Variations in Wood Density, Annual Ring Width and Vessel Properties of Quercus brantii Affected by Crown Dieback

Tree decline due to climate change results in physiological weaknesses, attacks by harmful pests and pathogens threats forest ecosystem stability. In the work described here, effects of drought on wood density, tree ring width variations vessel morphology are investigated Persian oak (Quercus brantii) Zagros Mountains, Ilam Province, western Iran. Discs cut from trunks declined healthy trees woodblocks radially sapwood near bark, at a mid-point between vascular cambium pith (middle) pith. Observations made transverse sections blocks using microscopy. with symptoms, density is greater than trees. Furthermore, declining have narrowest width, reduced diameter area highest numbers vessels tylose towards bark. It concluded that changes anatomical features associated weakening components health.