Genome size, tracheid volume and environmental factors in the genus Pinus

Positive relationships have been reported between genome size and cell volume both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In six North American Pinus species, there appears to be a direct relationship between genome size and measured tracheid volume in greenhouse-grown seedlings. However, habitat precipitation seems to affect tracheid volume of trees grown in the field. Using genome size and habitat precipitation data of six Pinus species, tracheid volume in field-grown trees was estimated quantitatively. A theory is introduced for estimation of tracheid volume, and two terms, standard tracheid volume and tracheid volume change, are defined. Using an equation estimating tracheid volume derived from the six species, tracheid volume in field-grown trees was estimated in 15 North American Pinus species. Estimated tracheid volumes showed significant agreement with those calculated from tracheid dimensions obtained from the literature. Although this is a preliminary report, these results indicate that the theory might be effective for estimation of tracheid volume in North American Pinus species. Keywords: genome size, Pinus species, estimation of tracheid volume, standard tracheid volume, tracheid volume change, environmental stress.

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Author(s): I. Wakamiya, Michael G. Messina, Ronald J. Newton, H. J. Price

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1993

Section: Concurrent Session 3: Softwood Propagation