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.     

Ecophysiological and genetic variation in seedling traits and in first-year field performance of eight <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia senegal</Emphasis> provenances in the Blue Nile,Sudan

The genetic variation in seed weight, seed number per kg and seedling traits was compared among eight Acacia senegal provenances originating from the clay plain (east) and sand plains (west) of the gum belt in Sudan. The main objective of this study was to identify germplasm sources of A. senegal that have a good seed germination capacity and seedling traits suitable for reforestation in the clay-soil part of the dryland gum belt in the Blue Nile region in Sudan. A specific objective was to tentatively explore the adaptive strategy of A. senegal populations. Seventeen-week-old seedlings were planted in the field at spacing of 3 m × 3 m, giving 100 trees per plot and replication; within a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experimental site was in the clay plain region. Seed variables showed significant differences. Clay plain provenances showed considerable variation in seed weight and seed number. They had the smallest seed weight but the highest seed number, while the sand (western) provenances had the largest seed weight but lowest seed number. Seedling branch number, root length, root to shoot ratio and shoot dry weight differed significantly among the provenances 12 weeks after germination. Clay provenances had the highest branch number and shoot dry weight but the shortest roots and lowest root to shoot ratio. This was interpreted as showing better adaptation to the site in these local provenances in comparison to those originating from the western sandy soil regions. High positive correlations were observed between seedling variables, such as root nodule and branch numbers; this could be used for early selection. The variation was greater between provenance groups than within them, suggesting that especially selection among groups would yield genetic gain.     

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.     

6个栓皮栎种源种子形态及其幼苗生长的比较

[Objective]To compare the differences of seed morphological characters among provinces of Quercus variabilis Bl.,and explore the adaptive growth status of seedlings growing in the central distribution area. [Method]The seeds of 6 Q. variabilis provenances from six provinceswerecollected, and the seedlings were cultivated and transplanted to experimental field in the centre of natural distribution range (Wuhan Jiufeng National Forest Park), then the seed morphology and one-year seedling growth traitswere surveyed. [Result](1)There were significantor extremely significantdifferences among provenances in seed length, seed width, seed length/width ratio and 100-seed mass, the order of seed length among provenances was Beijing Provenance (22.28 mm),Hubei Provenance (22.10 mm), He'nan Provenance (20.80 mm), Shaanxi Provenance (19.57 mm), Yunnan Provenance (18.93 mm)and Liaoning Provenance (18.81 mm), the seed width of Beijing Provenance (19.71 mm) and Hubei Provenance (19.16 mm) was higher than that of the others, the seed length/width ratio of He'nan Provenance (1.38) was extremely significantly higher than that of the others; (2)There were significant or extremely significant differences among provenances in seedling height, ground diameter, leaf number, branching number and seedling height/ground diameter, the Beijing Provenance and Hubei Provenance were better in seedling height and leaf number, which were respectively 19.54 cm and 20.26 cm, 8.32 leaves and 9.50 leaves; (3)A decreasing trend with time for seedling growth traits among provenances was found; (4)There was a positive relationship between seed morphological characters and seedling growth traits except seed length/width ratio; the leaf number was significantly related to ground diameter and branching number and the seedling height and leaf number were closely related to the seed morphological characters; (5)It showed a decreasing trend with the growth time in the relationship between seedling growth traits and 100-seed mass. [Conclusion]The seedlings of Beijing Provenance and Hubei Provenance grew better in the experimental field which might be related to their larger seed mass, and the Yunnan Provenance in the south margin and the Liaoning Provenance in the north margin of distribution area of Q. variabilis grew weaker than the provenances in the centre of distribution area.With the effect of climate change, provenances in the margin of distribution area may lose in the community competition in the seedling stage if it cannot take advantage of its dispersal and settlement and affected by the disadvantage of growth and competition, so that the distribution and population renewal would surely be affected.     

