Abstract: Resprouting, as one of the regeneration ways of trees after disturbances (e.g., harvesting), plays an essential role in the succession of degraded forests. However, previous studies mainly focused on the demographic analyses of resprouting regeneration, such as number, survival, and growth dynamics, but few studies addressed the processes and mechanisms of resprouting regeneration. Many fundamental questions on resprouting regeneration remain unanswered, which has limited the application of resprouting regeneration in forestry production and forest vegetation restoration and reconstruction. In this study, we first reviewed research progresses on resprouting regeneration, including the basic characteristics of resprouting regeneration, the processes and mechanisms of resprouting production, survival and growth, and the influence of resprouting regeneration on timber supply and forest restoration and reconstruction. We then proposed main scientific research questions for further explorations, especially in temperate secondary forests. This review will benefit future studies on resprouting regeneration, promoting the application of resprouting regeneration in the restoration of temperate secondary forests.

Key words: temperate forest, secondary forest ecosystem, vegetation restoration, regeneration of resprouting, close to-nature silviculture.