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Effects of the contrasting leaf display of poplar cultivars Eugenei (Populus × euramericana) and Tristis (P. tristis × P. balsamifera) on light interception and photosynthesis were studied in the second year of growth in an irrigated plantation near Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA (lat. 45° N). Leaves on the current terminal (CT) and on proleptic branches were measured between 0900 and 1500 h on five clear days from June to September 1980. Leaf orientation-based differences between these cultivars were evident as the second growing season progressed and the crowns of the trees in the plantation grew together. Leaves of Eugenei are erectophile or tilted from the horizontal. In this cultivar light penetrated throughout the crown; many leaves on the lowest branches were illuminated as fully as those on the upper CT and had higher photosynthetic rates than equivalent leaves in Tristis. However, by early September many of the lower branches on Eugenei trees had abscised. In the planophile Tristis, adaxial photon flux densities (PPFD) of leaves on the lower portion of the CT and on branches were only a fraction of those measured on the upper CT. This pattern became more extreme as the season progressed. Few of the lower branches of Tristis abscised during the growing season. Photosynthesis rates, especially on a whole-leaf basis, were closely related to incident PPFDs in both cultivars. The ecological significance of these results are discussed, as well as the hypothesized effect of leaf inclination on crop productivity.

Attempts to relate plant metabolic activity with developmental stage are often hindered by lack of an appropriate developmental index. Existing indices of morphological development are unsuitable for use with plants having a semideterminate, recurrently flushing pattern of growth as displayed by Quercus seedlings. We propose the following morphological index (QMI) to define the stages of Quercus seedling ontogeny: (1) radicle emergence; (2) epicotyl emergence from the soil; and (for each flush) (3) termination of elongation of the second internode, which corresponds with the period of most rapid stem elongation; (4) completion of elongation by all internodes, which corresponds with the period of most rapid leaf elongation; and (5) completion of elongation of the last leaf but one, which usually precedes closely the pause between one growth flush and another. The relationship between QMI and net photosynthesis by individual leaves of Quercus rubra L. seedlings was determined. Net photosynthesis increased with QMI during a flush, but at a particular QMI stage, generally decreased from one flush to the next.

Weekly morphological measurements of trees in permanent growth plots and periodic destructive sampling were used to monitor growth and development of two Populus clones with contrasting morphology and phenology during the establishment year in a short-rotation, intensive-culture system. Tristis (P. tristis Fisch. x P. balsamifera L.) grew rapidly for 48 days before setting bud in July. By contrast, Eugenei (P. x euramericana (Dode) Guinier) grew at a slower rate than Tristis, but maintained this rate for 75 days before setting bud in September. By early October, the total leaf area and dry weight of Eugenei exceeded that of Tristis by 39 and 11%, respectively. In addition, Eugenei had a greater harvest index than Tristis throughout most of the growing season because a larger proportion of photosynthate produced was directed to shoot growth; however, a high shoot/root ratio in Eugenei predisposed it to water stress. Differences in aboveground biomass between clones were largely attributable to clonal differences in seasonal leaf area development.

Crown architecture, including branching pattern, branch characteristics and orientation of proleptic and sylleptic branches was studied in five poplar clones (Populus deltoides, P. trichocarpa and P. trichocarpa x P. deltoides hybrids), grown under intensive culture in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Branch characteristics measured were number, length, diameter, biomass and the angles of origin and termination. The results suggest that genotype has a major influence on crown architecture in Populus. Clonal differences in branch characteristics and branching patterns were found that resulted in striking differences in crown form and architecture. Branch angle and curvature differed significantly among clones, and among height growth increments within clones. Branch length and diameter were significantly correlated in all clones. Sylleptic branches and the considerable leaf area they carry have important implications for whole tree light interception, and thus, play a critical role in the superior growth and productivity of certain hybrid poplar clones. The considerable variation in branch characteristics implies a strong justification for including them in selection and breeding programs for Populus.