Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Crown Function, Morphology, and Dynamics

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this Special Issue to feature papers that deepen our insight into the genetic and environmental factors responsible for overall crown morphology. Genetics determines the overall structure of branches, and how tolerant branches are to shade. The environment consisting of the regional climate, disturbance regime, and atmospheric quality affects the longevity and extension of both branches and foliage. Indirect biotic factors create a special class of effects. Examples of such effects include intercrown abrasion, shade and shelter from conspecific and heterospecific competitors, and water and nutrient diversion by hemiparasites such as mistletoe.

We would like to bring together all types of studies concerning these biotic and abiotic effects on crown morphology. We are especially interested in studies that integrate the consequences of these effects at various levels of organization, such as tree size and form; tree and stand growth; branch, foliage, and stand dynamics. Both simulations and experimental studies are welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Branch growth;
• Crown length;
• Functional crown;
• Foliage horizontal and vertical distribution;
• Shade tolerance and branch longevity;
• Branch autonomy.

Prof. Dr. Thomas J. Dean
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.