Vitas, A. and Žeimavičius, K. 2010. Regional Tree-Ring Chronology of European Larch (Larix decidua Mill.) in Lithuania.  Baltic Forestry 16 (2): 187 – 193

A dendrochronological study of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) has been carried out in Lithuania and a regional tree-ring chronology constructed. Our investigation, based on 25 experimental plots (351 trees), demonstrates that a similar growth pattern is characteristic of larch growing across Lithuania. The radial growth of larch is characterized by a high mean sensitivity (on average 0.35±0.01) and the occurrence of light rings. The compiled regional tree-ring chronology ranges from 1850 to 2008. The analysis of signature years has revealed that the formation of narrow rings is linked to hot/dry summers and of wide rings to warm winters and springs. The tree-ring patterns of larch and Norway spruce, growing in a mixed stand, are similar (correlations from 0.26 to 0.51, p≤0.01), while the similarity with Scots pine is much lower (correlations from 0.16 to 0.20, p from 0.03 to 0.13).

Key words: European larch, Lithuania, regional tree-ring chronology,tree-ring widths, signature years, climate