Stem sensors for tree health/vitality: perspectives to quantify the synchronization of environmental patterns and plant response dynamics.

Sensors applied on the stem are sensitive to the physiological status of the tree, recording hourly, so daily and seasonal, stem radial variations and water use. These variations are used to explain how tree functions change in relation to climatic fluctuations. The aim of this work was to briefly recap the main strategies of synchronizing the dendrometer and sap flow signals with climate fluctuations. We described the state of the art, the methodological details and ecophysiological applications of dendrometers and sap flow sensors, highlighting the advantages and the main limitations in forestry. The synchronization of environmental patterns and plant response dynamics represents the main challenge to assess tree performance and to predict potential limitations in adaptation dynamics in forestry.