遮荫处理对臭椿幼苗早期生长的影响

在不同光照梯度(55.44%自然全光照、21.12%自然全光照、3.47%自然全光照和0.86%自然全光照)的人工遮荫条件下,研究了不同光照强度对臭椿Ailanthus altissima幼苗早期生长的影响。结果表明:移栽后约3个月的臭椿幼苗株高、基径、复叶数、主根长、单株叶面积、总干质量、根冠比、相对生长率和净同化率等生长参数均以55.44%自然全光照处理最大,分别为77.30 cm、13.82 mm、17.80、67.20 cm、4 852.22 cm2、60.57 g、0.24、49.76×10-3g.d-1和5.62×10-5g.cm-2d-1,而且随着光照强度的减弱而减小。研究结果可为臭椿苗木繁育与造林实践提供参考。     

Shade tolerance, photoinhibition sensitivity and phenotypic plasticity of Ilex aquifolium in continental Mediterranean sites

Shade tolerance, plastic phenotypic response to light and sensitivity to photoinhibition were studied in holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) seedlings transported from the field to a greenhouse and in adult trees in the field. All plants were growing in, or originated from, continental Mediterranean sites in central Spain. Seedlings tolerated moderate but not deep shade. Mortality was high and growth reduced in 1% sunlight. Survival was maximal in 12% sunlight and minimal in full sunlight, although the relative growth rate of the seedlings surviving in high light was similar to that of plants in moderate shade. Maximum photochemical efficiency at predawn was significantly lower in sun plants than in shade plants in the field, revealing chronic photoinhibition that was most pronounced in winter. Plasticity in response to available light varied according to the variable studied, being low for photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance, and high for specific leaf area, root:shoot ratio and leaf area ratio, particularly in seedlings. Differences in water relations and hydraulic features between sun and shade plants in the field were marginal. High water potential at the turgor loss point of field-grown plants suggested that holly is sensitive to drought during both the seedling and the adult stage. Low relative growth rates in both high and low light with low physiological plasticity in response to light indicate the existence of a stress-tolerance mechanism. We conclude that holly is a facultative understory plant in areas of oceanic and relatively mild climate, but an obligate understory plant in dry continental areas such as the study site. The impact of abandonment of traditional management practices and climate change on these Mediterranean populations is discussed.     

Growth and photosynthetic responses of Canarium pimela and Nephelium topengii seedlings to a light gradient

We analyzed the growth and photosynthetic responses of Canarium pimela K. D. Koenig (Chinese black olive) and Nephelium topengii (Merr.) H. S. Lo. (Hainan shaozi) to a light gradient to recommend better procedures for optimizing seedling establishment and growth of both species in restoration and agroforestry practices. One-month-old seedlings were exposed to four irradiance levels (46, 13, 2 and 0.2 % full sunlight) inside shade cloth covered shadehouses for 1 year. With decreased sunlight both species displayed trends of decreased relative growth rate (RGR) and leaf area (LA), and increased specific leaf area and leaf area ratio (LAR). The mean values of light-saturated net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) in 46 and 0.2 % full sunlight were 10.11 and 3.44 μmol CO₂ m^?2 s^?1 for C. pimela and 6.26 and 3.47 μmol CO₂ m^?2 s^?1 for N. topengii, respectively. C. pimela had higher RGR in 46 and 13 % full sunlight than in 2 and 0.2 % full sunlight. Differences in growth rates can be explained by the different values of LA, LAR and leaf mass ratio, as well as by the different values of photosynthetic saturation irradiance and net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) between the two species. Both morphological and physiological responses to shading indicate N. topengii could be rated as “very shade-tolerant,” while C. pimela could be rated as “intermediately shade-tolerant”.     

Effect of hydropriming and acclimation treatments on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus rugosa</Emphasis> acorns and seedlings

To facilitate restoration of the lava field forests surrounding Mexico City, we developed methods to improve the germination and field seedling performance of Quercus rugosa using hydropriming (regulated hydration of seeds in water), and we used special watering regimes to improve seedling acclimation. The size, dry mass, fresh mass and water content of seeds were measured, and curves were generated to evaluate acorn hydration and dehydration. The effects of stratification (5°C), heat shock (50°C) and scarification on germination were tested. All treated seeds and controls were germinated in control chambers at 21°C. One hydropriming cycle (PC) consisted of two hydration days followed by two dehydration days; treatments of 1, 2 and 3 PCs were tested. Seedlings from 1PC to 2PC were acclimated in a shade house under high and low watering regimes (400 and 200 mL week^?1, respectively). In the shade house and field, the effects of hydropriming and watering treatments were evaluated by measuring length, basal diameter, crown cover, number of leaves and branches and leaf area of seedlings. Dry and fresh mass were used to calculate acorn water content. Dehydration and hydration curves displayed hysteresis. Acorns exhibited physiological dormancy, which could be overcome by stratification or by 1 month of storage. 1PC led to increased germination rates and final germination. In both the shade house and field, 1PC showed a positive effect on all seedling growth parameters except branch number. Field survival was not affected. Generally, 1PC favoured efficient seed germination, seedling vigour and homogenous plant production.     

