Table 1. Descriptions of the sites from where the studied B. pubescens trees were sampled. The age of stand is approximate, as the stands were naturally regenerated.
Location Coordinates Soil Stand density, stems/ha Fertilizing Age of stand, years
Jakokoski I 62°44´N, 30°01’E Mineral Birch: 6000 Pine: 1100 No 35
Hattuvaara 62°59´N, 31°18´E Mineral Birch: 800 Pine: 1300 No 25
Jakokoski II 62°45´N, 30°04’E Peat Birch: 2000 Pine: 1600 No 40
Punkaharju 61°53´N, 29°38´E Peat Birch: 2500 Yes: 3 years before harvesting Fe-PK: 400 kg ha–1 40

Fig. 1. Schema showing the anatomical measurements: a represents two examples of how double cell wall of libriform fibres were measured from tangential walls, b represents measuring radial diameter of fibre lumen and c radial diameter of vessel lumen. The figure represents 18th annual ring from the pith of a seed originated trunk from Punkaharju site.

Table 2. Numbers of cambial age groups (CAG) found in sampled trees by growth site and origin.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG seedling sprout seedling sprout seedling sprout seedling sprout
1–5 14 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
6–10 14 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
11–15 14 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
16–20 10 12 13 13 15 15 15 15
21–25 3 - 2 6 14 14 15 15
26–35 2 - - - 4 9 10 2
Table 3. Means standard errors of the mean and statistical differences of studied characteristics by origin, as well as total average of the characteristics calculated for all samples together. Means of seedlings and sprouts marked with different lowercase letters differ significantly from each other. No letters – no difference.
Characteristics Seedling Sprout Total
Thickness of double wall of fibres, µm 4.1 ± 0.1 4.0 ± 0.1 4.0 ± 0.0
Fibre lumen diameter, µm 14.4 ± 0.1 14.8 ± 0.1 14.6 ± 0.1
Double wall:lumen ratio of fibres 0.29 ± 0.00a 0.27 ± 0.00b 0.28 ± 0.00
Vessel lumen diameter, µm 68.8 ± 1.0 70.4 ± 0.9 69.6 ± 0.7
Vessels, no/mm2 63.1 ± 1.7 58.9 ± 1.4 60.9 ± 1.1
Vessel area, % 15.2 ± 0.0 15.3 ± 0.0 15.3 ± 0.0
Vessel size:number ratio mm4 84.5 ± 4.4 87.4 ± 3.8 86.0 ± 2.9
Rays, no/mm2 12.7 ± 0.2 12.4 ± 0.3 12.5 ± 0.2
Axial parenchyma, no/mm2 80.4 ± 4.7 73.4 ± 4.6 76.8 ± 3.3
