Shoot Phenology as a Driver or Modulator of Stem Diameter Growth and Wood Properties, with Special Reference to Pinus radiata

Seasonal phenology is expressed in the annual rhythms of growth and quiescence, which may range from being sharply defined to weakly quantitative. These rhythms, both vegetative reproductive, are a key aspect plant’s survival strategy. They enable plant survive seasonal stresses take advantage favourable conditions, while making pollination efficient through synchronised flowering. Maturation woody perennials causes some ontogenetic modulation phenology. Shoot driven by various environmental cues, notably temperatures daylength, with shoot extremities often prime receptors. The turn seen as strong driver cambial activity, itself an basis stem diameter growth. aspects activity reflecting hoot–tip primarily involve timing xylem formation anatomical physical properties cells. actual amount growth, however, governed much more other factors, potential species, space for tree grow in, how local conditions Somehow, all species allocate resources extension represent viable adaptive strategies, although there no identified role per se such allocation. Among Pinus radiata extremely important commercially, largely high that reflects distinctive Much research on provides linking its shoot–tip architecture fine details within-ring variation cell properties. This baseline comparison many conifers hardwoods. Selected examples considered illustrate strategies. Regulation internal wood response competitive pressures. Modifying regulation optimise production quality poses great challenge future domestication.