Abstract: We tested whether seedlings of four beech provenances, from contrasting edaphoclimatic environments, expressed differences in trait responses to imposed water stress under sun and shade treatments. Populations from the southern range margin were expected to display greater water-stress tolerance and core populations faster growth rates in the absence of abiotic limitations. Seedlings germinated under controlled conditions and were grown under controlled light-x-watering treatment combinations comprising shade/sun (main plot factor) and well-wat...
(read more)