Tree age did not affect the leaf anatomical structure or ultrastructure of Platycladus orientalis L. (Cupressaceae)

PeerJ

Fei Zhao¹  Zhaohong Jiang²  Yiming Li³  Xin Zhang³  Qianyi Zhou³  Qing Lai³  Zhong Zhao³ 

[1] Beijing Agricultural Technology Extension Station, Beijing, China;College of Life Science, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China;Key Comprehensive Laboratory of Forestry, College of Forestry, Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University, Yang Ling, Shaanxi, China;

关键词: Ancient tree;    Platycladus orientalis;    Anatomical structure;    Ultrastructure;    Chloroplast;    Mitochondria;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.7938

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Tree aging is a new research area and has attracted research interest in recent years. Trees show extraordinary longevity; Platycladus orientalis L. (Cupressaceae) has a lifespan of thousands of years. Ancient trees are precious historical heritage and scientific research materials. However, tree aging and tree senescence have different definitions and are poorly understood. Since leaves are the most sensitive organ of a tree, we studied the structural response of leaves to tree age. Experiments investigating the leaf morphological structure, anatomical structure and ultrastructure were conducted in healthy P. orientalis at three different ages (ancient trees >2,000 years, 200 years < middle-aged trees <500 years, young trees <50 years) at the world’s largest planted pure forest in the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, Shaanxi Province, China. Interestingly, tree age did not significantly impact leaf cellular structure. Ancient P. orientalis trees in forests older than 2,000 years still have very strong vitality, and their leaves still maintained a perfect anatomical structure and ultrastructure. Our observations provide new evidence for the unique pattern of tree aging, especially healthy aging. Understanding the relationships between leaf structure and tree age will enhance the understanding of tree aging.

【 授权许可】

Unknown