Germination and seedling growth in Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. as affected by provenance,seed pretreatment,and temperature regime

Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. seeds germinated and the seedlings grew on under controlled environments (18 h photoperiod and 16/8 h thermoperiods; 10/10^oC, 20/20°C, 20/10°C, and 25/10°C). The experiment was concluded after 180 days, and the seedlings were scored for stem diameter and length. Four provenances were included: Colorado “high elevation”; (CO), Oregon 1 600 m a.s.l. (OR), British Columbia 1200 m a.s.l. (BC), and Finland (BCF; originally from British Columbia 1800 m a.s.l.). A cold‐moist pretreatment for 30 days improved germination and seedling growth in the BC and BCF seed lots, while the CO and OR seed lots were less affected. Daily fluctuating temperatures improved germination in the BC and BCF seed lots, the widest fluctuation 25/10°C producing the greatest germination. The average length of the seedlings was 34 mm at 20/20°C, 33 mm at 20/10°C, and 37 mm at 25/10°C; differences in hypocotyl length being most important. There were small but significant differences between the provenances in their reaction to temperature regime. The major part of the seedlings produced 2 or 3 flushes of growth in the 180 days period, the CO provenance having the most stabile buds and the OR provenance being the most labile.     

木荷苗木性状的种源变异和地理模式

利用来自7省区36个木荷种源在浙江淳安和福建建瓯两试验点的苗期测定材料,研究其苗木生长、根系特征和叶片形态等12个性状的种源差异及其地理变异模式。方差分析结果显示,除主根长、侧根长和叶片颜色在种源间无显著差异外,其它性状的种源效应都达到显著或极显著水平。种源苗木性状与产地地理气候因子的相关分析发现,苗高、叶片特征(叶片数、叶片宽、叶片厚)及秋末嫩叶颜色等呈典型的纬向变异模式,产地温度则是造成这种纬向变异模式的主要环境作用因子。与北部种源比较,南部种源生长快,叶片数量多,但叶片较薄较窄,其秋末嫩叶颜色变化对寒冷信号反应敏感。影响木荷种子性状表型差异的主导因素是产地的年降水量。以苗高为标准,分别在两地点初选出优良种源10个,它们多来自25°N左右的木荷自然分布区。     

Variation in seed traits and seedling vigour of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cordia africana</Emphasis> Lam. provenances in Ethiopia

Cordia africana is a very important indigenous tree species for timber and other products and services in Ethiopia. Seed traits and seedling vigour of seeds from 12 provenances of the species were compared. Mean seed mass for each provenance was assessed for 1000 seeds in 10 replications, and seed length and width were measured for 100 seeds in four replications per provenance. Germination was assessed in a glasshouse taking 400 seeds from each provenance. Root collar diameter and height of 440 seedlings grown in a nursery for 290 days in Addis Ababa were measured. Seed length, seed width, seed mass, and shoot height and root collar diameter of seedlings showed significant differences (P < 0.001) among provenances. Correlation analysis between seed and seedling traits and environmental variables revealed significant positive correlations between seed width and germination percentage, seed width and altitude, seed width and longitude and seed length and latitude. Negative correlations were obtained between seed width and temperature, seed width and rainfall, seed mass and temperature, and germination and temperature of the seed source. As expected, differences in seed trait did not explain the variability in seedling vigour. Determining quantitative variations in seed traits and seedling vigour among provenances and the patterns along environmental gradients are essential for informing decisions on the tree improvement programme of the species.     

Provenance Variation in Seed Morphometric Traits, Germination, and Seedling Growth of Cordia africana Lam

Patterns of genetic variation in Cordia africana, a tropical timber species, were evaluated at the population level. Bulk seed samples were collected from six natural populations in Ethiopia and examined for variations in seed morphometric traits, seed germination, and seedling growth at nursery stage. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among provenances in all studied attributes except root collar diameter after 4 months of growth. The provenance effect, as determined by broad sense heritability, was 71–98% for seed morphometric traits, 80% for germination capacity, 42% for germination energy, 57–58% for seedling height and 3–13% for root collar diameter. Seed weight showed a significant positive correlation with altitude and negative correlation with mean annual temperature of seed origin. Germination energy was significantly correlated with longitude and mean annual rainfall. Seedling parameters and geo-climatic variables of seed origin were fairly correlated. A significant intercharacter correlation was found between seed length and seed weight, between root collar diameter at the age of 4 months and seed length and weight, as well as between seedling height after 4 and 8 months of growth. It can be concluded that the observed patterns of variation will have implications for genetic resources conservation and tree improvement.     

岭南槭不同种源家系种子形态和幼苗生长变异

[目的]探讨不同种源家系岭南槭种子形态、种子萌发与幼苗生长的特性,分析它们与种源地地理气候因子之间的关系。[方法]对广东省岭南槭天然分布区的3个种源18个家系的种子表型性状、发芽特征、幼苗生长性状和叶色表现进行方差分析和相关性分析。[结果]表明:肇庆黑石顶(HSD)种源的种子最厚、最宽,深圳七娘山(QNS)种源的种子最薄、最窄,惠州南昆山(NKS)种源的种子最长,种子千粒质量最高;翅长与翅宽呈极显著正相关(P0.01),种子千粒质量与发芽率显著正相关(P0.05);岭南槭1年生幼苗地径与苗高成正比,幼苗生长受种源地的地理气候因子影响;在色彩表现方面,QNS3、QNS13家系的明度L*值较大,QNS13色相b*值显著高于其他家系,NKS14家系幼苗的色相a*值最大。[结论]种子千粒质量越高,发芽率越高;幼苗的地径苗高生长受种源地的地理气候因子影响。NKS14家系幼苗红叶特征最明显,色彩表现较好。     

Effect of thermal pretreatment on germination of seeds from different provenances of subalpine oriental spruce (Picea orientalis (L.) Link.) forest in Turkey

We examined the effect of thermal treatment at two temperatures (60 s of 90°C dry heat and 60 min in 40°C hot water) versus control conditions on the germination of oriental spruce (Picea orientalis (L.) Link.) seeds originating from different subalpine provenances. Cutting test results showed that there was wide variation (between 10% and 90%) in filled seed rates. The results revealed that highest germination yield was attained via the hot water treatment. The maximum germination percentages were observed in seeds from “tree 3” in the first tree collective of provenances 1 (85.33 ± 5.77 control; 88.67 ± 7.02 via the hot water treatment; 82.00 ± 10.58 via the dry heat treatment) and 3 (70.67 ± 17.24 control; 88.00 ± 4.00 via the hot water treatment; 86.67 ± 11.37 via the dry heat treatment). The mean germination percentages were significantly different (p-value < .05): percentage values were 32.57% in provenance 1, 23.22% in provenance 3, 12.25% in provenance 4, and 2.82% in provenance 2. Mean germination time of seeds from different provenances and experiencing various pretreatments showed significant variation. The best pretreatment increase in germination rates was achieved via the wet heat method (60 min in 40°C hot water).     

Preliminary study on the germination of Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) roem. seed from eleven Chinese provenances

A preliminary germination study was carried out on seed of eleven provenances of Chinese mahogany [Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem.]. The species is native to China and characterized by high density and dark colored wood, which is used mainly in furniture making. Seeds of the eleven provenances were tested on a thermoplate gradient germinator at temperatures of 15°C, 18°C, 22°C, 25°C, and 28°C. The three upper temperatures (22°C, 25°C, and 28°C) provided the fastest and highest germination among the eleven provenances, and on the average 25°C was considered as optimum temperature for the species.Based on mean time to germination, germination values, root length and hypocotyl length, it was possible to delineate the eleven provenances into three geographic groups.Additional studies using more evenly distributed samples from the whole range of the species are expected to further define seed collection zones for this important species in China.     

冷湿层积法对印度冷杉(Abies pindrow)和长叶云杉(Picea smithiana）种子萌发的影响

研究赤霉素(GA3),冷湿和温度 对五个种源的印度冷杉(Abies pindrow)和长叶云杉(Picea smithiana)种子萌发的影响.种子被浸泡在GA3 (10 mg(L-1)中24小时,然后在3(5(C温度的条件下冷藏15天.设计4个温度(10(C, 15(C, 20(C 和 25(C)条件来促进种子的萌发.结果表明,浸泡和冷湿处理明显增加种子的萌发率.在10 (C时种子的萌发率最高.总体结果表明,种子被浸泡在GA3 (10 mg(L-1)中24小时,冷湿藏15天,可以有效地促进印度冷杉和长叶云杉的种子萌发.统计数据表明,浸泡处理、温度和种源以及与温度的相互作用都对种子的萌发有明显的影响.     

