Provenance variation in growth characters of four subtropical pine species planted in Mexico

In 1995 a species/provenance test was established in the state of Puebla, Mexico to assess and compare the growth of Pinus greggii var. australis, P. maximinoi, P. patula and P. tecunumanii, including 10, 5, 11 and 4 provenances of each species, respectively. Each provenance test lot consisted of seed from 7 to 10 individual trees collected in natural stands. Range-wide samples were included in the test for P. greggii var. australis and P. patula. Material of P. maximinoi and P. tecunumanii from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as Mexico was established in the test. The test site is in a mountainous area at 1440m elevation, near 20°N latitude. At 5 years of age significant differences were seen at both the species and provenance levels in survival, total height, diameter and volume. The overall test survival was 93%. Variance among species was three time greater than among provenances, comprising 25–33% of the total variation. P. maximinoi had the greatest height, diameter and volume (62dm³) followed by P. tecunumanii (53dm³). P. greggii var. australis had an average volume of 43dm³ and P. patula produced 30dm³. Although P. maximinoi had the lowest survival rate, the San Jeronimo provenance was the most productive of all 30 provenances tested; 98% survival and 73dm³ volume. This was equivalent to 2.8cm annual diameter increment and 2m in height growth per year. Significant growth differences among provenances within species indicate that potential gain exists using provenance selection.     

Evaluation of promoters and visual markers for transformation of eastern white pine

This report serves to evaluate possible promoters for use in theproduction of transgenic eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.).Embryogenic cultures of eastern white pine were bombarded with goldparticles coated separately with a variety of gene constructs containingthe UidA -glucuronidase (GUS) or green fluorescentprotein (GFP) reporter gene. Transient expression of the UidAgene, driven by a novel algal virus adenine methyl transferase genepromoter, as well as five other promoters used in angiospermtransformation, were evaluated. The maize alcohol dehydrogenase promoterwas not effective in eastern white pine cultures. The construct with thedoubled Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter plus Alfalfa Mosaic Virusenhancer showed the highest levels of expression. GUS expression wasdetected within 24 hours, but decreased after 5 days and was notdetectable 15 days after bombardment. Expression of GUS activity wasrecorded mainly in somatic embryonal heads of various stages ofdevelopment and occasionally in suspensor cells. Similar to GUSexpression, modified green fluorescent protein (GFP) was detected in theembryonal head cells 24 hours after bombardment. GFP-expressingsuspensor cells were both more infrequent and difficult to detect, astheir highly vacuolate nature rendered the GFP presence less visibleagainst the yellow background autofluorescence.     

Comparison of greenhouse and environmentally controlled growthroom root growth potential testing of 2+0 eastern white pine seedlings

Two-year-old estern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) seedlings were measured for Root Growth Potential (RGP) in a hydroponic system over two years in both a greenhouse and an environmentally controlled growthroom. Analyses of variance showed no significant differences (alpha = 0.05) between testing environments for either year. This study demonstrates the validity of using greenhouse RGP testing for 2+0 eastern white pine.     

Growth and water potential of j-rooted loblolly and eastern white pine seedlings over three growing seasons

The effects of j-rooting on water stress and growth of loblolly (Pious taeda L.) and eastern white pine (Pious strobus L.) were examined over three growing seasons in the field. Seedlings were planted in an area with severe herbaceous competition with either their roots planted straight or bent into a j shape. All seedlings were planted with their root collars placed at the soil surface. During the first year j-rooted seedlings consistently had lower water potentials but never statistically significant. Since both treatments were planted with the root collar at the soil surface, this trend was likely due to an initial shallower root system in j-rooted seedlings. In year three no differences in water potential were significant and no trends were evident. Growth did not differ significantly by treatment at any time but, by year three, j-rooted plants were consistently larger for both species.     

