Analysis of tracheid morphological characteristics, annual rings width and latewood rate of Cupressus funebris in relation to climate factors
Based on the principle of tree chronology, this paper measures tracheid morphological characteristics, ring width, and latewood rate of harvested wood from Cupressus funebris plantation in Deyang, Sichuan Province. Using meteorological data of average temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, sunshine percentage, and average ground temperature from 1983 to 2015, correlation analyses were conducted. The results of the analysis showed that the correlation between tracheid morphological characteristics, ring width, and latewood rate was not consistent with a single climatic factor. Moreover, the correlation between tracheid morphological characteristics and climatic factors, and the correlation between ring width, latewood rate, and climatic factors were significantly different. Temperature was the main limiting factor for ring width and latewood rate. In addition, relative humidity was positively correlated with ring width and negatively correlated with most indicators of tracheid morphological characteristics. Fewer indicators were affected by sunshine percentage. Meanwhile, precipitation was not significantly correlated with ring width and latewood rate. In conclusion, the correlation between various indicators and climate factors was from high to low in order of temperature, relative humidity, sunshine percentage, and precipitation.