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。     

林芝云杉不同地理种源苗期性状变异

正林芝云杉(Picea likiangensis var.linzhiensis Cheng et L.K.Fu)是松科(Pinaceae)云杉属(Picea Dietr.)常绿高大乔木,为西藏高原亚高山暗针叶林主要、特有的建群树种之一[1-2]。主要分布在西藏东南的林芝、米林、波密等地,并向西分布至朗县、错那、洛扎、隆子、工布江达。林芝云杉是云杉属中木材品质系数最高的树种[3],生长迅速,寿命持久,在水热条件优越的地区能长成罕见的巨树,胸径可达2.5 m,最大树高可达73 m,单株立木材积达到50     

Seedling growth and water relations of three Cedrela species sourced from five provenances: response to simulated rainfall reductions

The effects of different simulated rainfall regimes on water relations, growth, and biomass production and allocation of five provenances of Cedrela fissilis, C. saltensis and C. balansae were assessed in a pot-grown seedling experiment in greenhouse under uncontrolled conditions. Four simulated rainfall regimes were applied: 600 mm year^?1 (severe water deficit), 800 mm year^?1 (mild water deficit), 1,000 mm year^?1 (mild wet), and 1,200 mm year^?1 (well-watered) used as control. Provenances were compared in terms of water relations (midday leaf water potential, Ψ _md and relative water content, RWC), growth (root, shoot and leaf length, neck diameter), growth rate (shoot- and neck growth rate, SGR and NGR), biomass production (root, shoot and leaf dry weight), and biomass allocation (root:shoot ratio, RSR). Multivariate analyses revealed that water relations differed significantly under all simulated rainfall treatments by means of several variables throughout time. Effects of species × treatment, and provenance nested within species × treatment interactions significantly were important. SGR and RSR also were important to explain differences in Ψ _md and RWC between treatments and provenances. Broadly C. balansae and C. saltensis provenances seem to display a better performance than C. fissilis provenances under severe water deficit only. However, despite differences between provenances, it was not possible to clearly separate them according to their origin, based on water relations and growth performance. Even though the results of this study performed on pot-grown seedlings are based on relatively few observations and require additional confirmation, they allow an opportunity for speculation on the factors that are related to intraspecific variations that are likely to occur during the growth of seedlings from different geographical sites in field condition.     

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.     

Variation in Seed and Seedling Traits of Celtis australis, a Multipurpose Tree, in Central Himalaya, India

Seeds of Celtis australis were collected from 13 different sources, ranging from 550 to 1980 masl, in Central Himalaya, India. Significant (p = 0.05) variations were observed for seed traits among provenances. However, among various characters, seed weight exhibited maximum variation between seed populations compared to other morphological characters. Between provenances, seed weight ranged from 47.8 to 83.1 g/1000 seed, with mean value of 66.9 ± 10.7 g/1000 seed. Significant (p = 0.01) positive correlation was found between morphological characters of seeds including seed weight and elevational range of seed source. For one year old seedlings, average shoot and root growth was 61.1 ± 13.3 and 30.5 ± 5.4 cm, respectively, irrespective of provenance variation. Inter-comparing biomass yield of the seedlings with altitude, average biomass production was 8.4 ± 2.5, 9.4 ± 3.3 and 12.7 ± 1.7 g/plant, respectively, for low (550–1000 masl), middle (1050–1250 masl) and high (1350–1980 masl) altitudinal populations. Significant (p = 0.01) positive correlation between growth performance of seedlings and altitude of the seed source was recorded. Across the provenances, shoots had the highest proportion of total biomass (42.3%), followed by leaves (32.6%) and roots (24.6%). Among various provenances, Badiyargaon, Agroda, Guptakashi, Jakholi, Gajeli, Srinagar and Palampur populations produced heavier seedlings and grew faster compared to seedlings of other sources.     

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.     

Fruit,seed and seedling variation in Uapaca kirkiana from natural populations in Malawi

Uapaca kirkiana is a miombo fruit tree with a long history of human use. In Malawi, the species is rapidly gaining attention as an agroforestry tree for fruit production. Accordingly, a formal study to explore variations in fruit, seed and seedling traits within the species was undertaken at the Forestry Research Institute of Malawi. Fruits from 12 natural populations in Malawi were collected in November and December, 1994. Fresh fruit weight and dependent parameters (exocarp, mesocarp and seeds) and seed length, width, thickness and weight (following processing) varied significantly among the populations. When seedlings were raised at Zomba, there were significant differences in germination capacity and height, root collar diameter and biomass production at six months of age. None of these traits was correlated with source latitude, longitude or elevation. Variations in the traits reported emphasize the importance of selecting suitable seed sources before commencing domestication programmes. The levels of variation observed suggest useful gains might be obtained through a breeding programme following careful provenance selection.     

