Growth chambers and greenhouses for the study of root connections and mycorrhizea networks

该项目包括为UQAT的温室购买遮阳布和铝地板，以及为我们的生长室购买外部压缩机/冷凝器和喘振保护器。将得到支持的研究项目是DRS Desrocher和Bergeron的项目，旨在首先展示树木之间通过根连接和嫁接实现的生理整合及其对森林生态的影响。许多实验必须在受控条件下进行，以便能够操纵根系并测量生理反应。Desrocher还开发了密集的营林管理方案，主要使用杂交杨树和杨树，这些杨树和杨树必须在温室或生长室中持续生产和维护，以便用于受控实验或田间使用。Bergeron与这项应用相关的研究项目也旨在研究树木之间的关系，但这一次是通过加拿大东部森林物种、杨树、香脂冷杉和黑云杉之间共享的外生菌根真菌。杨树和香脂冷杉之间通过菌丝网络共生的外生菌根可能存在促进关系，这项研究具有重要的生态学意义，因为它表明树木不是独立的个体，它们可以通过根连接或菌根直接分享物质，从而直接影响彼此的生长。这项研究将迫使我们重新思考传统的林分动态概念，如竞争和演替。从应用的角度来看，很少有实践者将成功或不成功的营林操作与根连接联系在一起。例如，我们已经证明，树木之间的根系连接可能会显著影响间伐结果。北方森林中有很大一部分林分处于成熟或过成熟状态，这吸引了森林从业者进行更多的部分砍伐，以便随着时间的推移‘扩大’木材蓄积量。了解根连接的效果将对此类实践的成功产生重大影响。

The project consists in acquiring shade cloths and aluminium flooring for UQAT's greenhouses, as well as an exterior compressor/condenser unit and surge protectors for our growth chambers. The research programs to be supported are those of Drs DesRochers and Bergeron, aiming firstly to demonstrate physiological integration between trees, through root connections and grafts, and its effects on forest ecology. Many experiments have to be conducted under controlled conditions in order to be able to manipulate the root systems and measure physiological responses. DesRochers also develops intensive silviculture management scenarios mostly using hybrid poplars and aspens that have to be continuously produced and maintained in the greenhouse or growth chambers to be used in controlled experiments or to be used in the field. Bergeron's research program associated to this application also aims to study relationships between trees, but this time through ectomycorrhizal fungi shared between species of the eastern Canadian forest, aspen, balsam fir and black spruce. There would be a facilitation relationship between aspen and balsam fir allowed by symbiotic ectomycorrhizae via mycelium networks.This research has great ecological significance, because it shows that trees are not distinct individuals; they can directly share substances through root connections or mycorrhizae, and hence directly influence growth of one another. This research will force us to reconsider our traditional forest stand dynamics concepts such as competition and succession. From an applied perspective, few practioners have associated successful or unsuccessful silvicultural operations to root connections. For example, we have shown that thinning results could be significantly influenced by root connections between trees. A great proportion of stands in the boreal forest are in a mature or over-mature state, enticing forest practitioners to carry out more partial cutting in order to 'extend' wood volumes over time. Understanding the effects of root connections will have a significant impact on the success of such practices.