My research focuses on forest ecology and ecophysiology, and in particular on modelling the responses of plants to multiple environmental factors and predicting the phenological adaptation of trees to climate changes. Investigations include long-lasting observations in permanent plots across wide geographical ranges, manipulated experiments in nature, assisted migration of ecotypes, and experimental designs under controlled conditions. My actual projects are related to the dynamics of tree growth and reproduction at local to global scale and how the effects of climate change on forest productivity can be taken into account by the new strategies of forest management. I am considered a pioneer of the studies on wood formation in temperate and cold ecosystems and treeline ecotones.

Sugar maple under climate change: challenges and opportunities for the Northern regions of Canada

Climate change may affect the growth conditions of maple, allowing the exploitation of maple products, especially wood and maple syrup, in the areas located at the Northern border of their distribution. However, warming could shift the phenology of trees, and modify the climate to which local populations have developed. The higher temperatures could facilitate the growth of maple, but the enhanced occurrence of heat waves risk to affect the cool and wet conditions characterizing the regions already dominated by maple. Earlier springs advance bud burst and expose young tissues to an increased risk of frost damage. Globally, such changes could affect the distribution of maple, with significant contractions expected at the southern limit, which could be partially offset by a slowly Northward expansion of the species. Maple stands located at the northern limit of the species could benefit from local warming under favourable soil conditions and if precipitation does not become limiting. Our talk presents the results of projects on the phenology and adaptation of sugar maple ecotypes carried out in plantations and in controlled environments, and describes the implications for the maple in North-eastern North America. We will discuss the new opportunities for the forest and maple industry in northern regions.