Shoot growth efficiency and production of Quercus ilex L. in different climates

Structural and functional traits of Quercus ilex L. were monitored in plants growing in the climax area (Castelporziano, Rome; site A) and at the northern distribution limit (Nago, Trento; site B) in Italy. The most distinctive climatic differences between the two sites were duration and frequency of drought, heat spells in summer at site A, and the occurrence of frost and sub-zero temperatures in winter at site B. The potential productivity of Quercus ilex lies in its tendency to be slow growing with maximum vegetative activity from the end of April to the end of June at Castelporziano, and from the middle of May to the middle of July at Nago, when air temperatures favoured the highest photosynthetic rates (90–100%). The lower shoot biomass production at site B was due to the lower relative growth rates in shoot length (RGRl < 20%) and in shoot dry mass (RGRm <11%). The lower shoot length growth efficiency (LE < 62%) at the northern limit was related to the low temperatures in winter and beginning of spring which reduced favourable periods (<20% than site A) for photosynthetic carbon gain and growth dynamics. It resulted in a lower total leaf surface area per shoot (<60% than site A) and a reduced shoot leaf mass (<31%).