Impact of temperature on the growth of a Neotropical tree species (Hymenaea courbaril, Fabaceae) at its southern distribution limit

Author(s)

Locosselli, Giuliano Maselli ^[1] ; Krottenthaler, Stefan ^[2] ; Pitsch, Philipp ^[2] ; Anhuf, Dieter ^[2] ; Ceccantini, Gregorio ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Bot, Rua Matao 277, BR-09715030 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Passau, Dept Phys Geog, Innstr 40, D-94032 Passau - Germany

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY; v. 63, n. 12, p. 1683-1692, DEC 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Widely distributed tree species usually face different growth conditions across gradients of climate variables. Hymenaea courbaril inhabits most of Neotropical lowlands, where its growth is limited by low precipitation under seasonal precipitation regimes. However, it is still unclear what are the drivers of growth variability at its distribution limits, where populations are most vulnerable to climate change. We evaluated the role of precipitation and temperature variability on the growth rate of two populations of H. courbaril at the southern limits of its occurrence. Sampling sites comprise two semi-deciduous forest fragments with weathered and chemically poor soils, similar temperature conditions, only differing in size and in precipitation regime. To achieve that goal, we built two tree-ring chronologies using standard dendrochronological methods, one with 21 trees (37 radii) and the other one with 13 trees (24 radii). First, we evaluated if site conditions would affect average growth patterns, and then, we tested the climate-growth relationships and the teleconnections with the Equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature (SST). The results show that trees display similar average growth rates throughout life without evidence of influence from differing fragment sizes. Nonetheless, precipitation positively influences annual growth in the drier site, while it has a negative effect on growth in the wetter site. In contrast to previous studies, temperature has a stronger influence than precipitation on the growth of these trees. Monthly, seasonal, and annual mean temperatures showed a negative influence on trees growth. The variability of the regional temperature and, consequently, of the growth rate of the trees is partially dependent on the SST of the Equatorial Pacific. In conclusion, this study shows that temperature is a key limiting growth factor for this species at its southern distribution limits and periods with warmer temperature will likely reduce annual growth rate. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/25511-3 - Climate and pollution reconstruction based on urban tree-rings growth records
• Grantee: Giuliano Maselli Locosselli
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/50457-4 - Twentieth century changes of tree ring isotopes in Southeastern Brazilian forests: how do climate conditions influence growth and water use efficiency and thus enforce tree migration
• Grantee: Veronica Angyalossy
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/50085-3 - PIRE: climate research education in the Americas using tree-ring speleothem examples (PIRE-CREATE)
• Grantee: Francisco William da Cruz Junior
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants