Canopy tree development and undergrowth bamboo dynamics in old-growth Abies–Betula forests in southwestern China: a 12-year study

Interactions between forest canopy characteristics and plants in the forest understory are important determinants of forest community structure and dynamics. In the highlands of southwestern, China the dwarf bamboo Bashania fangiana Yi is an understory dominant beneath a mixed canopy of the evergreen Abies faxoniana (Rheder & Wilson) and the deciduous Betula utilis (D. Don). The goal of this study was to better understand the role of bamboo dominance, canopy characteristics, and periodic bamboo dieback on forest development. To achieve this goal, we measured tree seedling, tree saplings, and trees, forest canopy characteristics, and bamboo cover in permanent forest (n = 4) and gap plots (n = 31) in a mixed A. faxoniana and B. utilis forest in Sichuan, China. Dwarf bamboos died off in 1983 in the gap plots, and in three of the four forest plots. Forest development was assessed for the period 1984–1996. The seedling bank in forest and gap plots increased after bamboo die-off. A. faxoniana seedlings increased more than B. utilis in forest plots; the opposite pattern characterized gap plots. The proportion of seedlings on raised micro-sites on the forest floor also changed and new seedling were more abundant on the forest floor. By 1996, bamboo seedling cover and biomass had recovered to ca. 45% or their pre-flowering values. Rates of bamboo seedling recovery were faster beneath canopy gaps and deciduous trees than beneath forest or evergreen trees. Tree mortality exceeded recruitment in plots with dense bamboo; the opposite pattern was found in the plot with little bamboo. The mortality rate for B. utilis trees (2.4% year⁻¹) was higher than that for A. faxoniana (0.8% year⁻¹) and forests with dense bamboos became more open over the census period. Tree mortality was size-dependent and intermediate sized trees had the lowest rates of mortality. Stand basal area increased mainly due to greater basal area gain than loss for A. faxoniana. Interactions between tree species life history, canopy type, and bamboo life-cycles create heterogeneous conditions that influence tree and bamboo regeneration and contribute to the coexistence of A. faxoniana and B. utilis in old-growth forests in southwestern China.     

Season and substrate effects on the first-year establishment of current-year seedlings of major conifer species in an old-growth subalpine forest in central Japan

Seasonal and substrate effects on first-year seedling establishment of major conifer species (Abies mariesii, Abies veitchii, Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, and Tsuga diversifolia) were assessed in an old-growth subalpine forest in central Japan. Older seedlings (≥1 year) were more abundant on woody debris (WD), such as fallen logs, than on soil. It is known that this preferential seedling establishment on WD is determined by the first-year seedling establishment. The present results indicate that first-summer seedling survivorship clearly contributes to the creation of such seedling–substrate associations, because mortality during the first-summer was greater on soil than WD but that during the first-autumn/winter was not different. Although the standardized mortality rate of current-year seedlings on WD was not so different among the three seasons, that on soil significantly decreased in the winter; indicating that soil is not an unsuitable substrate for seedling survivorship during snow-covered winter. Thus, it can be concluded that biotic and abiotic factors enhancing seedling mortality on soil are most active during summer, and seedling–substrate associations seem to be determined mainly during the first-summer soon after seedling emergence. Furthermore, the first-year survivorship of P. jezoensis var. hondoensis, which has smaller-sized seeds/seedlings that are disadvantageous for early survival, decreased with progressing WD decay toward soil. This suggests that the properties of WD also affect current-year seedling survivorship, especially for species sensitive to substrate properties. In conclusion, initial survivorship affects seedling bank dynamics, and such early dynamics are greatly regulated by the highly heterogeneous substrate availability on forest floors.     

