Optimal Timing of Leaf Expansion and Shedding in a Seasonally Varying Environment(SYMPOSIUM : ADAPTIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF LEAF EXPANSION AND BRANCHINGS IN TREES) :

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  • Optimal Timing of Leaf Expansion and Shedding in a Seasonally Varying Environment<sup>1)</sup>

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<jats:p><jats:bold>Abstract</jats:bold> Optimal utilization of a seasonally varying environment by deciduous trees is studied by analyzing two mathematical models. Both models are constructed from the viewpoint of carbon economy. First, optimal times for leaf expansion and shedding in the seasonal environment that maximize the total net gain of photosynthelic products are obtained. We show that both leaf ageing and leaf mortality select for delayed leaf expansion. We suggest that the delay of leaf expansion for canopy trees is important in allowing spring ephemeral species to survive in the temperate forest floor. Second, a two‐layer model, in which the lower layer of leaves is shaded by the upper, is analyzed to study the effect of self‐shading on the optimal pattern of leaf expansion. We show that the succeeding expansion of leaves is more advantageous than flushing expansion, even in the situation where all leaves are constructed by the products in the previous year.</jats:p>

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