Site preparation alters biomass, root and ectomycorrhizal development of outplanted western white pine and Douglas-fir

This report documents impacts from manipulations of native forest soils and competing vegetation on development and ectomycorrhizal formation of outplanted western white pine and Douglas-fir in the Inland Northwest. Treatments were: 1) mounding surface horizons with competition left in place, 2) mounding surface horizons with subsequent physical or chemical control of competing vegetation, 3) scalping for control of competing vegetation, and 4) a control, or no postharvest disturbance. Treatments were applied on a low-altitude, relatively harsh site and on a higher altitude, more moderate site. Wich established seedlings, mounding with no competition control generally produced small seedlings (5–15g; both species) with low numbers of ectomycorrhizal short roots (21). Mounding with competition control produced large seedlings (20–48g) with moderate numbers of short roots (25). Scalping produced small seedlings (8–16g) with high numbers of short roots (41). The control also produced small seedlings (8–13g) but with a moderate number of short roots (27). Douglas-fir produced more short roots on the harsh than the moderate site. Western white pine produced high root to shoot ratios (above 0.60) in the mound with competition on the harsh site. Douglas-fir produced very high root to shoot ratios (above 1.0) in both the mound with no competition of the harsh site and in the mound with competition of the moderate site. Throughout, western white pine produced more ectomycorrhizae more rapidly than Douglas-fir. Ectomycorrhizal development and root and shoot weight of both conifers were adversely affected by competing vegetation.     

Effects of nursery environment on needle morphology of Pinus monticola Dougl. and implications for tree improvement programs

Statistically significant differences were found in 14 needle traits of western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl.) seedlings grown from the same seed orchard source in the three nurseries in northern Idaho. Traits with significant variation included needle length and width, number of stomatal rows, number of stomata per row, total stomata per needle, adaxial surface area, stomatal density, major axes of stomata, stomatal shape, stomatal area, stomatal occlusion, epistomatal wax degradation, weight of wax per dry weight of needle, and the contact angles of water droplets placed on adaxial needle surfaces. Wax crystallites on needle surfaces were hollow and tubular and the amount of surface wax appeared to be associated with surface wettability. Our results may have important implications for tree improvement programs that require successful inoculation of nursery-grown seedlings with spores of Cronartium ribicola J. C. Fisch. ex Rabenh. to reliably screen white pines for resistance to blister rust.     

Benefit-cost analysis of raising Pinus wallichiana seedlings in different capacities/sizes of root trainers in the nursery

Modern nursery methods of seedling production in different sized root trainers, were compared by raising seedlings of Pinus wallichiana involving costs incurred and benefits received. In order to provide a common basis for the comparisons, the study involved the raising of 1000 seedlings annually on a continuous basis for seven years. A relative economic analysis of raising P. wallichiana seedlings in 300, 150 and 100 cm³ root trainers was carried out and we estimated that the root trainers of 300 cm³ capacity recorded the highest total input cost of Rs. 35571 and Rs. 40018 for 1000 seedlings produced annually at discount rates of 12% and 6%. Seedlings raised in 100 cm³ root trainers recorded the lowest total input cost of Rs. 23390 and Rs. 27737 per 1000 seedlings annually at discount rates of 12% and 6%. Hence, returns per rupee invested in raising seedlings in the 100 cm³ root trainers accounted for the maximum benefit-cost ratio (i.e., 1.56 and 1.61) at discount rates of 12% and 6%. Thus seedlings raised in 100 cm³ and 150 cm³ root trainers were found to be most cost effective when compared with seedlings grown in 300 cm³ root trainers. The results can be attributed to the larger number of cells per tray (higher growth density) in the 100 and 150 cm³ root trainers, compared to the number of seedlings in the 300 cm³ root trainers.     

Symbiotic properties and Rhizobium requirements for effective nodulation of five tropical dry zone acacias

Five tropical dry zone acacias were inoculated with three fast-growing Rhizobium strains and four slow-growing Bradyrhizobium strains. After two months of growth in the greenhouse, the plants were harvested and their shoot height and dry weight, nodule number and dry weight, acetylene reduction activity, and total shoot nitrogen were determined. The results showed that: (1) Acacia polyacantha (being evaluated for the first time) was promiscuous, nodulating indiscriminately with Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium strains. (2) Faidherbia albida and Acacia holosericea (that were previously known to nodulate with Bradyhizobium strains only) nodulated with Rhizobium strains as well and (3) Acacia senegal and Acacia nilotica that were previously known to be nodulated exclusively by Rhizobium strains only were nodulated with both genera.