Impact of vertebrate acorn- and seedling-predators on a Mediterranean Quercus pyrenaica forest

We have experimentally investigated the impact of biotic factors, acting at the seed and seedling stages, on a Quercus pyrenaica forest in the Sierra Nevada mountains (SE Spain). We monitored the natural establishment of the oak for 3 years in two forest plots and two shrubland plots, by counting seedlings and juveniles. In addition, we established several experiments in these plots to examine acorn and seedling survival, while also considering the microhabitat effect on survival probability. Dispersed acorns were quickly consumed by several species of predators, particularly wild boar (Sus scrofa) and woodmouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). Less than 4% of the experimental acorns survived to produce seedlings, even when they were buried 4 cm in soil, simulating caches. No effect of microhabitat was found on predation, and thus no safe site appears to exist for Q. pyrenaica acorns in the study area. Some 98% of the 1000 experimental seedlings were killed by herbivores, notably woodmice, wild boar, and domestic and wild ungulates. Seedling survival varied spatially, being significantly higher under shrubs (4%) than in any other microhabitat (less than 0.5%). Both acorn and seedling survival were much lower in the shrublands than in the forests. In shrubland plots, the main agent of seedling mortality was trampling by domestic ungulates foraging in herds. This study suggests that the regeneration of Q. pyrenaica forests in Mediterranean mountains can be limited by herbivores acting at several life-history stages.     

Emergence and seasonal mortality of naturally regenerated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis> seedlings: impact of overstory density and two site preparation methods

Manipulation of the canopy cover and site preparation are the most important silvicultural measures to enhance the conditions for natural regeneration of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). During the early regeneration phase however, seedling mortality may be high, so it is important to study how different combinations of stand-level treatments and site preparation methods affect seedling establishment. We studied emergence, 1st winter and 2nd summer mortality for naturally regenerated spruce seedlings in a field experiment that combined four harvest treatments (shelterwoods of high (SH), medium (SM) and low (SL) residual basal area, and a 50 × 50 m clear-cut (CC)) and two site preparation methods (patch scarification and inverting). The CC had significantly fewer seedlings the 1st fall than the SL and SH (p = 0.0377), and in all harvest treatments, fewer seedlings emerged in inverted than in patch scarified spots (p = 0.0351). Mortality was also lower with patch scarification than inverting (1st winter: p = 0.0565, 2nd summer: p = 0.0377), but was not affected by harvest treatment (1st winter: p = 0.9211, 2nd summer: p = 0.1896). On average, mortality from 1st to 2nd fall reached 38% and 27% after inverting and patch scarification, respectively. First winter mortality accounted for approximately two thirds of the accumulated mortality, regardless of the harvest treatment and site preparation method.     

The influence of windthrow microsites on tree regeneration and establishment in an old growth mountain forest

The Rothwald forest in Lower Austria represents one of the few never logged old growth forests in Central Europe. Here, the influence of windthrow pits and mounds on tree regeneration in a spruce-fir-beech mountain forest was studied. Two main factors for recolonisation of sites after disturbance were investigated: (i) the trapping ability of microsites for seeds and (ii) the ability of particular tree species to establish and grow on different microsites. On two one hectare permanent sample plots, pits resulting from windthrow with existing tree trunks were recorded. At each windthrow three microsites were determined: pit, pitwall and undisturbed forest floor. If the windthrow plate already collapsed and formed a mound, this microsite was recorded as well. Furthermore, a control site was established at each windthrow. For two years the development of seedlings at four different microsites and the according control sites were monitored. To describe the variability of environmental factors possibly influencing seedling establishment and survival, litter, humus and soil attributes, herb vegetation cover as well as light availability (GSF) were assessed. In addition, soil temperature, chemical soil properties and water content were recorded at randomly selected windthrows. The distribution of the seedlings was assessed with a Redundancy Analysis, its occurrence modelled with a logistic regression and the mortality analysed with the Kaplan-Maier lifetime function. In contrast to the assumption of seed accumulation in concave microsites because of secondary dispersal, the pit microsites show comparable seed rain to the control site. However, pits have the lowest seedling numbers and by far the highest mortality rates of seedlings. The thickness of leaf litter was identified as a major driver of suitability of a microsite for recolonisation. Through its thickness, it inhibits germination and smothering of seedlings poses a particular high hazard during the winter period. Also different establishment patterns of the investigated tree species were detected. The results indicate that windthrows create microsite heterogeneity and plant species richness but limit tree population size and spatial distribution of the occurring tree species.     

