Based on two tree-ring maximum latewood density （MXD） chronologies of Picea schrenkiana from the Manas River Basin, Xinjiang, the response characteristics of MXD to climate variation was discussed. Correlation analysis between MXD chronologies and instrumental records from Shihezi meteorological station showed that each chronology was significantly and positively correlated with the maximum monthly average temperature in July-August, and especially, the regional chronology （RC） was the most highly correlated variable （r=0.54, P〈0.001）. Afterwards, the maximum average temperature in July-August was reconstructed using RC. Comparison among reconstructed temperature, observed values, and the drought index （Is） confirmed that precipitation would affect MXD when the absolute value of Is is greater than 1.5σ （｜Is｜ 〉 2.5 during 1953-2008） or near to 1.5a over a 2-3 year period. The response characteristics are related to the semiarid climate of the study area. In dry years, lack of precipitation would limit the thickening of latewood cell walls and, as a result, impact MXD. Therefore, compared with relatively humid regions, the response of tree-ring MXD to air temperature similarly would be influenced by extreme moisture conditions in semiarid areas, and MXD, as a temperature proxy, should be used prudently on a limited scale.
