STRESS CONCEPTS AND FOREST TREES

Conceptual models of stress reactions and tolerance in plants have bee n addressed several times. However, most models rarely consider reacti on to multiple stress factors or can be related to plant structure. In this paper, a conceptual model of tree reactions to stress and adapta tion to stress is presented. The model is based on the morphology and physiology of trees. In particular the model is based on the concept t hat any changes in morphology and physiology will have advantages and disadvantages for particular environmental conditions or pollution env ironments. Changes in morphology and physiology, in the form of adapta tion, have a cost to the tree, and will have advantages and disadvanta ges if a number of stress factors are considered. This conceptual mode l is presented in the framework of examples from the literature and fr om the authors own work, and applied to tree reactions and tree adapta tion to stress. (C)1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.