Abstract |
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) primarily reproduce by suckering (i.e., root sprouting). Numerous environmental variables have been suggested as causes of this phenomenon, the most notable of which is soil temperature. Studies demonstrating thermal regulation of sprouting indicate the involvement of growth hormones. The only class of hormones to elicit a response similar to sprouting is the cytokinins. Other hormones, no doubt, function in this process as well (e.g., auxins). Regression analyses results indicated that in this subalpine meadow, 91.9% of the variation in soil moisture was accounted for by the silt percentage, and 66% of the variation in soil temperatures was accounted for by soil moisture. |