We present the dynamics of cambial activity and wood formation in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) from two sites
Panška reka (400 m a.s.l.) and Menina planina (1200 m a.s.l.) in 2008. Research was conducted on the tissues of wood, cambium and bark taken from adult trees using the micro-coring technique. The cores were taken at weekly intervals during the vegetation period. Cambial divisions began at Panška reka earlier (between 14 April and 12 May) and finished later (between 30 June and 25 August) than at Menina planina (onset between 16 and 23 May, end between 30 June and 25 July). The highest cell production was recorded at both sites few days before the summer solstice. At Panška reka, the formation of tree-ring lasted 11 to 19 weeks and the mean tree-ring width was about 3 mm. At Menina planina the production of wood lasted 6 to 7 weeks, and the mean tree-ring width was 1 mm. Greater variability among trees at Panška reka was also confirmed with dendrochronological investigations. Comparisons of local tree-ring chronologies indicated that summer drought and high summer temperatures negatively affected variation of tree-ring widths at Panška reka. The situation at Menina planina corresponded to high mountain conditions where higher summer temperatures positively affect the growth.
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