CHANGES IN COMPOSITION OF THE MONOTERPENE FRACTION IN DAMAGED ROOTS OF NORWAY SPRUCE AND THE POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR RESISTANCE AGAINST HETEROBASIDION-ANNOSUM

The composition of monoterpenes in undamaged and wounded roots of Norw ay spruce (Picea abies) was investigated. alpha- and beta-pinene compr ised at least 85% of the total content in undamaged roots. The variati on of the monoterpene fraction within roots and between roots of an in dividual tree was relatively small. Variations of the monoterpene frac tion between trees were found. There were no qualitative differences b etween stem and roots except for sabinene, which was found in small am ounts in the stem. Large quantitative differences between stem and roo ts were found in alpha- and beta-pinene content In almost all trees, d amaging the sapwood of roots caused an increase in the alpha-pinene co ntent combined with a decrease in the relative content of beta-pinene and limonene/beta-phellandrene. Two different types of traumatic react ion in heartwood could be distinguished. The possible significance of the traumatic reaction in the roots of spruce with respect to their re sistance to H. annosum is discussed.