Morphological and photosynthetic alterations in the Yellow-ipe, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tabebuia chrysotricha</Emphasis> (Mart. Ex DC.) Standl., under nursery shading and gas exchange after being transferred to full sunlight

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nursery shading on the Yellow-ipe seedling (Tabebuia chrysotricha) growth, photosynthesis, and photosynthetic acclimation after being transferred into direct sunlight. The Yellow-ipe seedlings were grown under 0, 50, 70 and 95% shade. At the 134th day of sowing, leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll were measured under current growth shading, after exposure to 15 min and two day full sunlight. With the increase of shading, the Yellow-ipe seedlings allocated more biomass to the stem and leaves and less to the roots, and there was an increase in the leaf area ratio and specific leaf area. In relation to 0% of shading there was a increase of 211% in stem, 116% in leaf, and a reduction of 200% in roots biomass when seedling were grown under 95% of shading. The total biomass accumulation had a high correlation with collar diameter (r = 0.96). More than 70% of the shading reduced the photosynthesis, and after transferring the seedlings into full sunlight, more than 50% of the shading induced a reduction in chlorophyll, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, suggesting the presence of a photoinhibition process. The Yellow-ipe seedling growth under nursery conditions should not be done under more than 50% shading, which may result in the lower seedling quality and poorer acclimation to transplantation, particularly to severe degraded areas with direct sunlight. The species can be used for recovering from totally devastated forest areas to initial recovery when full canopy are forming.     

Effects of different culture media on the growth of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album L.) seedlings in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, southern China

We studied the effects of different culture media on the growth of India sandalwood (Santalum album L.) seedlings in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province in southern China. Five different growth substrates, lateritic subsoil, burnt soil, agricultural soil, peaty soil and coconut dust, were used as the basic culture materials and seven different treatments of composition were used as potting media. Kuhnia rosmarinifolia Vent. was used as a primary host plant for all treatments. Statistically significant differences were found between treatments in respects of survival rate (p < 0.001), height (p < 0.001), ground diameter (p < 0.001) and biomass (p = 0.002), as well as for quality index (p = 0.001) of S. album seedlings after 6-month growth in containers with different culture media. Among all treatments, the treatment combining burnt soil, peat and coconut dust in a weight ratio of 1:1:1 plus 2% calcium super-phosphate as basal manure achieved the best performance for most of the seedling growth parameters, including survival rate (98%), height (35.81 cm), ground diameter (0.56 cm), biomass (4.46 g) and quality index (0.65), followed by the treatment using only burnt soil plus 2% calcium super-phosphate as the culture medium (survival rate 86%, height 29.23 cm, ground diameter 0.48 cm, biomass 3.36 g and quality index 0.52), while the treatment using only lateritic subsoil plus the basal manure as the medium obtained the poorest results in survival rate (38%), height (12.04 cm), ground diameter (0.19 cm), biomass (0.26 g) and quality index (0.043). Increasing the proportion of lateritic subsoil in the medium when mixed with peat and coconut dust did not show statistically significant differences in survival, height, ground diameter, biomass nor in quality index. In consideration of cost, using burnt soil plus 2% calcium super-phosphate as basal manure may be the optimum culture medium for large-scale production of Indian sandalwood seedlings in Guangdong, southern China.     

Characteristics of the Light Response in Seedlings and Saplings of Two Mid-Successional Species,Ash and Kalopanax,During the Early Stage of Regeneration in a Mature Forest

Abstract

Growth characteristics of ash (Fraxinus mandshuricavar. japonicd)and kalopanax (Kalopanax pictus), two mid-succcs-sional species, were monitored in relation to seasonal light in a deciduous broadleaf forest. During the growing, relative light intensity of the gap was 4 to 6 times higher than that under the closed canopy. Seedlings could be found on the mixed hardwood forest floor where relative light intensity was around greater than 7% of full sunlight. When saplings gap openings which had relative light intensities above 20%, they quickly developed lateral branches and increased their foliage volume. The light-photosynthesis curve of seedlings of both species showed a curve typical of the “shade leaf” type even though they grew under sunlight. In contrast, saplings of both species showed the “sun leaf” type of light-photosynthesis curve. This seedling to sapling shift from shade to sun adaptation was also found in other foliage characteristics. This study shows that species can efficiently adjust their leaf and branch characteristics to changing light environments from shade to openings in a forest.     