桤木种源苗期生长和固N能力的变异

1996年秋采集桤木自然分布区四川盆地及其周边地区的19个产地的种子用于种源试验研究。苗期研究结果表明,在不同种源之间,种子性状（千粒质量、发芽率）、苗木生长性状（高径生长、分枝数、根茎比）、固N性状（根瘤量、固N酶活力、叶N量）和抗冻性等均存在显著或极显著的差异。不同性状变异量的相对大小和种源遗传力估计值高低顺序是：抗冻性＞生长性状＞固N性状。苗木生长性状与固N性状之间存在着较高的正向遗传相关,与抗冻性之间也有一定正相关。应用综合指数法筛选出南江、都江堰和金堂3个最优种源,可供生产单位参考应用。桤木苗木大多数性状与种子产地海拔高度呈负相关,与经度呈正相关,而与纬度关系轻微,呈现出以垂直为异为主、经向变异为次、纬向变异不明显的地理变异特点。     

木荷种源苗期干物质积累和分配差异

利用28个木荷种源的苗期测定材料,研究了不同种源的干物质积累和分配规律。结果显示:木荷苗期单株及其根、茎、叶各器官的干物质积累量在不同种源区间和种源区内不同种源间存在显著的遗传变异,这种变异主要来源于种源区内种源间,其次是来源于不同种源区间。木荷苗期单株及各器官的干物质积累量呈典型的纬向渐变模式,即南部种源区>中部种源区>北缘种源区,而与经度的相关性较小。研究发现,不同种源区间木荷干物质积累量在地下和地上部分的分配比例(即根冠比)遗传分化较小,变异主要来源于种源区内种源间,木荷种源根冠比表现为随机变异的地理模式,自然分布区内降雨量丰富,较少干旱胁迫可能是其主要的原因之一。     

杉木遗传变异组成试析

70年代以来,我国杉木遗传改良工作已发生了根本性的变化,不仅在生态造林区已相继选育出了一批速生型的优良家系、优良种源和优良无性系,而且还不同程度地在生产中得到了推广应用,取得了显著的经济效益。近年来,有关杉木多世代育种的探讨已有不少报道,但立论于遗传变异基础上,纵贯从群体到个体,综合多性状变异相关的见解却不多见,其主要原因或许是有意识地设置这方面的试验还显得不足之故。为此,我们在承担全国杉木协作     

文冠果种子及苗期生长性状地理种源变异

[目的]研究不同种源文冠果(Xanthocerassorbifolium Bunge)的种子形态特征及在山东省安丘地区苗期性状差异,了解文冠果不同种源变异特征,为文冠果在山东安丘地区引种和遗传改良提供参考。[方法]以来自山东、河南、内蒙古、辽宁、黑龙江、河北、新疆、陕西等地的27个种源的文冠果种子为研究对象,对其种子形态指标进行测定,并在山东省安丘市开展种源试验。[结果]研究发现:不同种源间文冠果表型性状均存在极显著差异(P0.01),且这些差异可以稳定遗传(遗传力均大于0.9);苗期苗高与种源地降水、年均气温及地径与降水之间呈极显著正相关(P0.01),苗高与种源地纬度、年均日照及地径与年均日照呈极显著负相关(P0.01),种子长、种子宽、种皮厚均与海拔呈极显著负相关(P0.01)。[结论]文冠果表型性状存在丰富的变异,且受较强遗传控制;文冠果苗期性状变异主要受降水、年均气温、年均日照3个环境主导因子的影响,种子性状变异主要受海拔的影响。综合种源苗期生长状况,初步筛选出山东东营、山东安丘、内蒙古库伦、辽宁关山和辽宁海城5个适合安丘地区育苗的速生种源。     

The Effects of Seed Mass on Germination, Seedling Emergence, and Early Seedling Growth of Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L.)

Half-sib seed of several eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) families was used to examine seed mass effects on laboratory germination, and seedling emergence and growth under moderate and low light (47 and 13% full sunlight) in a greenhouse. Percent germination and speed of germination under laboratory conditions were not related to seed mass among half-sib families or multi-family seedlots bulked by seed mass. Percent seedling emergence in the greenhouse was not related to seed mass, but families with heavier seeds exhibited faster emergence. Both rate and percent emergence were significantly increased under low light. Family differences in leaf, stem, root, and total seedling dry mass, primary root length, and the number of first-order-lateral-roots were positively related to seed mass in both light environments. Low light diminished the absolute biomass increment per unit seed mass, but the proportional change in biomass with seed mass was similar between light environments. Rate of emergence also influenced seedling size within families, with earlier emergence increasing seedling dry mass from 7 to 58%, dependent on light environment. Biomass partitioning coefficients were influenced by light environment but largely independent of seed mass.     

