Role of transitory non-structural carbon reserves in boreal forest stand dynamics

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There is growing national and international interest in the underlying mechanisms of tree mortality and forest decline which have recently been associated with changes in the intensity, length and frequency of drought and climate change. Research in tree mortality has mainly focused either directly or indirectly on the processes related to moisture limitations and its impact on water transport. Moisture limitation is thought to be the main driver that cuts off the water supply to the foliage, leading to the desiccation of these tissues and ultimately to the death of trees. However, drought does not fully explain the death of trees and overall forest decline. A possible alternative explanation of this decline is carbon (C) starvation. This hypothesis suggests that due to closed stomata and reduced C assimilation trees could suffer from insufficient and depleted C reserves necessary to maintain their basic respiration needs during high and prolonged stress. This hypothesis has not been rigorously tested and empirical data that support or challenge this hypothesis are scarce.