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Resumé Cinq espèces d'acacias de zone tropicale séche ont été inoculées avec trois souches de Rhizobium à croissance rapide et quatre souches de Bradyrhizobium à croissance lente. Aprés deux mois de croissance en serre, les plants ont été récoltés et lahauteur et le poids sec de parties aériennes, le nombre et le poids sec de nodules, l'activité réductrice de l'acétylène et la quantité d'azote total contenue dans les parties aériennes ont été déterminés. Les résultats ont montrés que: (1) Acacia polyacantha (étudié, pour la prémière fois) est une espèce qui nodule indifféremment avec des souches de Rhizobium et de Bradyrhizobium. (2) Faidherbia albida et Acacia holosericea nodulaient également indifféremment avec des souches de Rhizobium et de Bradyrhizobium, contrairement à des études antérieures qui montraient que ces espèces nodulaient exclusivement avec des souches de Bradyrhizobium. (3) De même, Acacia senegal et Acacia nilotica nodulent avec les deux types de souches alors qu'elles étaient connues pour être nodulées exclusivement par des souches de Rhizobium.

     

Susceptibility of adult trees of the endangered species Pinus armandii var. amamiana to pine wilt disease in the field

Adult trees of Pinus armandii var. amamiana (PAAm) and P. thunbergii grown in the field were inoculated with 100000 or 1000 of the nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus to evaluate their susceptibility to pine wilt disease. PAAm trees inoculated with 100000 nematodes started to show disease symptoms 2 weeks after inoculation, and all died within 29 weeks. Although the PAAm trees inoculated with 1000 nematodes tended to show delayed disease symptoms compared with those inoculated with 100000 nematodes, all of them died within 33 weeks after inoculation. All P. thunbergii trees inoculated with 1000 nematodes had died 6 weeks after inoculation. In the nematode-inoculated PAAm trees, death of branches distal to the nematode inoculation site was the first visible symptom, followed by the systemic discoloration of needles, whereas the whole tree wilted simultaneously in P. thunbergii trees. In nematode-inoculated PAAm trees, the period from inoculation to death was longer than that in P. thunbergii. These results suggest that adult PAAm trees are susceptible to pine wilt disease, but are less vulnerable than P. thunbergii.     

Relationships between foliar phosphorus fractions of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica and soil available phosphorus

In order to find out the best foliar diagnostic index of phosphorus (P) nutrition in Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) in the southeastern Keerqin Sandy Lands, the concentrations of total nitrogen (N), inorganic P, organic P and total P in needles of different ages and soil available P were examined. The results show that in the study area, soil available P was rather low (0.12–0.63 mg/kg) and was significantly correlated with inorganic P (cPi) and total P (cPt) concentrations in current year needles of Mongolian pine. The significant correlation between soil available P and needle cPt derived from the significant correlation between cPi and cPt. Compared with cPt, cPi did reflect the level of soil P supply more accurately and more directly. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2008, 19(3): 494–498 [译自: 应用生态学报]     

Herbicides and planting date affect early performance of container-grown and bare-root loblolly pine seedlings in Alabama

The survival of bare-root and container-grown loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings exceeded 90% when outplanted in March at two sites in Lee County, Alabama. At both sites, soil moisture and seedling survival were greater in March than in May. A March herbicide application reduced weed biomass by 75–80% at both sites. At the moist site, herbicide application did not affect survival. However, at the drier site, a reduction in weed biomass increased both the percent soil moisture and the survival of May-planted bare-root seedlings. When soil moisture at planting time was less than 13% on a dry weight basis container-grown seedlings survived better than bare-root seedlings. At both sites, reduced weed competition resulted in greater seedling heights and diameters.Alabama Experiment Station Journal Series No. 9-85802.     

Influence of herbicides and felling,fertilization, and prescribed fire on longleaf pine establishment and growth through six growing seasons

Recovery of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris P. Mill.) is necessary to arrest the decline of many associated plants and animals, and the establishment of longleaf pine on much of its original range requires artificial regeneration and diligence. In central Louisiana, USA, two fertilization levels (No [NF] or Yes [F-36 kg/ha N and 40 kg/ha P]) in combination with three vegetation treatments (check, two prescribed fires [PF], or multi-year vegetation control by herbicidal and mechanical means [IVM]) were applied to container-grown longleaf pine plantings in two studies. In Study 1 (grass dominated), 6-year-old longleaf pine survival was 52% on the F–checks, 78% on the F–PF plots, and averaged 93% on the other four treatment combinations. Longleaf pine trees on the IVM plots (3.4 m) were significantly taller than on the other two vegetation treatments, and trees on the PF plots (1.8 m) were taller than trees on the check plots (1.2 m). In Study 2 (brush dominated), survival averaged 65% across the six-treatment combinations after 6 years. The longleaf pine trees were 4.7 m tall on the IVM plots and averaged 3.9 m tall on the check and PF plots. Fertilization increased P concentrations in the soil and longleaf pine foliage, while fertilization did not significantly affect longleaf pine height growth. Native fertility was not apparently limiting longleaf pine development contrary to prior research recommendations for these soils. In both studies, the IVM treatment reduced early herbaceous competition and the number and height of arborescent plants. The PF treatment reduced arborescent plant height on the grassy site where fires were more intense than on the brushy site.     

Comparison of foliar nutrient concentrations between natural and artificial forests of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica on sandy land, China

In order to examine the causes of degradation of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantations on sandy land, the foliar concentrations of N, P, K and C were analyzed and compared between the field grown P. sylvestris var. mongolica trees from two provenances （natural forests and plantations）. The results indicated that natural tree needles had lower N, P and C concentrations, and higher K concentrations than those of plantation tree needles. For plantation tree needles, ratios of N： P, P. K and N： K increased with tree age before 45 years old; but they were not clear for the natural tree needles. Compared with the conclusions reported on Pinus spp., we found that the foliar N and P concentrations were in the optimal range for both natural and plantation tree needles. This result suggested that N or P might not be the absolute limit factors in plant nutrient for P sylvestris var. mongolica on sandy land. However, foliar K concentrations in both natural and plantation tree needles were much lower than those reported on Pinus spp. （〉4.80 g kg-1）.The N： P ratio of natural needles was in the adequate ranges, but N： P ratio of plantation needles was out of the adequate ranges. These results indicated that there was a better balanced nutrition status in the natural forest than in the plantations. If only considering the foliar nutrient concentrations of P sylvestris var. mongolica from different provenances, it might be concluded that the degradation phenomenon of P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations was not induced by nutrition deficiency of absolute nutrients of N and P, but might be induced by other mineral nutrients or by the effectiveness of N and P nutrients. The unbalanced nutrition status and relatively quick decomposition of needles in the plantations might also contribute to the degradation.     

Nutrient cycle of planted forest of Pinus tabulaeformis in the Miyun Reservoir Watershed, Beijing

We studied the nutrient cycle of a planted forest of Pinus tabulaeformis in the Miyun Reservoir Watershed, Beijing. Results show that the total biomass of P. tabulaeformis stands at age 29 in the experimental area is 92627 kg/hm², and the total nutrient store is 695.17 kg/hm² including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), kalium (K), calium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). The sequence of their contents in different organs was given as follows: needle>branch> trunk>root. The annual amount of 85.37 kg/hm² of five nutrient elements were assimilated by P. tabulaeformis, about 0.34% of the total store in soil, and 3.30% of available nutrient store in soil depth from 0 to 30 cm. The nutrient annual retention is 35.92 kg/hm², annual returning 49.46 kg/hm², the rain input 26.04 kg/hm² to the five nutrient elements. The parameter absorption coefficient, utilization coefficient, cycle coefficient and turnover period were cited to describe the nutrient elements cycle characteristic of the planted forest ecosystem of P. tabulaeformis. The absorption coefficient is the ratio of plant nutrient element content to soil nutrient element content, and its sequence of five nutrient elements was given as follows: N>P>K>Ca>Mg. Utilization coefficient is the ratio of the nutrient element annual uptake amount to the nutrient element storage in standing crops, and its sequence of five nutrient elements was: Mg>K> P>N>Ca. The big utilization coefficient means more nutrients stored in the plant. The cycle coefficient is the ratio of the nutrient element annual return amount to the nutrient element annual uptake amount, its sequence: Ca>N>P>K>Mg. Turnover period is the ratio of the nutrient storage in the crops to the annual returning, its sequence: Mg>K>P>N>Ca. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2008, 30(3): 51–56 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]     

