Annual cycle of shoot development in sugar maple

Abstract

Cytohistology and the development and morphogenesis of sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) shoots were studied. Three types were recognized: short shoots, long shoots entirely preformed in the bud (Epf long), and long shoots partially preformed in the bud (heterophyllous). The three shoot types varied not only in the size and number of internodes and leaves but also in the development of terminal buds. Terminal bud formation was delayed in heterophyllous shoots but because of a shorter plastochron, which extended later into the growing season, the terminal apices of these shoots were able to annually produce more primordia than in other shoot types. The beginning of embryonic shoot formation, however, began about the same time (late July) for all shoot types.