Randomized trial investigates seed production impacts on biomass in European beech forests, suggesting climate factors dictate growth patterns.
Key Points
This research aimed to determine the relationship between seed production and per-seed investment in European beech trees, focusing on how climate influences this dynamic.
Quantified individual seed production and seed mass across 2792 trees from 123 populations.
Analyzed protein and lipid content in seeds from 35 populations.
Assessed variation in seed characteristics relative to climate factors.
Seeds from high-seeding years were 14% heavier than those from low-seeding years, indicating no seed size-number trade-off.
Protein content decreased by 31% with increased seed production, while lipid content increased by 14%.
Lowest seed mass and protein content were observed at climatic range margins, 28% and 32% lower than at the climatic center.