Parallel clines in different species, or in different geographical regions of the same species, are an important source of information on the genetic basis of local adaptation. We recently detected latitudinal clines in SNPs frequencies and gene expression of candidate genes for growth cessation in Scandinavian populations of Norway spruce (Picea abies). Here we test whether the same clines are...

Variability in short root morphology of the three main tree species of Europe's boreal forest (Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth)) was investigated in four stands along a latitudinal gradient from northern Finland to southern Estonia. Silver birch and Scots pine were present in three stands and Norway spruce was present...

The significance of endophytic needle infections to Norway spruce is still largely unsolved. Lophodermium piceae is the most common species representing typically over 90 % of the cultivable isolates obtained from surface sterilized needles. Generally, more than 50 % of the needles are infected with this species and single healthy looking needles can accommodate several, even more than 30 indiv...

Plant propagation originated  from the mature tissues is the most desirable method in producing clonal plants, however microbial contamination usually is the main concern during regeneration processes. Moreover, commercial production of plants using clonal propagation is considered as high throughput method due to the   removal of seasonal barriers, lower cost of production with higher yield wh...

Conifers growing at the alpine timberline are exposed to frost drought and freeze-thaw cycles during winter-stress factors known to induce embolism in tree xylem. The two dominant species of the European Central Alps timberline were studied: Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) and stone pine (Pinus cembra), which usually reaches higher altitudes. We hypothesized to find embolism only at the ...

KRAIGHER H. & HANKE D.E. 1996. Cytokinins in Norway spruce seedlings and forest soil pollution. Phyton (Horn, Ausrtia) 36 (3): (57) (60). Cytokinins can correlate with pollution damage in spruce trees and also with different strains and species of their mycorrhizal symbionts. In our study, Norway spruce seedlings were grown in vitro on sterilized or nonsterile soil substrates from two different...

Growth in perennial plants possesses an annual cycle of active growth and dormancy that is controlled by environmental factors, mainly photoperiod and temperature. In conifers and other nonangiosperm species, the molecular mechanisms behind these responses are currently unknown. In Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) seedlings, growth cessation and bud set are induced by short days and plants...

Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) produces an oleoresin characterized by a diverse array of terpenoids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and diterpene resin acids that can protect conifers against potential herbivores and pathogens. Oleoresin accumulates constitutively in resin ducts in the cortex and phloem (bark) of Norway spruce stems. De novo formation of traumatic resin ducts (TDs) is ...

Heterobasidion annosum senso lato is the most devastating pathogen of conifers such as Norway spruce in Europe. This pathogen enter Norway spruce trees trough the roots or wounds and colonizes the tree from within, growing as a saprophyte when established within the dead heartwood and acting as a necrotroph when in contact with living host tissue. We have examined the host response in Norway sp...