JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY ›› 2013, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (02): 59-64.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-2006.2013.02.011

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Seasonal variability in leaf area index and canopy gap fraction of Catalpa bungei

YUN Huiling1,WANG Junhui2*, ZHAO Qiuling1, LI Yinmei1   

  1. 1. Research Institute of Forestry of Xiaolongshan,Tianshui 741022,China;
    2. Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation,State Forestry Administration,Research Institute of Forestry,Chinese Academy of Forestry,Beijing 100091,China
  • Online:2013-04-18 Published:2013-04-18

Abstract: The seasonal dynamics of the leaf area index(LAI)and the canopy gap fraction of Catalpa bungei were measured by using a LAI-2000 plant canopy analyzer. The results showed that LAI among different clones had significantly seasonal variability, and the LAI changing trends of different clones were similar and characterized by an inverse “V” curve, with the peak occurring in September. So were the canopy gaps, whereas with an exceptional “V” curve and the valley occurring in September as well. Obviously, the seasonal variability of the LAI and the canopy gap fraction were completely opposite. Additionally, seasonal differences in leaf angels of Catalpa bungei fluctuated within a limited range, representing a flat canopy pattern. However, there was a big change in canopy uniformity. The well-grown clones have the best canopy uniformity, the poor growth clones have the most inhomogeneous. Also, the correlation between LAI and canopy gap fraction was extremely significant, effectively characterized by an exponential equation y=ae-bx, with a determinant coefficient of above 0.980.

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