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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2006; 8(4): 462-469
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924044
Research Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Seasonal Profiles of Sulphur, Phosphorus, and Potassium in Norway Spruce Wood

T. Barrelet1 , 2 , A. Ulrich2 , H. Rennenberg3 , U. Krähenbühl1
  • 1Department for Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
  • 2EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
  • 3Institute of Forest Botany and Tree Physiology, Chair of Tree Physiology, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 053/054, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: October 31, 2005

Accepted: February 24, 2006

Publication Date:
11 May 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Seasonal profiles of sulphur, phosphorus, and potassium content in the wood of trees have been established for the first time. This became possible by using a novel laser ablation system coupled to HR‐ICP‐MS for measuring these elements in Norway spruce drill cores. This technique combines excellent spatial resolution with superior detection power, and makes it possible to measure low element concentrations even in relatively narrow annual rings. Despite its low quantity in wood, sulphur is an important macronutrient for plants and seems to display seasonal variations of its concentration, which correspond to actual theories of sulphur metabolism in plants. A similar seasonal pattern was also found for phosphorus, another crucial element in tree nutrition. This was unexpected, because it was previously assumed that the distribution of phosphorus remains constant throughout the year. Potassium, the third element measured, seems to be especially accumulated in the latewood. The profiles presented in this article suggest a seasonal variation, revealing some new aspects of Norway spruce (Picea abies) metabolism.

Key words

Sulphur metabolism - phosphorus metabolism - potassium metabolism - Norway spruce - Picea abies - LASER ablation ICP‐MS.

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T. Barrelet

Department for Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Bern

Freiestrasse 3

3012 Bern

Switzerland

Email: tbarrelet@hotmail.com

Editor: M. Hawkesford