Seasonal Sucrose Metabolism in Longleaf Pine Tree Stem Cambial Tissues

Abstract

This study was a part of a long-term study on factors contributing to the decline of a 40+-year-old longleaf pine stand where prescribed burning has occurred. Burn treatments were implemented between January and March 1997. From April 2002 through February 2003, stem cambial tissues were sampled periodically from healthy longleaf pine trees preselected from each treatment in early April 2002. Sucrose synthase activity increased from April through June but decreased 63 percent from June to July. After several rainstorms in September, the September and October sucrose synthase activity was as high as that of June. The lowest sucrose synthase activity occurred in February. The seasonal pattern of pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase was similar to that of sucrose synthase. Other measured enzymes in the sucrose metabolic pathway did not show clear seasonal patterns. No treatment effects on these enzyme activities were observed. The seasonal physiological status of longleaf pine trees, as evidenced by their stem cambial sucrose synthase activity, might be useful in determining the optimal time for prescribed burning in longleaf pine stand management.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 12th biennial southern silvicultural research conference

Citation

Sung, Shi-Jean S.; Otrosina, William J.; Zarnoch, Stanley J. 2004. Seasonal Sucrose Metabolism in Longleaf Pine Tree Stem Cambial Tissues. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 492-495