Relating the survival and growth of planted longleaf pine seedlings to microsite conditions altered by site preparation treatments

Pine plantations in the southeastern United States are often created using site preparation treatments to alleviate site conditions that may limit survival or growth of planted seedlings. However, little is understood about how site preparations affect longleaf pine (Pinus palustris P. Miller) seedlings planted on wet sites. In a 2-year study (2004 and 2005) on poorly drained, sandy soils of Onslow County, North Carolina, we examined the effects of common site preparation treatments on microsite conditions and quantified relationships between microsite conditions and longleaf pine seedling survival and growth. Treatments used in the study included site preparations designed to control competing vegetation (chopping and herbicide) combined with those that alter soil conditions (mounding and bedding). During both years, mounding and bedding treatments reduced the amount of moisture within the top 6 cm of soil and increased soil temperatures when compared to flat planting (p < 0.001). Soil moisture was inversely related to seedling mortality in 2004 (r² = 0.405) and inversely related to root collar diameter in 2005 (r² = 0.334), while light was positively related to root collar diameter in 2005 (r² = 0.262). Light availability at the seedling level was highest on treatments that effectively reduced surrounding vegetation. Herbicides were more effective than chopping at controlling vegetation in 2004 (p < 0.001) and 2005 (p = 0.036). Controlling competing vegetation, especially shrubs, was critical for increasing early longleaf pine seedling growth.     

Peroxidase activity, isoenzymes and histological localisation in sapwood and heartwood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Peroxidase activity and isoenzymes of fresh wood samples of the third shoot of 12-year old trees and from the sapwood, transition zone and heartwood of c. 60-year old stems of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were investigated. Wood samples were ground at −30°C, extracted, and the extracts concentrated c. 20-fold for peroxidase activity assays (guaiacol method) and for IEF-PAGE. At least 11 major isoenzymes could be found in the gels. Even the heartwood contained some peroxidase isoenzymes. Isoenzyme patterns of the juvenile wood did not change with the season. However, juvenile wood showed the highest peroxidase activity at the end of the growing season. Peroxidase activity decreased from the outer sapwood towards the heartwood. Thin sections of different wood zones stained for peroxidase revealed activity in ray parenchyma and resin canal epithelial cells. Intensive staining was localised in the bordered pits of vertical and ray tracheids, and in the end walls of ray parenchyma cells.     

Compatible stem volume and taper equations for Brutian pine, Cedar of Lebanon, and Cilicica fir in Turkey

Compatible segmented taper and volume functions were developed for Brutian pine, Cedar of Lebanon, and Cilicica fir in Turkey. The proposed models generally performed better for the whole tree, especially for Cilicica fir. Average diameter prediction error was less than 2.2 cm and average volume error was less than 0.009 m³. The proposed models provide needed merchantable stem volume and diameter estimates to any point in the bole based on the 10 relative height classes examined for the three species. Model estimates compared well to existing volume tables currently employed for these three important commercial species.     

