An assessment of the remodelling of bifurcations in hazel (Corylus avellana L.) in response to bracing, drilling and splitting

Slater, Daniel; Ennos, A R

Abstract

This paper provides an insight into the ability of bifurcations in hazel trees to remodel themselves after bracing, drilling and splitting. The study uses evidence from field observations and testing the strength of these bifurcations using a universal testing machine alongside wood density tests. This work highlights the importance of the centrally-placed xylem at the apex of hazel forks in supplying tensile strength to the bifurcation. Additionally, it provides evidence that rod-braced bifurcations can atrophy in terms of their tensile strength, growth rate and wood density, suggesting that thigmomorphogenesis plays an important role in the development of a strong bifurcation.

Citation

Slater, D., & Ennos, A. R. (2016). An assessment of the remodelling of bifurcations in hazel (Corylus avellana L.) in response to bracing, drilling and splitting. Arboriculture & urban forestry, 42(5), 355-370

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 1, 2016
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Deposit Date: Feb 18, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 30, 2016
• Journal: Arboriculture and urban forestry
• Print ISSN: 1935-5297
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 355-370
• Keywords: Bark inclusion, Bifurcation, Biomechanics, Bracing, Corylus Avellana L., Remodelling, Thigmomorphogenesis, Tree crotch, Tree fork
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/471713
• Publisher URL: http://auf.isa-arbor.com/articles.asp?JournalID=1&VolumeID=42&IssueID=5
• Additional Information: Authors' accepted manuscript of article published in: Arboriculture and urban forestry, 2016, v.42, issue 5