Seedling demography and establishment of Cryptomeria japonica in a cool-temperate, old-growth, conifer hardwood forest in the snowy region of Japan

To clarify the establishment pattern of Cryptomeria japonica seedlings, the demography of current-year seedlings was studied under various micro-environmental conditions for 2 years in a cool-temperate old-growth forest in the snowy region of Japan. In both years, more than 70% of seedlings that emerged died within a year, and differences in the survival rate of seedlings with respect to micro-environmental conditions were similar. While a number of seedlings survived at the sites on fallen logs and in mineral soil, almost no seedlings survived at the sites with either broad-leaved or coniferous litters at the end of the first growing season. The negative litter effect may kill most small seedlings of C. japonica. In addition, we found that survival rates of the seedlings were greater as the distance from the nearest adult and canopy openness increased. An analysis using Quantification Theory I showed that, of the possible micro-environmental factors, substrate conditions had the strongest effect on the survival of seedlings. The analysis also indicated that distance from the nearest adult and canopy openness also affected seedling survival significantly and to almost the same extent, although the effects were weaker than those for the substrate condition. Given the limited establishment sites for C. japonica seedlings, layering is suggested to be the main mode of regeneration in this forest.     

The role of litter and humus layer as a mortality factor of seedlings of Japanese red pine,Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.

The process of decrease in seedlings of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb.et Zucc.) and the effect of litter and humus layers on the mortality were studied in their stand and adjacent bare land. After the rainy season, only small number of individuals died in the bare land but more seedlings died in the forest. The number of seedlings killed by drought was greater in the forest than in the bare land. The population of naturally occurring current year seedlings was larger in the forest than in the bare land, but that of 1- to 5-year-old seedlings was smaller. Severe summer drought exceeding the permanent wilting point was observed only in the forest F-H horizon where greater part of seedling roots distributed, this may be one of major mortality factors. Inhibitory substances to seedling growth in fresh fallen pine needles were also suggested.     

Germination and seedling growth of Quercus (section Erythrobalanus) across openings in a mixed-deciduous forest of southern New England, USA

In this study three species of the genus Quercus section Erythrobalanus (Quercus coccinea, Quercus rubra, Quercus velutina) were investigated. All occur together as canopy trees in forests of southern New England. Acorns of each Quercus species were planted in plots located in five zones that represent a range of forest gap/canopy conditions that can occur within a southern New England forest. These five zones were demarcated adjacent to and across large openings of two physiographic sites—valley and ridgetop. Experiments were designed to monitor germination and initial growth of seedlings for the first three growing seasons. During the start of the first growing season germination was monitored. At the end of the first growing season measurements of height and number of flushes were taken and destructive samples of seedlings made for dry mass of root, stem and leaves. At the end of the third growing season height was recorded for surviving seedlings. Comparisons were made of germination and growth of seedlings located in the different gap/canopy conditions.

Results demonstrated clear differences in patterns of germination and early growth among species and among gap/canopy conditions of the sites. All species showed an increased lag in germination with reduced amounts of light. Highest growth and flushing rate were in the center conditions of the openings for all species during the first growing season. Quercus rubra had the greatest height growth the first growing season but a lower number of flushes than Q. velutina and Q. coccinea. In comparison with the other species, Q. rubra had the greatest total dry mass in most gap/canopy conditions after the first growing season. However, Q. velutina had the greatest total dry mass in the center of the ridgetop opening. In almost all gap/canopy conditions Q. velutina had greater proportions of dry mass allocated to roots compared with the other species.

After 3 years, greatest height growth in any of the gap/canopy conditions was recorded for all three species in the center of the valley site. Under this condition Q. rubra had significantly greater growth than Q. velutina and Q. coccinea. Quercus rubra also had significantly greater height growth and survival beneath the canopy conditions of the valley site than the other species. On the ridgetop site regeneration failed to establish beneath canopy conditions that provided low amounts of light. Quercus velutina showed greatest height growth after three years in the center and edge conditions of the ridgetop opening compared with the other species. Environmental influences that determine species germination and growth performance are suggested.     

