anomalies. Recurrent frost rings, associated with temperatures below −10 °C, occurred only at confirmed its remarkable plasticity diverse variable environmental conditions. ability survive events sustain productivity adaptability change as well mountains.