Articles | Volume 26, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-203-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-203-2026
Standard article
 | 
10 Sep 2026
Standard article |  | 10 Sep 2026

An integrated study of bud development and phenology enhances our understanding of coexistence and reproduction in two Mediterranean Quercus species

Gabriel Montserrat-Martí, Andreu Cera, and John G. Hodgson

Cited articles

Aissi, A.: New insights about Quercus faginea (s.l) taxonomic status in northern Africa, Mediterr. Bot., 44, e82996–e82996, https://doi.org/10.5209/mbot.82996, 2023. 
Albuixech, J., Camarero, J. J., and Montserrat-Martí, G.: Seasonal dynamics of secondary growth and xylem anatomy in two coexisting Mediterranean Quercus, For. Syst., 21, 9–22, https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2112211-12076, 2012. 
Alday, J. G., Camarero, J. J., Revilla, J., and Resco de Dios, V.: Similar diurnal, seasonal and annual rhythms in radial root expansion across two coexisting Mediterranean oaks, Tree Physiol., 40, 956–968, https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpaa041, 2020. 
Alla, A. Q., Camarero, J. J., Rivera, P., and Montserrat-Martí, G.: Variant allometric scaling relationships between bud size and secondary shoot growth in Quercus faginea: implications for the climatic modulation of canopy growth, Ann. For. Sci., 68, 1245–1254, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-011-0093-z, 2011. 
Alla, A. Q., Camarero, J. J., Maestro-Martínez, M., and Montserrat-Martí, G.: Acorn production is linked to secondary growth but not to declining carbohydrate concentrations in current-year shoots of two oak species, Trees, 26, 841–850, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-011-0658-3, 2012. 
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Short summary

We studied the growth and bud formation of an evergreen and a deciduous oak species in a Mediterranean area. The phenology of 15 individuals per species was recorded over 4 years and organogenesis in apical buds in two individuals per species over 1 year. Both species showed similar seasonal patterns, although bud opening was later in the evergreen. Summer growth competed with bud formation, and heavy fruit crops reduced bud size and flower number the following year, influencing growth and reproduction.

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