Allometric equations for estimating the foliage biomass of Scots pine

The research described in this paper was performed in the Niepolomice Forest (Southern Poland) in 2001 as part of the Forest Environmental Monitoring and Management System (FOREMMS; 5FP IST) project. The material for the present study consisted of the measurement results of the biomass of Scots pine shoots with needles and needles alone carried out on 113 felled sample trees. The purpose of this study was to construct empirical equations for estimating the foliage biomass of Scots pine from easy to measure parameters. To achieve this aim, the dependence of the foliage biomass of Scots pine on stem diameter, height, age, crown length, basal area increment of the trees was analyzed. Using the biometric characteristics such as: tree diameter at breast height (dbh), basal area increment, age, height, and crown length empirical equations for estimating the foliage biomass of Scots pine reasonably precisely have been established. The created empirical equation gives accurate foliage biomass estimates. The explained variability varies between 65 and 85%, it depends on the number of variables applied in the equation. The equations presented in this paper were created with a view to their possible use in ecological studies where biomass quantity may be used, for example, in modeling carbon circulation in the forest ecosystem. From the point of view of forestry practice, these equations may help to assess biomass production in Scots pine stands.     

Mulch and hexazinone herbicide shorten the time longleaf pine seedlings are in the grass stage and increase height growth

Herbaceous plant control with mulchor hexazinone herbicide influenced planted longleafpine (Pinus palustris Mill.) seedling totalheight on a silt loam site in central Louisiana. Thesite had been sheared and windrowed in 1991 and rotarymowed before three treatments were established in arandomized complete block design: (1) Untreatedcheck: no herbaceous plant control after planting;(2) Five mulches: on each plot, five randomlyassigned mulches were placed around seedlings; themulches were either a mat of cotton, hemlock andpolyester, pine straw, woven polypropylene, orperforated polyethylene; and (3) Hexazinone: theherbicide hexazinone at 1.12 kg active ingredient/hawas annually sprayed in the first two growing seasonsover the rows of unshielded seedlings. The longleafseedlings were planted in February 1993.After three growing seasons, seedlings on the mulchand hexazinone treatments were taller than those onthe check plots. About 59% of the mulched andhexazinone treated seedlings had grown out of thegrass stage (at least 12 cm tall) compared to 17% ofthe check seedlings. After five growing seasons, thepercentage of longleaf pine seedlings out of the grassstage was similar on all treatments and averaged 87%. However, these better growing pines were taller on themulch and hexazinone treatments (a 142-cm average)than on the checks (78 cm). Pine straw was anineffective mulch probably because the straw smotheredthe seedlings. The longleaf saplings were tallestwhen the perforated polyethylene mat was used.     

From planting to 26 years of age – actual growth and estimated volume scenarios for spruces and pines

The objective of this study was to compare the survival and volume of conifer stands at 26 years of age with their status at planting. Survival, growth and damage were studied in eight clear felled stands regenerated in 1972. Five of the areas were planted with Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and three with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). The plantings were examined in 1972 and 1974. In 1974, the number of living undamaged planted seedlings was low (10–15%). However, the number of undamaged seedlings was supplemented by naturally regenerated conifer and birch seedlings. The total number of undamaged seedling in 1974 was equivalent to 20–30% of the number of seedlings planted. In 1998, the main species in three stands had changed from Norway spruce to Scots pine, and in one stand from Norway spruce to birches. Actual volume in 1998 for the stands was compared to stand volume generate according to five scenarios based on recommended and actual seedling number in 1972 and 1974. The actual volume was 64% of that expected if the recommended number of trees had been planted. Naturally regenerated Scots pine and Norway spruce increased stand density in 1998. The actual volume was 37% higher than the average volume in the surrounding county. On average, 36% of the trees were damaged. More than 50% of the total damage was caused by moose (Alces alces L.). For Scots pine, moose or other browsing animals damaged 30% of the trees. The results of this study indicate that the 1998 volume was higher than expected, considering the low number of undamaged seedlings in 1974. This was mainly due to the large amount of naturally regenerated plants. In addition, the results indicate that the volume could have been higher if the initial conditions had been better. Despite the low number of undamaged seedlings in 1974, seven of the eight studied stands produced a higher volume than the average stand for the region. In practise, high numbers of seedlings should be planted on scarified areas. In most cases there will be a supply of naturally regenerated seedlings.