Table 4. Means standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the thickness of libriform fibre double cell wall (µm) between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites and all together.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 3.5 ± 0.2 3.7 ± 0.2 3.0 ± 0.1 2.8 ± 0.1 3.6 ± 0.3 3.2 ± 0.2 2.8 ± 0.1 2.8 ± 0.1
3.6 ± 0.16aA 2.9 ± 0.1bA 3.4 ± 0.2aA 2.8 ± 0.1bA
6–10 4.1 ± 0.2 4.2 ± 0.1 3.5 ± 0.1 3.3 ± 0.1 3.9 ± 0.3 3.8 ± 0.2 3.7 ± 0.1 3.9 ± 0.2
4.2 ± 0.1aAB 3.4 ± 0.8bB 3.9 ± 0.2abAB 3.8 ± 0.1abB
11–15 4.4 ± 0.2 4.8 ± 0.2 4.1 ± 0.1 3.8 ± 0.1 4.4 ± 0.3 4.4 ± 0.1 4.0 ± 0.1 3.9 ± 0.2
4.6 ± 0.1aBC 3.9 ± 0.1bC 4.4 ± 0.2abBC 3.9 ± 0.1bBC
16–20 4.8 ± 0.3 4.9 ± 0.2 4.5 ± 0.2a 4.0 ± 0.2b 4.4 ± 0.2 4.5 ± 0.3 4.2 ± 0.1 4.0 ± 0.1
4.9 ± 0.2aC 4.3 ± 0.1bC 4.5 ± 0.2abBCD 4.1 ± 0.1bBC
21–25 5.3 ± 0.6 - 4.6 ± 0.5 4.4 ± 0.3 5.2 ± 0.3 4.9 ± 0.2 4.3 ± 0.2 4.2 ± 0.1
5.4 ± 0.6abBC 4.5 ± 0.3abC 5.1 ± 0.2aD 4.2 ± 0.1bBC
26–35 5.6 ± 0.2 - - - 4.9 ± 0.2 5.0 ± 0.2 4.3 ± 0.3 4.4 ± 0.2
5.6 ± 0.2aBC - 5.0 ± 0.2aCD 4.4 ± 0.2aC
Total 4,3 ± 0.1 4.4 ± 0.1 3.8 ± 0.1 3.5 ± 0.1 4.3 ± 0.1 4.2 ± 0.1 3.9 ± 0.1 3.9 ± 0.1
4.3 ± 0.1a 3.6 ± 0.1b 4.3 ± 0.1a 3.9 ± 0.1b
Note: The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference
Table 5. Means ± standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the diameter of fibre lumen (µm) between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 13.7 ± 0.5 14.2 ± 0.5 12.6 ± 0.4 12.9 ± 0.2 13.3 ± 0.4 12.9 ± 0.4 11.2 ± 0.5 11.5 ± 0.4
14.0 ± 0.3aA 12.7 ± 0.2bA 13.1 ± 0.3abA 11.4 ± 0.3cA
6–10 15.8 ± 0.4 16.1 ± 0.4 14.2 ± 0.4 15.0 ± 0.5 15.4 ± 0.5 15.2 ± 0.5 12.5 ± 0.5 13.1 ± 0.4
15.9 ± 0.3aB 14.6 ± 0.3bB 15.3 ± 0.4abBC 12.8 ± 0.3cB
11–15 16.7 ± 0.5 16.8 ± 0.4 14.3 ± 0.5 14.8 ± 0.6 15.5 ± 0.6 15.9 ± 0.5 12.8 ± 0.6 13.8 ± 0.5
16.7 ± 0.3adB 14.5 ± 0.4beB 15.7 ± 0.4bdCD 13.3 ± 0.4ceB
16–20 17.3 ± 0.9 16.6 ± 0.5 15.3 ± 0.5 14.8 ± 0.6 16.2 ± 0.4 16.8 ± 0.4 13.0 ± 0.4a 14.2 ± 0.5b
17.0 ± 0.5aB 15.0 ± 0.4bB 16.5 ± 0.3aBCE 13.6 ± 0.3cB
21–25 17.8 ± 0.5 - 12.6 ± 1.4a 17.9 ± 1.0b 17.0 ± 0.5 16.6 ± 0.6 13.4 ± 0.4 14.0 ± 0.4
17.8 ± 0.5aB 13.7 ± 0.3abAB 16.8 ± 0.4aDE 13.9 ± 0.3bB
26–35 16.7 ± 0.8 - - - 17.3 ± 1.5 17.5 ± 0.6 13.7 ± 0.5 13.9 ± 0.4
16.7 ± 0.8abAB - 17.5 ± 0.6aE 13.9 ± 0.3bB
Total 15.9 ± 0.3 15.9 ± 0.3 14.0 ± 0.2 14.7 ± 0.3 15.6 ± 0.2 15.7 ± 0.3 12.7 ± 0.2a 13.5 ± 0.2b
15.9 ± 0.2a 14.3 ± 0.2b 15.6 ± 0.2a 13.1 ± 0.1c
Note: The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference
Table 6. Means ± standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the fibre wall:lumen ratio between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 0.25 ± 0.01 0.26 ± 0.01 0.24 ± 0.01a 0.22 ± 0.01b 0.27 ± 0.02 0.25 ± 0.02 0.26 ± 0.02 0.25 ± 0.01
0.26 ± 0.01a 0.23 ± 0.01bA 0.26 ± 0.01ab 0.25 ± 0.01abA
6–10 0.26 ± 0.02 0.27 ± 0.01 0.25 ± 0.01 0.22 ± 0.01 0.26 ± 0.02 0.26 ± 0.02 0.30 ± 0.02 0.30 ± 0.01
0.26 ± 0.01ab 0.24 ± 0.01aAB 0.26 ± 0.01a 0.30 ± 0.01bAB
11–15 0.27 ± 0.01 0.29 ± 0.01 0.29 ± 0.01 0.26 ± 0.02 0.29 ± 0.02 0.28 ± 0.01 0.33 ± 0.03 0.29 ± 0.02
0.28 ± 0.01 0.28 ± 0.01BC 0.28 ± 0.01 0.31 ± 0.02B
16–20 0.28 ± 0.01 0.30 ± 0.02 0.30 ± 0.02 0.27 ± 0.02 0.27 ± 0.01 0.27 ± 0.02 0.33 ± 0.02a 0.28 ± 0.01b
0.29 ± 0.01 0.29 ± 0.01C 0.27 ± 0.01 0.31 ± 0.01B
21–25 0.30 ± 0.03 - 0.38 ± 0.08 0.25 ± 0.03 0.31 ± 0.02 0.31 ± 0.02 0.33 ± 0.02 0.30 ± 0.01
0.30 ± 0.03 0.28 ± 0.03ABC 0.31 ± 0.01 0.31 ± 0.01B
26–35 0.34 ± 0.03 - - - 0.29 ± 0.03 0.28 ± 0.01 0.32 ± 0.03 0.32 ± 0.01
0.34 ± 0.03 - 0.29 ± 0.01 0.32 ± 0.01B
Total 0.27 ± 0.01 0.28 ± 0.01 0.27 ± 0.01a 0.24 ± 0.01b 0.28 ± 0.01 0.27 ± 0.01 0.31 ± 0.01 0.29 ± 0.01
0.27 ± 0.01a 0.26 ± 0.01a 0.28 ± 0.01a 0.30 ± 0.01b
Note: The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference
Table 7. Means ± standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the number of vessels (per mm2) between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 77.4 ± 7.4 64.1 ± 3.8 89.6 ± 6.8 86.2 ± 6.2 94.5 ± 7.8 89.8 ± 7.6 110.3 ± 8.7 115.3 ± 6.7
70.6 ± 4.2aA 87.9 ± 4.6abA 92.2 ± 5.4bA 112.8 ± 5.4cA
6–10 48.2 ± 3.6 46.3 ± 3.1 57.5 ± 2.7 56.6 ± 2.5 68.7 ± 5.2 66.4 ± 3.5 89.7 ± 7.3a 68.9 ± 3.8b
47.2 ± 2.3aB 57.1 ± 1.8bB 67.5 ± 3.1cB 79.3 ± 4.5cB
11–15 41.3 ± 3.0 36.2 ± 1.9 50.8 ± 1.9 52.2 ± 2.5 55.6 ± 3.6 54.9 ± 2.6 82.2 ± 7.2 66.4 ± 3.8
38.6 ± 1.8aBC 51.5 ± 1.5bBC 55.2 ± 2.2bC 74.3 ± 4.3cBC
16–20 33.8 ± 3.1 30.3 ± 1.9 42.4 ± 3.1 47.6 ± 2.7 48.1 ± 3.0 48.2 ± 2.7 64.1 ± 3.8 62.0 ± 3.7
31.9 ± 1.8aC 45.0 ± 2.1bC 48.1 ± 2.0bCD 63.0 ± 2.6cC
21–25 33.8 ± 3.7 - 52.9 ± 2.9 41.7 ± 2.7 42.1 ± 2.4a 51.3 ± 2.7b 51.8 ± 3.7 52.8 ± 2.4
33.8 ± 3.7aBC 44.5 ± 2.7abC 46.7 ± 2.0abCD 52.3 ± 2.2bD
26–35 29.5 ± 2.0 - - - 41.3 ± 6.8 41.3 ± 2.8 47.8 ± 3.6 42.0 ± 1.6
29.5 ± 2.0aC - 41.3 ± 2.7aD 43.8 ± 1.6aE
Total 49.7 ± 3.1 45.0 ± 2.2 60.4 ± 3.0 59.3 ± 2.6 61.0 ± 2.9 60.0 ± 2.4 75.6 ± 3.4a 66.0 ± 2.8b
47.3 ± 1.9a 59.8 ± 2.0bc 60.5 ± 1.9c 70.5 ± 2.2d
The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference
Table 8. Means ± standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the diameter of vessel lumens (µm) between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 58.3 ± 2.5 57.4 ± 2.7 49.2 ± 2.0 51.4 ± 1.9 44.7 ± 1.5 44.0 ± 1.5 43.9 ± 1.6 45.4 ± 2.0
57.8 ± 1.8aA 50.3 ± 1.4cA 44.4 ± 1.1bA 44.6 ± 1.3bA
6–10 79.4 ± 3.3 85.2 ± 4.0 70.0 ± 2.0 69.8 ± 1.7 62.1 ± 2.0 61.3 ± 1.1 56.8 ± 2.0 65.1 ± 2.3
82.4 ± 2.6aB 69.9 ± 1.3bB 61.7 ± 1.1cB 60.9 ± 1.7cB
11–15 85.9 ± 2.5 87.9 ± 3.1 77.3 ± 1.9 78.2 ± 2.1 66.5 ± 1.5 67.3 ± 1.9 62.0 ± 2.3a 69.6 ± 1.5b
87.0 ± 2.0aBC 77.8 ± 1.4bC 66.9 ± 1.2cB 65.8 ± 1.5cB
16–20 95.1 ± 6.1 92.4 ± 3.5 85.3 ± 3.9 81.8 ± 2.1 74.7 ± 1.3 75.2 ± 1.7 65.8 ± 2.2 67.8 ± 1.7
93.7 ± 3.3aC 83.5 ± 2.2aC 75.0 ± 1.1bC 66.8 ± 1.4cBC
21–25 90.3 ± 4.0 - 77.1 ± 7.0 90.1 ± 3.9 82.5 ± 3.3a 74.7 ± 1.6b 74.4 ± 2.4 71.4 ± 2.3
90.3 ± 4.1aBC 86.6 ± 3.8aC 78.6 ± 1.9abC 72.9 ± 1.6bCD
26–35 86.2 ± 0.7 - - - 75.4 ± 4.7 82.9 ± 2.6 79.4 ± 3.1 78.3 ± 2.0
86.2 ± 0.7aBC - 80.6 ± 2.4aC 78.6 ± 1.7aD
Total 79.4 ± 2.3 80.1 ± 2.5 70.2 ± 2.1 71.8 ± 1.8 66.4 ± 1.7 66.4 ± 1.5 63.0 ± 1.5a 67.1 ± 1.3b
79.8 ± 1.7a 71.0 ± 1.4b 71.0 ± 1.4b 65.2 ± 1.0c
Note: The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference
Table 9. Means ± standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the vessel size:number ratio (mm4) between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 40.6 ± 5.8 45.2 ± 5.9 32.3 ± 10.8 26.6 ± 2.7 18.4 ± 1.7 19.2 ± 2.2 15.6 ± 1.8 15.2 ± 1.5
43.0 ± 4.1aAB 29.5 ± 5.5abA 18.8 ± 1.4bA 15.4 ± 1.2bA
6–10 114.2 ± 14.6 145.1 ± 26.3 71.6 ± 7.7 69.6 ± 3.9 49.2 ± 4.9 45.8 ± 2.2 33.5 ± 5.2a 50.6 ± 3.9b
130.2 ± 15.3aA 70.6 ± 4.2bB 47.5 ± 2.7cB 42.0 ± 3.5cBC
11–15 152.5 ± 13.5 177.2 ± 15.5 96.7 ± 8.3 96.8 ± 7.3 67.0 ± 5.6 66.8 ± 3.9 43.0 ± 5.4a 59.7 ± 3.5b
165.2 ± 10.4aAB 96.8 ± 5.4bC 66.9 ± 3.4cC 51.3 ± 3.5dCD
16–20 244.7 ± 49.6 239.8 ± 27.0 158.8 ± 27.2 116.9 ± 10.3 96.3 ± 6.7 94.9 ± 4.3 57.2 ± 5.1 62.0 ± 4.7
242.0 ± 26.2aB 137.8 ± 14.8bC 95.6 ± 3.9bD 59.6 ± 3.4cD
21–25 199.0 ± 41.1 - 90.3 ± 20.9 160.1 ± 20.8 140.0 ± 22.2a 89.6 ± 6.4b 95.0 ± 12.9 78.9 ± 5.7
199.0 ± 41.1aAB 142.6 ± 19.4abBC 114.8 ± 12.3abD 87.0 ± 7.1bE
26–35 198.7 ± 10.0 - - - 124.6 ± 33.4 134.6 ± 9.8 108.0 ± 7.9 121.9 ± 10.1
198.7 ± 10.0aAB - 131.6 ± 11.5abD 117.6 ± 7.4bE
Total 135.9 ± 13.6 147.2 ± 13.4 87.6 ± 9.0 84.0 ± 6.1 75.9 ± 6.6 70.7 ± 4.3 55.8 ± 4.5a 68.9 ± 4.4b
141.5 ± 9.5a 85.7 ± 5.3b 73.2 ± 3.9bc 62.8 ± 3.2c
Note: The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference.