A comparison of seedling emergence and survival between Quercus glauca and Symplocos prunifolia

Seedling emergence and initial survival were compared for two evergreen broad-leaved species, Quercus glauca and Symplocos prunifolia. The relationships between the two seedling dynamics variables and environmental factors for the two species were also investigated. The number of seedlings that emerged in the study period was larger for S. prunifolia than for Q. glauca, while the survival rate was lower for S. prunifolia, presumably due to the closed canopy of this site. Models were selected for each species to determine the combination of variables explaining the most variation in emergence and survival of seedlings. The model selected for seedling emergence of Q. glauca showed that more seedlings emerged in lower hillslope positions and where the canopy in winter was more open. The model selected for S. prunifolia showed that fewer seedlings emerged on steeper slopes and that more emerged under a more open canopy in winter. With respect to seedling survival, models with only the proportion of open canopy in summer were selected for both species. These models showed that the survival rate was higher where the canopy in summer was more open. This is to be expected as both species are regarded as pioneer or mid-successional species. Q. glauca seemed to have the ability to persist as a dominant in the secondary forest at this site for longer than S. prunifolia due to the former’s better seedling survival rates and the rarity of climax species such as Castanopsis cuspidata.     

Interacting effects of canopy gap, understory vegetation and leaf litter on tree seedling recruitment and composition in tropical secondary forests

We experimentally investigated interacting effects of canopy gaps, understory vegetation and leaf litter on recruitment and mortality of tree seedlings at the community level in a 20-year-old lowland forest in Costa Rica, and tested several predictions based on results of previous studies. We predicted that experimental canopy gaps would greatly enhance tree seedling recruitment, and that leaf litter removal would further enhance recruitment of small-seeded, shade-intolerant seedlings in gaps. We created a large (320–540 m²) gap in the center of 5 out of 10 40 m × 40 m experimental plots, and applied the following treatments bimonthly over a 14-month-period in a factorial, split–split plot design: clipping of understory vegetation (cut, uncut), and leaf litter manipulations (removal, addition, control). As expected, experimental gaps dramatically increased tree seedling recruitment, but gap effects varied among litter treatments. Litter addition reduced recruitment in gaps, but enhanced recruitment under intact canopy. Species composition of recruits also differed markedly between gap treatments: several small-seeded pioneer and long-lived pioneer species recruited almost exclusively in gaps. In contrast, a few medium-to-large-seeded shade-tolerant species recruited predominantly under intact canopy. Leaf litter represents a major barrier for seedling emergence and establishment of small-seeded, shade-intolerant species, but enhances emergence and establishment of large-seeded, shade-tolerant species, possibly through increased humidity and reduced detection by predators. Periodic clipping of the understory vegetation marginally reduced tree seedling mortality, but only in experimental gaps, where understory vegetation cover was greatly enhanced compared to intact canopy conditions. Successful regeneration of commercially valuable long-lived pioneer trees that dominate the forest canopy may require clear-cutting, as well as weeding and site preparation (litter removal) treatments in felling clearings. Management systems that mimic natural canopy gaps (reduced-impact selective logging) could favor the regeneration of shade-tolerant tree species, potentially accelerating convergence to old-growth forest composition. In contrast, systems that produce large canopy openings (clear-cutting) may re-initiate succession, potentially leading to less diverse but perhaps more easily managed “natural plantations” of long-lived pioneer tree species.     

龙竹高产栽培技术

龙竹为大型丛生竹，具有重要的经济价值和生态价值。文章试验研究了育苗方式、坡向、肥料种类以及造林整地方式对龙竹生长的影响。结果表明：与其他育苗方式相比，龙竹组培苗造林竹株生长好，竹材产量高；龙竹适宜栽植于阴坡，采用全面整地法，在造林后的前4年每年施用适量的氮磷钾复合肥，可培育出高产的龙竹林。     

Regeneration of European boreal forests: Effectiveness of measures against seedling mortality caused by the pine weevil Hylobius abietis

