A Literature Review and Study of the Clonal Composition and Stand Structure of Native Aspen (Populus tremula L.) in Glen Affric
In 1998, Fran Chilman, a student at Edinburgh University, carried out research on aspen stands in Glen Affric. Here is the abstract of her work, from her dissertation document:
Abstract
The literature on aspen biology, ecology and genetic variation was reviewed. A study was carried out in Glen Affric, in the Highlands of Scotland. Using isozyme analysis, a large stand of 1583 m2 was found to contain at least four different clones, supporting recent research which proved that stands are not necessarily monoclonal.
The same stand was surveyed to see whether stage of leaf flushing was a useful phenotypic clonal marker, but this was not the case. However, distinct differences were observed between stands.
The age structure of five stands was investigated. They were all found to have very few old stems, and an extremely high number of suckers, with one or two other age cohorts in between.
The position of all stems was mapped, and the stands were all found to be expanding, although the suckers were suppressed by heavy browsing pressure. At one site 92% of suckers had been browsed.
The density of stems varied between sites, and between different age cohorts within sites.
Pooled results with other research in the same Glen showed that the majority of stands were on south facing slopes. The number of trees in the older core of the stand varied from 1 to 145.
Due to its clonal reproductive strategy and lack of dispersal there is concern over possible erosion of genotypic diversity in aspen. The present study hopes to provide information of use to restoration programmes.
Aspen - related pages
Back to Scientific Research in the Caledonian Forest