Table 10. Means ± standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the area of vessels (%) between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 14.7 ± 1.6 11.8 ± 1.1 12.3 ± 1.2 12.7 ± 0.9 10.5 ± 0.9 9.7 ± 0.8 11.8 ± 0.9 13.5 ± 1.3
13.2 ± 1.0aA 12.5 ± 0.7abA 10.1 ± 0.6bA 12.7 ± 1.0abA
6–10 17.3 ± 1.6 18.6 ± 1.5 15.7 ± 0.9 15.7 ± 1.1 14.7 ± 1.2 14.2 ± 1.0 15.8 ± 1.1 16.9 ± 1.8
17.9 ± 1.1aB 15.7 ± 0.7abB 14.5 ± 1.0bB 16.4 ± 1.0abB
11–15 17.1 ± 1.4 16.0 ± 1.4 16.9 ± 0.7 17.9 ± 1.1 13.8 ± 1.0 14.2 ± 1.2 17.5 ± 1.5 18.2 ± 1.2
16.5 ± 1.0abAB 17.4 ± 0.7bB 14.0 ± 1.0aB 17.8 ± 1.0bB
16–20 16.9 ± 1.8 14.4 ± 1.1 16.6 ± 1.0 17.9 ± 1.2 15.2 ± 1.1 15.7 ± 1.6 15.5 ± 1.1 15.9 ± 1.0
15.5 ± 1.0aAB 17.2 ± 0.8aB 15.5 ± 1.0aB 15.7 ± 0.7aAB
21–25 15.3 ± 1.0 - 17.6 ± 2.2 18.8 ± 1.3 16.0 ± 1.1 16.2 ± 1.1 15.9 ± 1.1 15.3 ± 1.2
15.3 ± 1.0aAB 18.5 ± 1.0aB 16.1 ± 1.0aB 15.6 ± 1.0aAB
26–35 12.3 ± 1.0 - - - 12.6 ± 1.0 16.3 ± 1.9 17.6 ± 2.1 14.4 ± 0.7
12.3 ± 1.0aAB - 15.2 ± 1.4aB 15.4 ± 1.0aAB
Total 16.2 ± 0.0 15.2 ± 0.0 15.4 ± 0.0 16.2 ± 0.01 14.0 ± 0.0 14.2 ± 0.0 15.6 ± 0.0 15.6 ± 0.0
15.7 ± 0.0ab 15.8 ± 0.0a 14.1 ± 0.0b 15.6 ± 0.0a
Note: The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference
Table 11. Means ± standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the number of rays (per mm2) between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 18.0 ± 1.1 15.8 ± 0.7 17.0 ± 1.3 16.9 ± 0.7 18.3 ± 1.4 18.3 ± 0.8 16.9 ± 1.4 15.9 ± 0.6
16.8 ± 0.7aA 16.9 ± 0.7aA 18.3 ± 0.8aA 16.4 ± 0.7aA
6–10 12.8 ± 0.6 13.3 ± 0.9 13.1 ± 0.6 17.6 ± 4.7 13.6 ± 0.8 14.8 ± 0.7 13.1 ± 0.7a 11.2 ± 0.4b
13.0 ± 0.5aB 15.3 ± 2.3aAB 14.2 ± 0.6aB 12.2 ± 0.4aB
11–15 11.7 ± 0.5 10.5 ± 0.5 11.0 ± 0.7 10.6 ± 0.5 12.0 ± 0.7 12.8 ± 1.0 11.0 ± 0.8 11.0 ± 0.4
11.0 ± 0.4aC 10.8 ± 0.4aBC 12.4 ± 0.6aBC 11.0 ± 0.4aB
16–20 10.0 ± 0.5 9.8 ± 0.5 10.3 ± 0.5 10.7 ± 0.5 10.3 ± 0.5 11.1 ± 0.6 11.0 ± 0.4 10.5 ± 0.5
9.9 ± 0.3aC 10.5 ± 0.4aBC 10.7 ± 0.4aCD 10.8 ± 0.3aB
21–25 10.1 ± 1.4 - 11.4 ± 0.0 10.1 ± 1.2 9.3 ± 0.3 10.1 ± 0.5 10.9 ± 0.6a 9.1 ± 0.4b
10.1 ± 1.4aABC 10.4 ± 0.9aAB 9.7 ± 0.3aD 10.0 ± 0.4aC
26–35 9.1 ± 1.6 - - - 9.5 ± 0.6 8.8 ± 0.7 11.0 ± 1.2 9.4 ± 0.5
9.1 ± 1.6aABC - 9.0 ± 0.5aD 9.9 ± 0.5aC
Total 13.0 ± 0.5 12.5 ± 0.5 12.9 ± 0.5 13.7 ± 1.2 12.6 ± 0.5 13.0 ± 0.5 12.3 ± 0.4a 11.0 ± 0.3b
12.7 ± 0.3ab 13.3 ± 0.7a 12.8 ± 0.3ab 11.7 ± 0.3b
Note: The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference
Table 12. Means ± standard errors of the mean and statistical differences in the number of axial parenchyma cells (per mm2) between seedlings and sprouts, and between growth sites.