Successful regeneration of conifer forests by planting is, in large parts of Europe, highly dependent on the effective suppression of damage caused by the pine weevil Hylobius abietis. We investigated the effectiveness of various combinations of control measures against pine weevil damage under boreal forest conditions in Sweden. In particular, we aimed to determine whether satisfactory regeneration could be obtained without the use of insecticides. The experimental study was established on ten new clear-cuts in each of three consecutive years. We studied the use of chemical and physical methods to protect seedlings directly, and investigated the influence of seedling type, age of clear-cut, and a number of soil factors as affected by preparation of the planting site, on the mortality and level of damage suffered by protected and unprotected seedlings. After two seasons, mortality due to pine weevil was 16% among unprotected seedlings, 6% for seedlings treated with the insecticides cypermethrin or imidacloprid, and less than 1% for those physically protected by a coating of Conniflex. However, the Conniflex, which consists of fine-grained sand embedded in a flexible acrylate matrix, was applied manually, and this may have enhanced its effectiveness compared to that achieved during large-scale, commercial application. Two types of containerized Norway spruce seedlings, which differed mainly in their stem diameter (average 2.6 mm and 3.5 mm), were used in the experiments. Among the unprotected seedlings, the narrower stemmed type was more frequently attacked (34% vs. 28%) and killed (19% vs. 12%) by pine weevil. Mortality caused by pine weevil among unprotected seedlings was higher on 1-year-old than on 2-year-old clear-cuts (20% vs. 12%). Soil preparation around unprotected seedlings had a substantial effect on the proportion attacked and killed by pine weevil as well as on the total mortality, with the highest level of feeding damage and mortality occurring on seedlings in undisturbed humus, and the lowest levels occurring on seedlings planted in pure mineral soil (26% vs. 7% for unprotected seedlings). This study demonstrates that acceptable levels of seedling survival can be achieved in regenerations of North European boreal forest without the use of insecticides. Mortality of unprotected seedlings can be reduced to acceptable levels if they are mostly planted in pure mineral soil. Damage can be further reduced by using seedlings with a somewhat larger stem diameter. Insecticides or a physical barrier of Conniflex alone appear to provide a sufficient level of protection.     

Interactions between soil scarification and Norway spruce seedling types

Interactions between scarification treatments and seedling types of Norway spruce were examined at two different locations in southern Sweden. The scarification treatments were not scarified control, mounding and soil inversion and the seedling types were a 10 week-old containerized seedling (mini seedling), a 2 year-old containerized seedling and a 2 year-old hybrid seedling, grown as a containerized seedling the first year and as a bare-root seedling the second year. Site preparation intensity had a greater effect on the mini seedlings. The results indicated that mini seedlings established faster in the soil inversion treatment compared to the larger seedling types. At the same seedling age, the mini seedlings had faster or similar growth rate as the containerized and the hybrid seedlings regardless of scarification treatment. Although mini seedlings grew as well as or even better than larger seedlings if they were successfully established, they were more sensitive to their planting environment and proper handling was critical. Problems with frost heaving and competing vegetation have to be taken into consideration when choosing site preparation method and seedling type.     

Establishment and growth of container seedlings for reforestation: A function of stocktype and edaphic conditions

A properly selected stocktype can greatly enhance reforestation success through increased survival and growth following outplanting. Implementing a robust stocktype trial using stocktypes of equal quality can ensure results lead to the best choice. Six container types, differing primarily in depth and volume, were used to evaluate the performance of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws. var. ponderosa) seedlings outplanted on two sites that varied in volumetric soil moisture content (θ), average temperature, and total precipitation (mesic and xeric). Seedlings in each container type were cultured specifically to achieve uniform seedling quality. After two growing seasons, seedlings planted at the mesic site showed high survival (>99%) and incremental growth gains of 147, 100, and 794% for height, root-collar diameter (RCD), and stem volume, respectively; container types exhibited differences in total height, RCD, and stem volume with larger containers generally yielding the largest seedlings. Seedlings planted at the xeric site experienced 83% survival, smaller growth gains (25, 46, and 220% for height, RCD, and stem volume, respectively), and also exhibited differences in height, RCD, and stem volume. Regression analysis revealed that for each site, initial seedling morphological characteristics were better at predicting absolute height, RCD and stem volume after the first year than after the second year, with initial seedling height offering the best predictive power (R² = 0.66, mesic site; and R² = 0.70, xeric site). Second-year absolute growth prediction was poorest on the mesic site (R² < 0.21). Regression analysis indicates that initial seedling characteristics lost predictive value with time, especially on the mesic site, as seedlings grew out of their initial, container-induced characteristics and become more limited by current environmental and genetic factors. Conversely, on a xeric site, where absolute growth was reduced, traits determined by the container type persisted longer. Selecting stocktypes for mesic site conditions may only be limited by the minimum growth gains desired. Conversely, xeric sites may benefit from deep-planted quality seedlings or carefully planted long-rooted, large container seedlings.     

