This publication presents an overview of the current interests in tree physiology research within the European tree physiology Eurosilva network, which has been going on since 1986. The last phase, entitled "Cost Action E 6: Eurosilva Forest Tree Physiology Research", was accomplished during the period from 1996 to 2000. The scientific discussions in the three working groups (I: Tree growth and development, II: Tree nutrition and water relations, III: Biotic and abiotic interactions in trees) have touched on a diverse collection of topics. The articles in this book have been written by well-known European and American scientists and focus on basic tree physiology and trees and their environments. The book will provide to the reader information of the Eurosilva network's activities and recent findings. Some important future aspects are also discussed.
Preface. Section I: Basic Tree Physiology. Cambial cell biology comes of age; N. Chaffey. Physiology of cambial growth, storage of reserves and heartwood formation; E. Magel. Insights into bud development and dormancy in poplar; A. Rohde, W. Boerjan. Physiology of tree root/fungus symbiosis; R. Hampp, U. Nehls. Section II: Stress Physiology. Understanding the role of ozone stress in altering belowground processes; C.P. Andersen. Ozone-induced cell death; J. Kangasjarvi, et al. Signalling and antioxidant defence mechanisms in higher plants; S. Karpinski, et al. Effect of ozone on conifers in the timberline ecotone; G. Wieser, W. Havranek. Ageing as an influence on tree response to ozone: theory and observations; T.E. Kolb. Ozone and UV-B responses of trees and the question of forest sustainability; C. Langebartels, et al. Investigations on the action of fungal toxins on plants; W. Osswald, et al. Section III: Trees and Their Environment. Effects of atmospheric CO2 on growth and branchines of different poplar (Populus) genotypes in the POPFACE experiment; B. Cielen, et al. Biotic interactions; W. Beyschlag. The influence of the environment during sexual reproduction on adaptations of conifers along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients; A . Johnsen, T. Skroppa. Section IV: Fugure Aspects of Tree Physiology. Tree physiology goes genomics; B. Sundberg. Water, nutrients and carbon; altitude and ageing; P.G. Jarvis, et al. Trends in forest tree physiological research; R. Matyssek. Author index. Index.