Jakokoski mineral Hattuvaara mineral Jakokoski peat Punkaharju peat
CAG Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout Seedling Sprout
1–5 93.1 ± 14.6 69.8 ± 14.0 140.5 ± 23.3 121.0 ± 26.9 236.4 ± 28.4 223.7 ± 31.5 181.9 ± 22.4 176.3 ± 23.4
81.0 ± 10.2aA 130.8 ± 17.6acA 230.1 ± 20.9bA 179.1 ± 15.9bcA
6–10 64.5 ± 9.7 43.4 ± 4.0 69.7 ± 9.8 59.5 ± 10.6 120.2 ± 14.6 152.9 ± 21.4 100.8 ± 15.6 76.6 ± 16.6
53.5 ± 5.4aAB 64.6 ± 7.2acB 136.5 ± 13.1bB 88.7 ± 11.4cB
11–15 43.4 ± 5.4 30.0 ± 6.2 31.5 ± 7.9 52.6 ± 13.1 87.9 ± 10.0 112.3 ± 17.2 94.8 ± 20.4a 42.7 ± 9.7b
36.5 ± 4.3aBC 42.0 ± 7.8aBC 100.1 ± 10.0bBC 68.7 ± 12.1abBC
16–20 31.6 ± 5.4a 17.9 ± 2.9b 20.0 ± 7.6 41.1 ± 9.2 62.0 ± 16.4 81.4 ± 12.1 44.0 ± 9.6 36.1 ± 12.7
24.1 ± 3.2aC 30.5 ± 6.2aC 71.7 ± 10.2bCD 40.1 ± 7.9abCD
21–25 27.3 ± 5.8 - 10.0 ± 10.0 18.7 ± 9.7 44.9 ± 11.63 61.4 ± 13.1 30.1 ± 7.2 19.5 ± 5.1
27.3 ± 5.8abBC 16.5 ± 7.5aC 53.4 ± 8.7bDE 24.8 ± 4.5aD
26–35 31.4 ± 0.7 - - - 46.8 ± 36.3 53.7 ± 12.8 15.2 ± 4.9 19.1 ± 9.3
31.4 ± 0.7abC - 51.6 ± 13.3aCE 17.9 ± 6.5bD
Total 57.4 ± 5.5a 41.5 ± 4.8b 65.1 ± 9.1 64.7 ± 8.6 108.7 ± 10.8 119.2 ± 10.3 81.1 ± 8.6a 58.6 ± 7.7b
49.4 ± 3.7a 64.9 ± 6.2ac 114.2 ± 7.5b 69.2 ± 5.8c
Note: The upper row of a cambial age group (CAG) shows the figures for seedlings and sprouts. Two different lowercase letters within a growth site represents a significant difference between the origins within the growth site. The absence of letters means that no difference between origins were observed within the growth site. The lower row of a CAG represents the mean of the characteristics, including sprouts and seedlings, of the growth site. Means marked with different lowercase letters represent significant differences between those growth sites. The same lowercase letter for two growth sites means that no significant difference exists between these growth sites. Capital letters represent the radial difference within a growth site: same letters – no difference, different letters – significant difference

Fig. 2. a) The thickness of the double cell wall of fibres, b) the diameter of fibre lumens and c) the fibre wall:lumen ratio by growth site and cambial age group.

Fig. 3. a) The number of vessels, b) the diameter of vessel lumens, c) the vessel size:number ratio, and d) the percentage area of vessels by growth site and cambial age group.

Fig. 4. a) The number of rays, and b) the number of axial parenchyma cells by growth site and cambial age group.

Table 13. Statistically significant correlations observed between studied vessel characteristics and a) densities of rays and axial parenchyma cells, and b) thickness of double cell wall of fibres, diameter of fibre lumen, and fibre wall:lumen ratio. Numbers are correlation coefficients. ** significant at 0.01 level, * significant at 0.05 level. CAG – cambial age group, N – number of observations. View in new window/tab.