Effects of shade on the morphology and physiology of amabilis fir and western hemlock seedlings

Successful regeneration of coastal montane sites harvested using alternative silvicultural systems may depend on the degree to which tree species can acclimate morphologically and physiologically to a variety of light environments. In a study to determine shade acclimation in montane conifers, one-year-old amabilis fir (Abies amabilis (Dougl.) Forbes) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) seedlings were grown in a nursery under four shade treatments: full sunlight (0% shade), 60% and 30% shade using shade cloth, and 30% shade using lath slats. Shading influenced shoot development, foliar physiology and morphological characteristics of both amabilis fir and western hemlock but in general, the effects were small. Shade levels of 60% were required to induce significant acclimation, and western hemlock appeared to respond more positively than amabilis fir and therefore was considered more shade tolerant than amabilis fir. Light quality had little influence on growth and development, as indicated by a lack of significant differences in physiology or morphology between seedlings grown under shade cloth or lath slats. There were indications that adequate nutrition levels may mitigate the effects of shade on seedling morphology and physiology.     

Evaluating changes in switchgrass physiology,biomass, and light-use efficiency under artificial shade to estimate yields if intercropped with Pinus taeda L.

There is growing interest in using switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a biofuel intercrop in forestry systems. However, there are limited data on the longevity of intercropped bioenergy crops, particularly with respect to light availability as the overstory tree canopy matures. Therefore, we conducted a greenhouse study to determine the effects of shading on switchgrass growth. Four treatments, each with different photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) levels, were investigated inside the greenhouse: control (no shade cloth, 49 % of full sunlight), low (under 36 % shade cloth), medium (under 52 % shade cloth), and heavy shade (under 78 % shade cloth). We determined the effect of shading from March to October 2011 on individually potted, multi-tillered switchgrass transplants cut to a stubble height of 10 cm. In the greenhouse, there was a reduction in tiller number, tiller height, gas exchange rates (photosynthesis and stomatal conductance), leaf area, above- and belowground biomass and light-use efficiency with increasing shade. Total (above- and belowground) biomass in the control measured 374 ± 22 compared to 9 ± 2 g pot^?1 under heavy shade (11 % of full sunlight). Corresponding light-use efficiencies were 3.7 ± 0.2 and 1.4 ± 0.2 g MJ^?1, respectively. We also compared PAR levels and associated aboveground switchgrass biomass from inside the greenhouse to PAR levels in the inter-row regions of a range of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands from across the southeastern United States (U.S.) to estimate when light may limit the growth of intercropped species under field conditions. Results from the light environment of loblolly pine plantations in the field suggest that switchgrass biomass will be significantly reduced at a loblolly pine leaf area index between 1.95 and 2.25, which occurs on average between ages 6 and 8 years across the U.S. Southeast in intensively managed pine plantations. These leaf area indices correspond to a 60–65 % reduction in PAR from open sky.     

Dynamics of seedling banks in beech forest: results of a 10-year study on germination,growth and survival

The dynamics of a seedling bank was studied in four plots located in the Krynica Experimental Forest, southern Poland. Each sample plot was divided into eight sectors, in which germinants and seedlings were mapped, measured, and labelled; their survival was checked twice a year between 1989 and 1996. Maps of relative light intensities on the forest floor in sample plots were produced on the basis of measurements conducted in June and August 1991. During the entire period of study, European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) made up over 96% of germinants and seedlings. Numbers of beech germinants varied strongly (from 0 to 1178) among plots and years. Each year of abundant germination was followed by one or two years of scarce germination, and there was an increasing trend in the number of germinants in three plots between 1989 and 1996. Seedling emergence was almost independent of relative light intensity and first-season survival was positively, but weakly correlated with it. Long-term survival of seedlings was low and strongly related to relative illumination. Results of analyses of spatial patterns in seedlings suggested that some microsites were more conducive than others to germination and early survival of seedlings. Survival among taller germinants was greater than among shorter ones. A true seedling bank was observed only in two plots, where relative light intensities were 9 and 15% of full sunlight. In a plot with relative light intensity of 4%, the seedling bank was unstable and in the least illuminated plot (<3% of full sunlight) no seedling bank was formed. Results indicate that, even in a strongly shade-tolerant species like beech, formation of a seedling bank requires the occurrence of canopy openings in the close proximity.     

