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Architecture and rameal sequences analysed with X-ray CT scanning

Frédéric Mothe
LERFoB, INRA Nancy
le 17/03/2011 à 15:30

Résumé

A method based on X-ray CT scanning was developed to analyse the network of branch knots and other rameal traces within a tree stem. The rameal traces are recorded manually by placing markers on the images with considering the hierarchical organisation (e.g. a bud trace started from the pith, divided in two secondary buds which gave birth to epicormic branches etc). The software delivers a 3D view of the results, including stem shape, pith trajectory and rameal sequences. Quantitative data including geometric description of each recorded element (length, inclination angle, diameter, volume) and pith density profile are delivered.

In this presentation, the method was applied on several species and for each species on two trees, one of high external quality and the other of low quality. The resulting differences in rameal organisation and geometry are discussed with regard to the architectural traits (monopody/sympody, phyllotaxy, adventitious and accessory buds, epicormics, orthotropy/plagiotropy, acrotony).