栓皮栎种子及苗期种源变异分析

收集了栓皮栎主要分布区12个种源的种子,对种子及播种苗进行了测定分析.结果表明,栓皮栎种子的大小、质量、发芽率及苗期的生长,在种源间均存在显著差异.栓皮栎中心分布区域种源的种子相对较大,发芽率较高,来自这些区域的种源苗期生长亦较旺盛.苗期生长的显著差异表明,栓皮栎种源间及种源内优良类型选育具有很大潜力.     

Variation in seed traits and seedling vigour of Cordia africana Lam.provenances in Ethiopia

Cordia africana is a very important indigenous tree species for timber and other products and services in Ethiopia.Seed traits and seedling vigour of seeds from 12 provenances of the species were compared.Mean seed mass for each provenance was assessed for 1000 seeds in10 replications,and seed length and width were measured for 100 seeds in four replications per provenance.Germination was assessed in a glasshouse taking 400 seeds from each provenance.Root collar diameter and height of 440 seedlings grown in a nursery for 290 days in Addis Ababa were measured.Seed length,seed width,seed mass,and shoot height and root collar diameter of seedlings showed significant differences(P0.001) among provenances.Correlation analysis between seed and seedling traits and environmental variables revealed significant positive correlations between seed width and germination percentage,seed width and altitude,seed width and longitude and seed length and latitude.Negative correlations were obtained between seed width and temperature,seed width and rainfall,seed mass and temperature,and germination and temperature of the seed source.As expected,differences in seed trait did not explain the variability in seedling vigour.Determining quantitative variations in seed traits and seedling vigour among provenances and the patterns along environmental gradients are essential for informing decisions on the tree improvement programme of the species.     

不同产地厚朴种子性状的变异分析

厚朴(Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils.)为木兰科(Magnoliaceae)落叶乔木.正品药用厚朴为厚朴的根皮、干皮和枝皮,其中的有效成分(厚朴酚(magnolol)、和厚朴酚(honokiol)及β-桉叶油醇等)具有多方面的药理作用(如燥湿消痰、下气除满),用于湿滞伤中、脱痞吐泻、食积气滞、腹胀便秘、痰饮喘咳等[1-4].厚朴主要分布于102NFA48122°E、22NFA4834°N之间,分布区内的不同气候及土壤条件,致使形成大量不同的遗传类型,其中种子形态必然存在很大的差异.     

Genetic variation in seed and seedling traits in 12 African provenances of Faidherbia albida (del.) A. Chev. at Lodwar, Kenya

The extent of genetic variation in seed length, width, thickness, weight and germination percentage and seedling traits among and within 12 African provenances of Faidherbia albida was examined. The regional provenances showed a consistent variation in seed length, seed width and seed weight: the southern African provenances had the largest seeds and west African provenances the smallest. Seedling height, stem collar diameter and true leaf number differed (P = 0.05) among the provenances 90 days after germination. The seedlings from west Africa were shorter, had smaller stem collar diameter and fewer leaves. In contrast, the southern and east African provenances had taller seedlings with bigger seedling diameter and more leaves per seedling. Seedling traits did not show clear-cut divisions between southern and east African provenances, but the west African provenances formed a distinct group. Positive correlations were found in some of the seed characteristics and seedling height among provenances, which could be an important criterion for early provenance selection. Greater variation was observed for seed and seedling traits among than within provenances suggesting that selection among provenances might result in rapid genetic gain for the traits studied. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源苗期选择研究

以引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源为对象,并以本地白桦种源作为对照,研究引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源的种子形态特征、发芽特性和在黑河地区的苗期生长表现。结果表明:引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源在种子长度、种子宽度、种翅长度、种翅宽度、千粒重、发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数、苗高、地径、地上生物量、地下生物量和全株生物量存在显著差异,而且引进欧洲垂枝桦不同种源这些指标都显著高于本地白桦对照种源,综合分析表明,引进欧洲垂枝桦新西伯利亚种源在种子形态特征、发芽特性和在黑河地区的苗期生长表现均优,可作为黑河地区欧洲垂枝桦育苗的首选种源。     

Genetic variation in seed and seedling traits of six <Emphasis Type="Italic">Haloxylon ammodendron</Emphasis> shrub provenances in desert areas of China