Shade shelters increase survival and photosynthetic performance of oak transplants at abandoned fields in semi-arid climates

Forest restorations conducted in semiarid, seasonally dry climates must deal with the intense drought stress that affects tree seedlings during the dry season. Although this water deficit is the most commonly invoked source of mortality for seedlings, several other environmental factors may also preclude survival of transplants. For instance, it has been widely reported that excessive light reduces the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus, hence decreasing plant survival, but most seedling transplants in deforested areas are conducted under these light conditions. This study is focused in determining whether excessive light affects the photosynthetic performance and survival of Quercus coccolobifolia, a Mexican oak species, when their seedlings are transplanted in semiarid deforested areas. Further, this study tests the possibility of using artificial shade shelters to improve the ecophysiological performance and survival of seedlings. Oak seedlings were transplanted under full sunlight conditions and beneath artificial shade shelters of two different colors: white and black. To reduce water stress, and hence isolate the effects of light treatments, a drip irrigation system was implemented at each experimental plot. Seedling survival was monitored weekly for 128 days and photosynthetic performance was assessed by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence at three opportunities during the experiment. Sun-exposed seedlings showed lower photosynthetic performance and survival rates than those beneath shelters of both colors. These results suggest that sunlight damage can reduce seedling survival when they are transplanted in exposed sites, and that shade shelters can improve the success of forest restoration programs in semiarid climates.     

伯乐树1年生幼苗的光响应特征

采用自然全光照的16.72%(s17)、24.51%(s25)、36.49%(s36)和100%(s100)及林地下14.02%(s14)等5种光照强度,比较分析不同光照条件下的环境因子日变化、1年生幼苗成活率、生长量等指标,以期揭示幼苗对于夏季不同光照条件的光响应特征。结果表明:不同光照强度下,环境因子日变化显著不同,幼苗的成活率、形态和生理指标等均存在显著差异。极度弱光下(s17)幼苗生长迟缓;而全光照环境(s100)和较强光照下(s36)易造成幼苗的死亡;仅适度遮荫(s25)适于幼苗的生长;林下栽培(s14)的相对光照强度虽然较弱,但其各种小气候因子均明显优于无林地的其它光照条件,幼苗成活率、水分利用和平均净光合速率等指标均达到最优。建议抚育幼苗时应采用适宜的遮荫处理,可选择在中等郁闭度的林下(自然遮荫)或在大田中采用夏季单层遮荫。     

遮阳网遮光度对红椎大田播种育苗效果的影响

设置了4种不同的遮光处理:全光照、遮光度40%、遮光度60%、遮光度70%,探讨不同遮光度对红椎大田播种育苗苗木保存率和苗木生长的影响。结果表明:遮光度对红椎大田播种育苗苗木保存率和苗木生长有显著影响。遮光度达70%时,其苗木保存率、苗木高生长与地径生长均表现最佳。     

Effects of nursery shading on seedling quality and post-planting performance in two Mediterranean species with contrasting shade tolerance

In Mediterranean climates, seedlings are frequently shaded in the nursery to avoid heat damage and save water. However, the impact of this shading on the seedling quality and transplanting performance of Mediterranean species is not well known. We studied the effect of nursery shading on pre-planting features and post-planting performance of two Mediterranean tree species: the shade-intolerant pioneer Pinus halepensis and the shade-tolerant late-successional Quercus ilex. We grew one-year-old seedlings of both species under 100, 40 and 5% full sunlight. Shade had a low impact on the morphology and physiology of Q. ilex seedlings. In pines, only the deep shade treatment produced low quality seedlings with poor root development. In both species, transference to high light at planting in autumn did not impose any additional stress than that caused by frosts, but initial root growth was impaired in the two shaded treatments in pine. Post-planting growth and survival of oak seedlings showed no difference between treatments. Pine seedlings grown in deep shade showed higher mortality and lower growth after planting than those grown in full sun and intermediate light treatments, while intermediate light only reduced growth. For the nursery culture of Q. ilex seedlings, we advise using low light levels during summer to save water without impairing field performance. In P. halepensis, seedlings should be cultured under full sunlight conditions to maximize post-planting growth, but they can be cultured under intermediate light without impairing survival.     