美国栎属种源引种、变异研究:种子及苗期生长变异

对从美国３个州（宾夕法尼亚、纽约和田纳西州）引进的栎属３个树种北方红栎、柳叶栎和红栎的２１个种源进行了两次播种和容器育苗试验。初步掌握了栎属种子砂床播种、芽苗移栽、容器育苗的关键技术。对栎属种子的发芽、芽苗和苗木的生长过程等有了一定的了解。发现栎属不同树种间和种内种源、家系间在种子体积、千粒重、发芽率、３０ｄ萌叶率和苗高生长等性状均存在极显著变异,试验数据表明种子体积北方红栎为大（其中宾夕法尼亚州家系１７２最大）,其次是红栎和柳叶栎。千粒重以北方红栎为重（其中宾夕法尼亚州家系１７２最重）,其次是红栎和柳叶栎。发芽率为北方红栎最高（其中宾夕法尼亚州家系１９１为１００％）,其次是红栎和柳叶栎。３０ｄ萌叶率和苗高生长以柳叶栎为高（田纳西州种源９７０１ＴＮ最高）,其次是红栎和北方红栎。在种间和种内不同种源、家系间种子千粒重与年终苗高生长相关不显著。     

乐东拟单性木兰地理种源变异与选择研究

对乐东拟单性木兰14个种源种子、苗期以及幼林期生长性状进行了调查分析.结果表明:种子千粒质量、苗高、地径、叶长和叶宽等5个性状在种源间差异极显著;造林保存率种源间差异显著,来自北部的种源,如浙江龙泉种源保存率较高,而来自南部的海南尖峰岭种源保存率较低;幼林期4年生树高、5年生树高和胸径、6年生树高和胸径等5个主要生长性状种源间差异均达到极显著水平,其生长性状广义遗传力为0.855～0.930,说明乐东拟单性木兰幼林期主要生长性状的表型差异主要受遗传因素的控制;乐东拟单性木兰苗高和地径与纬度负相关,表明随种源纬度的升高,乐东拟单性木兰种源苗期生长有减小趋势;乐东拟单性木兰幼林期树高和胸径与经度正相关,与纬度极显著正相关.根据乐东拟单性木兰种源幼林期试验结果,选择出浙江龙泉、福建顺昌和湖南新宁3个优良种源.通过聚类分析,把乐东拟单性木兰种源初步划分为3个区:西部种源区、东部种源区和南部种源区.     

美洲黑杨与不同种源青杨杂种苗叶片和生长性状多水平变异研究

利用美洲黑杨50号为母本和青杨5个种源(各10个单株)为父本杂交,获得杂种F1代无性系,对此多水平杂交育种体系叶片和生长遗传变异进行了研究.结果表明,父本青杨种源间及种源内单株间均达到极显著差异,F1代无性系的种源间、种源内家系间和家系内无性系间存在不同差异.杂种F1代无性系扦插苗父本种源不同的杂交组合间和组合内家系间成活率差异不显著,1、2、3年生苗的生长性状在不同层次变异水平上差异显著或极显著,表明父本青杨种源间和种源内变异对F1代生长有显著影响,F1代无性系存在丰富的遗传变异,具有选择潜力.杂种F1代叶片形态与苗期生长性状间未发现有较大相关性.     

美洲黑杨与不同种源青杨杂种苗叶片和生长性状多水平变异研究

利用美洲黑杨 5 0号为母本和青杨 5个种源 (各 10个单株 )为父本杂交 ,获得杂种F1代无性系 ,对此多水平杂交育种体系叶片和生长遗传变异进行了研究。结果表明 ,父本青杨种源间及种源内单株间均达到极显著差异 ,F1代无性系的种源间、种源内家系间和家系内无性系间存在不同差异。杂种F1代无性系扦插苗父本种源不同的杂交组合间和组合内家系间成活率差异不显著 ,1、2、3年生苗的生长性状在不同层次变异水平上差异显著或极显著 ,表明父本青杨种源间和种源内变异对F1代生长有显著影响 ,F1代无性系存在丰富的遗传变异 ,具有选择潜力。杂种F1代叶片形态与苗期生长性状间未发现有较大相关性