China is one of the countries most severely affected by desertification. Haloxylon ammodendron is an ecologically important component of the desert ecosystem and is one of the main shrub species used for ecological restoration. We compared the genetic variation in seed and seedling traits among six H. ammodendron provenances arrayed from east to west in China. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in well-prepared seedling beds (lines 1.5 m apart and seeds with in lines 1.0 m apart, 2.0 cm deep) with five lines (seven seeds per line) per provenance in a randomized block design with six replicates. The seed traits of fruit wing length, kernel weight, germination rate, and survival rate were compared, as were the seedling traits of internode length, branch number, assimilation shoot diameter, height, collar diameter, new shoot length, main root number, main root length, aboveground fresh weight, and underground fresh weight. Moreover, correlations between each seed and seedling trait and climate and geographical factors were assessed. The results show that the seeds from Dengkou County, Inner Mongolia had the best performance. Germination rate and survival rate were significantly positively correlated with longitude; and fruit wing length, kernel weight, seedling height, and new shoot length were significantly negatively correlated with latitude. Fruit wing length was significantly correlated with altitude. Among the climatic factors, the temperature in January had a strong direct effect on fruit wing length, germination rate, seedling height, and new shoot length. The mean annual rainfall had a strong direct effect on collar diameter. Humidity had a strong direct effect on survival rate. Seedling height, aboveground weight, and collar diameter could be important criteria for early provenance selection in the seedling stage. This study provides a reference for the selection of high-quality H. ammodendron seeds for drylands of northwest China.     

24年生马尾松生长、形质和木材基本密度的种源变异与种源区划

利用设置在浙江省淳安县姥山林场的24年生49个产地的马尾松种源试验,以研究和揭示已达主伐年龄时马尾松生长、形质和木材基本密度的种源差异和地理变异模式,通过聚类进行种源区划并选择优良种源.结果表明:马尾松生长、形质和木材基本密度皆存在显著的种源差异,种源胸径、树高和材积生长及树干通直度呈典型的纬向倾群变异模式,这种变异主要是由其产地水热资源条件差异引起的.较之于北部种源,南部的种源生产力水平高且树干通直.种源木材基本密度虽与产地经纬度相关性较小,但却与产地年均温、1月均温、无霜期和≥10℃积温呈显著的负相关.性状遗传相关分析结果显示,选择生产力高的速生种源可同时改良树干通直度 会明显降低其木材基本密度.根培种源聚类结果,可将马尾松划分为南部、中部和北部3个种源区,并分别纸浆材和锯材筛选出19个和6个优良种源,这些优良种源主要来自马尾松的南部种源区,部分来自中部种源区.     

A study on the geographic variation and selection of the best provenance ofLarix olgensis

On the basis of the results from the geographic provenance test of nine years oldlarix olgensis in Liangshui Natural Reserve of our university, a study on the geographic varition and the primary selection of the best provenance ofLarix olgensis was carried out. The main results are as follows: I.The different provenances ofLarix olgensis have rich and wide genetic variation, and exist a linear correlation with latitude and longitude in collection area. General trends are enumerated below: Provenances at lower latitude and more west longitude have lighter thousand seed weight, short growth period, higher increment, wide branches, rich leaves and crown as well as worst adaptabillity. It is a dual-way variation along with two directions of latitude and longitude, and also embodies a change gradually in climate condition from south to north. The temperatures in seed production site, especially the mean temperature in January and ≥10 °C accumulated temperature, are important factors that produce geographic variation forlarix olgensis. 2. The variation of different provenances in periodic biological phenomena and growth rhythm trends are that: 1 both of the provenances from Changbai Mt. (III) and Dashitou(IV) at low latitude belong to the centralized growth type, and have shout growth period, the difference between these two provenances is that the provenance from Changbai Mt. grows well in all time, Dashitou provennce is well only in later period; 2 the provenance from Baidao Mt. (II) at middle latitude belongs to even growth type and has longer grpwth period, this provenance has higher increment in early and later periods relatively; 3 Xiaobeihu provenance at high latitude is a growth type among II. III and IV provenances and has a general growth period, the provenance grows better in middle time and worse in later time. 3. The best provenance in Liangshui Natural Reserve and its meighbourhood is Dashitou Procenance, which growth in height, diameter and volume has exceeded 16. 28%, 46. 27%, 30. 58%, 78. 20, 82. 00% as well as 392. 00% by comparison with the mean value of the contrast and the worst provenance respectively, The result from the height growth of three, five, seven and nine years oldLarix olgensis by using the method of order correlation analysis demonstrates that it is possible to make early selection of the provenance. Meanwhile, data from juvenile and mature oflarix olgensis plantation also prove the reliability of the early selection. 4. The provenance heritabilities of nine years oldlarix olgensis in Liangshui Natural Reserve are follows: The heritability of the height growth (h²) is 0.79; The heritability of the diameter breast height (h²) is 0.791; The geretic gain is 24.5% and 40.36% respectively.     