Overstory and shrub effects on natural regeneration processes in native Pinus radiata stands

Native Monterey pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) stands on the Monterey peninsula have been significantly modified by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The exclusion of fire and the introduction of pitch canker (caused by Fusarium circinatum Nirenberg & O’Donnell) created a need for the examination of these changing ecosystems with respect to regeneration, especially as these stands reach mature ages. We established 210 plots on 35 transects distributed throughout five stands in order to describe the current stand structure and quantify the extent and condition of regeneration. The results indicated that Monterey pine seedling establishment varies throughout the peninsula depending on percent canopy cover, duff and litter depth, and percent shrub cover while seedling growth is influenced by percent shrub cover. Canopy cover was also found to inversely influence shrub cover. Our study highlights the importance of understory removal to increase Monterey pine regeneration and seedling growth as canopy cover decreases, especially in areas where coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia Nee) and poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum E. Greene) are abundant.     

Refugial forests of the southern Appalachians: photosynthesis and survival in current-year Abies fraseri seedlings

Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poiret) is an endemic, high-elevation conifer confined to six relict mountaintop communities in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. High adult mortality has occurred over the past 50 years, possibly the result of an introduced insect (Adelges piceae Ratzeburg), air pollution, or both. Knowledge of the mechanisms of and limitations to seedling establishment may allow reestablisment and perpetuation of this unique community type, notwithstanding global climate change. We monitored seedling emergence and mortality in relation to photosynthetic performance and water relations in microsites differing in canopy openness (sunlight exposure) over the summer of 2004. Abundance of cotyledonous seedlings in early summer was 2.3 times greater (849 versus 366 seedlings m(-2)) in microsites with lower sky exposure (greater canopy closure) than in microsites with greater sky exposure (greater canopy openness). In contrast, late-season abundance and survival were greater in areas beneath more open canopies than in areas beneath less open canopies (3.3 times and 11.7 times greater, respectively). However, newly emerged seedling survival in a completely open site (no overhead canopy) was zero, despite an initial density of 124 seedlings m(-2). Seedling water status was similar in open- and closed-canopy sites (-0.52 and -0.74 MPa, respectively). Photosynthetic carbon gain was higher in newly emerged seedlings at open canopy than at closed canopy sites, especially during early morning. Based on photosynthetic light response curves and measured sunlight regimes, seedlings in open canopy sites were estimated to assimilate 3.3-4.5 times more carbon than seedlings at closed sites. Reductions in carbon gain of closed-site seedlings, primarily a result of limited sunlight, corresponded to substantial increases in seedling mortality (98 versus 79% in open canopy sites). Thus, sunlight exposure, which reflects overstory canopy structure, appears to be an important factor influencing newly emerged seedling survival and distribution.     

Development of Quercus robur advance regeneration following canopy reduction in an oak woodland

Observations to follow the development of 2-year-old oak seedlingstook place over a 6-year period at a fenced site within a maturestand of oak in southern England. Bramble and bracken were abundant,but the cover of other species was low. Although seedlings doubledin height, only 13 per cent survived and few were taller thaneither bramble or bracken. The initial number of seedlings wasinversely related to both canopy cover and distance to the nearestparent tree. The final number of seedlings could be predictedfrom the initial percentage covers of bramble and bracken, andeither the overstorey canopy cover or the initial number ofseedlings. The average annual rate of seedling mortality, whichwas 25–50 per cent, was significantly influenced by thevegetation present. Grass was positively related to survivalwhereas there was an inverse relationship with both brambleand bracken cover. Models estimated 80 per cent annual seedlingsurvival at 25 per cent bramble cover but only 50 per cent at60 per cent cover. Although grasses can be competitive species,results indicate that oak seedling establishment may be betterin areas with a ground flora comprising grass.     

