title: [Fate of Larix chinensis apex buds and its influence on branching pattern].
abstract: Using box-counting dimension method, this paper investigated the spatial occupation ability of different branching patterns related to the fate of Larix chinensis apex buds. The results showed that type I branching was beneficial to the branches to extend their spatial occupation, type II branching was beneficial to spread their areas, and type III branching was beneficial both to extend their spatial occupation and to spread their areas. As a whole, the death of apex buds could help branches to improve their spatial occupation ability and energy utilization efficiency, and play an important role in adjusting crown type, and hence, in improving its photosynthesis. The death of Larix chinensis apex buds was probably a compelled result of their rigorous living conditions.
authors.affiliation: College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China. rubytwo@163.com
authors.forename: Xiangjian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Xiaoan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D017753:Ecosystem; D028221:Larix / Q000254:growth & development*; D010788:Photosynthesis; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000254:growth & development*