Variability in cone and seed characteristics and seed testing in various provenances of Himalayan spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea smithiana</Emphasis>)

We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviour under different pre- treatments in Picea smithiana. Three categories of cones were recognized: large (13.18 cm × 3.30 cm 15.42 cm × 4.35 cm), medium (10.85 cm × 3.93 cm 12.18 cm × 3.98 cm) and small (7.69 cm × 3.06 10.98 cm× 3.39 cm). Significant variation was observed for various cone and seed characteristics. Seeds moisture content varied from 44.48% to 56.91%, seed size from 0.64 cm × 0.31 cm (largest seed) to 0.49 cm × 0.10 cm (smallest seed), and the seed weight from 2.45 g per 100 seeds to 1.36 g per 100 seeds on fresh weight basis of P. smithiana. The highest seed germination (72.0±7.53%) at 10°C was observed under chilling treatment in Tapovan provenance, while the minimum (15.0±5.71%) seed germina- tion was recorded at 25°C under control set in Tapovan provenance. Further among all the sources Pandukeshwar consistently had the highest average (38%) percent germination across all treatments. Compared to other temperature regimes and pretreatments, seeds subjected to 10°C and chilling treatment had the highest germination and took the least time for germination irrespective of provenance effects. Altitude (provenance) had little or no relationship with germination following laboratory treat- ments. Seeds from Tapovan provenance subjected at 10°C following chilling treatment may be suggested for further multiplication of this species.     

Variation in the date of budburst in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus robur</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Q. petraea</Emphasis> across a range of provenances grown in Southern England

The widely observed advance in spring budburst across a range of temperate forest species due to climatic warming has received considerable attention. This change in forest phenology has important implications for the choice of species and provenances currently being planted, which need to be suited to both current and future climatic conditions. Using a provenance trial in the south of England, this study assessed variation in the timing of budburst across 23 different European provenances of oak (Quercus robur L. and Q. petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) over 8 years of observations. The order in which the different provenances reached budburst was related to provenance source latitude: the southern provenances were always earlier than those from more northerly latitudes. The statistical technique partial least squares regression was used to identify critical periods of both chilling and warming. A General Linear Model and three-dimensional temperature response surfaces were used to analyse the temporal trends in budburst. There was a negative correlation between the date of budburst and mean daily air temperature in both the chilling and warming periods for all provenances, which was statistically significant for a majority. Spring warming had a larger effect on budburst than winter chilling with a mean spring temperature-driven advance of 3.61 days/°C (standard error = 0.17 days/°C) and mean winter period temperature-driven advance of 0.99 days/°C (standard error = 0.17 days/°C). Surprisingly, there was no statistically significant interaction between mean air temperatures during the chilling and warming phases on the date of budburst.     

核桃楸不同种源苗期试验初报

从6个核桃楸优良种源地采集种子进行播种育苗,调查出苗率、苗高、地径生长量,进行核桃楸种源试验。结果表明:出苗率较高的两个种源为上庄种源(77%)、大南坪(69%),各种源间在苗高、地径生长方面差异不显著,变化幅度较小,说明核桃楸种源种子遗传特性较好。     

Early growth differentiation among Prosopis flexuosa D.C. provenances from the Monte phytogeographic province,Argentina

Early-growth differentiation among seven provenances of Prosopis flexuosa (algarrobo dulce) from the Monte phytogeographic province, Argentina, was studied by comparing their height growth; whole-seedling dry mass gain; allocation to root, stem and leaves; leaf number and leaf area in a common garden. Differentiation among provenances was detected for all the seedling characters examined except leaf number. Family variation within provenances was significant for height growth and leaf number. Variation on the provenance level was related to the elevation, geographic location, and some abiotic conditions of the seed source such as mean annual temperature and frost free period. Latitudinal clines were evident for almost all the growth traits. They were more pronounced for height and aboveground mass, and moderate for total plant mass and leaf area per plant. In addition, a good correspondence in growth traits between young seedlings and older trees of this species (studied by others authors) was also assessed. This fact would permit an early selection and genetic advances in the short term in breeding programs.