Initial seedling morphological characteristics and field performance of two Sudanian savanna species in relation to nursery production period and watering regimes

It has become apparent that some interventions are required to aid the regeneration of woody species in the Sudanian savanna. Direct seeding has been ineffective, thus planting high quality seedlings may be a viable alternative. In this study, we examined the stock quality of two valuable Sudanian savanna species, Acacia macrostachya and Pterocarpus erinaceus. Different nursery production periods were tested as well as the species’ field performance under well-watered and stressed conditions. The results showed that older seedlings (9-month) were morphologically distinct from younger ones (3-month), particularly in the case of P. erinaceus. Eighteen months after planting out, survival and growth of seedlings were not affected by initial seedling size; this was the result of the high root to shoot ratio of seedlings in all age groups at the time of planting. Seedling mortality as high as 30% was observed and attributed to both drought stress and other factors such as herbivory. Regression analyses revealed that initial shoot height was a poor predictor of field performance for both species, but initial root collar diameter accounted for 25% of the variation in diameter of P. erinaceus in the field. We conclude that initial seedling size does not affect survival and growth in the field provided that all sizes of seedling have a high root to shoot ratio at the time of planting. The prediction of field performance could be improved by developing a model that incorporates a wide range of root collar diameter.     

Beech regeneration of seed and root sucker origin: A comparison of morphology, growth, survival, and response to defoliation

American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) reproduces sexually, and vegetatively by root suckers. Although many studies have investigated its regeneration response, most did not account for differences that may exist between its two modes of reproduction. This study was performed in an old-growth Acer - Fagus forest in southern Quebec, where beech bark disease had only a minor effect at the time of the study. We compared the density and frequency of occurrence of beech seedlings and root suckers (height < 30 cm), as well as their morphology, growth, survival, and response to experimental defoliation. Root suckers accounted for 13% of beech regeneration at our site. Density and frequency of occurrence were greater for seedlings than suckers, but did not vary with light availability, which was low at our study site (mean: 2.9%). Seedlings and suckers did not differ in leaf characteristics, but several differences were observed in terms of plant morphology, growth, and survival. Root suckers showed more lateral growth than height growth, and had a lower leaf area index than seedlings. Root suckers had both a greater growth in height and diameter, and a higher survivorship than seedlings (height and diameter growth were, respectively, five and two times greater for suckers than seedlings, and 74% of suckers survived more than 1 year, compared to 52% for seedlings). Defoliation treatments, which included levels of defoliation of 50% and 100% (1) did not affect current-year extension growth of seedlings and suckers; (2) did not affect seedling diameter growth, but had a negative impact on sucker diameter growth; and (3) affected survivorship for both origins, but had a much greater negative impact on seedling survivorship (none of the completely defoliated seedlings survived over one year, while 55% of the suckers did). This study showed that several differences exist between small beech seedlings and root suckers in traits that are important determinants of a species’ competitive ability. We therefore expect that variation in the relative importance of root suckering among sites might have several community-level implications.     

Biomass response mechanisms of understory species the first year after prescribed burning in an Arizona ponderosa-pine community

Species-specific biomass and density responses were determined for three grasses and two shrubs in a northern Arizona ponderosa-pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest one year following a prescribed burn. Sources of response were determined by monitoring changes in surviving plants as well as contributions by new seedlings and sprouts. Results are reported for four overstory types (open sawtimber sites, below-canopy sawtimber sites, and pole and sapling patches). Responses varied among species and within species by overstory type. Sitanion hystrix showed a positive biomass response to prescribed burning in the open sawtimber sites, due to increased growth of surviving plants and a large influx of seedlings. In contrast, in the pole patches, where fire severity was high, S. hystrix had a high mortality and low colonization, but maintained its pre-burn biomass levels through increased growth of surviving plants. Muhlenbergia montana decreased following burning in both the open sawtimber sites and pole patches, because of high mortality, no increased growth of surviving plants, and virtually no seedling colonization. Ceanothus fendleri experienced high mortality in the below-canopy sawtimber sites and pole patches, but often sprouted vigorously following fire.