How resilient is Quercus suber L. to cork harvesting? A review and identification of knowledge gaps
Title | How resilient is Quercus suber L. to cork harvesting? A review and identification of knowledge gaps |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2012 |
Authors | Oliveira, G., & Costa A. |
Volume | 270 |
Pagination | 257 - 272 |
Date Published | 2012/4/15/ |
ISBN Number | 0378-1127 |
Keywords | Cork stripping, Mediterranean, Quercus suber L., Sustainable harvesting, tree growth, Tree physiology |
Abstract | Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) woodlands are ecologically sensitive and human-supported areas which strongly rely on the high market value of cork for their sustainability. Cork harvesting is a forestry practice specific to this Mediterranean evergreen oak, whereby the bark (cork) is periodically removed from stems and branches over the whole tree lifetime. This practice is a strain factor for the tree, particularly because it is performed during the most stressful time of the year, and also because stripped oaks become more vulnerable to pathogens and environmental hazards such as wildfires.This review gathers and analyzes information about tree responses to cork harvesting. Cork removal leads to phellogen destruction and subsequent regeneration. Upon each harvesting, the tree faces important losses of water, released from the suddenly exposed living cells, and of cork. Immediate responses relate to stem healing mechanisms, leaf stomatal closure and prompt production of new cork layers by the restored phellogen, the latter actually representing the most evident response of Q. suber to cork harvesting. Further strategies to compensate for water and cork losses are insufficiently understood, but possibly include prolonged reduction of leaf transpiration (and consequent reduction of photoassimilation), increased water uptake from the soil, use of reserves and changes in whole-tree energy allocation to support cork regeneration. |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112712000357 |
Short Title | Forest Ecology and Management |