The effect of low-temperature event on the survival and growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juglans mandshurica</Emphasis> seedlings within forest gaps

In forest ecosystems, gap formation changes the allocation of abiotic resources and thus affects the survival and growth of understory plants. However, how tree seedling survival and growth respond to low-temperature events and the influencing mechanisms remain unclear. To clarify how low-temperature event limits the survival and growth of tree seedlings in the montane regions of eastern Liaoning Province, northeast China, we investigated temperature and light intensity within secondary forest gaps, and the survival and growth of Juglans mandshurica seedlings after a low-temperature event in the spring of 2014. Damage to seedlings due to low temperature significantly varied in different aspects. Seedlings in gaps on southeast-facing slopes were the most seriously damaged, followed by those in gaps on northeast-facing slopes. In contrast, seedlings in west-facing gaps and in control plots without slope aspect were not damaged. The freezing injury index for seedlings was negatively correlated with minimum temperature (r = ? 0.608, P < 0.01), but it was positively correlated with light intensity (r = 0.818, P < 0.01). In addition, height and root collar diameter of damaged seedlings were significantly lower than those of the undamaged seedlings (P < 0.01) during the early growing season (April–July), but no significant difference were observed during the late growing season (July–October) (P > 0.05). The extent of seedling damage was directly related to slope aspect. Low temperature and high light intensity were found to be the dominant factors affecting extent of damage to seedlings on southeast- and northeast-facing slopes.     

Testing Biodegradable Seedling Containers as an Alternative for Polythene Tubes in Tropical Small-Scale Tree Nurseries

Polythene tubes are the most commonly used seedling containers and their adoption can be attributed to high water retention that enhances seedling establishment as well as the desire for low-cost readily-available containers by nursery operators. Polythene tubes have drawbacks, however, because they adversely affect seedling root growth and are an environmental hazard. This study was conducted in Meru, Eastern Kenya, to investigate whether small-scale tree nursery operators are likely to adopt biodegradable seedling containers (cellulose papers and banana sheaths). It was hypothesised that biodegradable containers are better for seedling growth and are more environmental friendly than the widely used polythene bags. The study assessed the frequency of watering and growth (height and basal diameter) of Calliandra calothyrsus seedlings produced in various biodegradable containers under three conditions with varying watering requirements, i.e. light tree shade, shade net and polythene chambers, the first being widely used by farmers. The performance of these seedlings was later monitored in the field. Seedlings produced in biodegradable containers required more frequent watering than those in polythene bags under light tree shade and shade nets but less frequent in polythene chambers. Seedlings produced in polythene tubes had higher growth rates in the nursery, but when transplanted to the field, they were overtaken by those grown in the biodegradable containers due to transplanting shock after the polythene containers were removed. Biodegradable seedling containers can therefore be adopted in areas where water is not very limiting, and evaporation rates could be reduced and water-use efficiency improved by raising seedlings in simple polythene structures.     

Survival and competitiveness of Quercus rubra regeneration associated with planting stocktype and harvest opening intensity

Successful regeneration of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) on productive sites is problematic in eastern North American forests. Natural and artificial regeneration often cannot compete with fast-growing, shade intolerant species such as yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.). This study examines 5-year survival, growth, and competitive ability of planted northern red oak seedlings in various group selection harvest sizes in south-central Indiana, USA. Seedling stocktypes consisted of high (BHD; 75 seedlings m^?2) and low (BLD; 21 seedlings m^?2) nursery-bed-density bareroot seedlings, and small (CS; 11.4 L) and large (CL; 18.9 L) container seedlings. Group selection openings included large (0.400 ha), medium (0.100 ha), and small (0.024 ha) circular gaps in four stands. Larger stocktypes and gap sizes improved seedling height, diameter, and growth; ANOVA indicated only gap size was significant for seedling survival. Logistic regression showed survival was positively correlated to diameter at year 1, and aspect, gap size, and stocktype were significant predictors of survival. Our data indicated no differences in density of natural regeneration among gap sizes, although trends suggest greater numbers of bigger competitors in larger gaps sizes. Yellow-poplar regeneration was the tallest competitor of more than 50% of all northern red oak seedlings. Competitive status of seedlings after 5 years differed only by stocktype, with large container stock in a better competitive position than bareroot stock. However, less than 20% of seedlings in all stocktypes in each gap treatment were considered competitive (i.e., ≥80% of the height of tallest competitor) against their tallest competitor. The use of larger planting stock may offer greater opportunities for successfully regenerating northern red oak seedlings on productive sites but likely would have to be accompanied by treatments to reduce woody competition.     

红椆播种苗移栽容器育苗技术研究

为提高红椆苗木质量和造林成活率,对红椆2年生直播苗和2年生撒播苗移栽容器苗苗木质量进行对比试验,同时采用不同规格容器和遮荫处理对1年生撒播苗移栽到容器后苗木的成活率和生长量进行比较试验。结果表明:容器育苗可显著提高红椆苗苗高、地径、主根长、地上部分干重、地下部分干重;容器规格对移栽后苗木成活率影响不显著,但对苗木生长有显著影响;采用80%遮阳网遮荫,容器苗成活率较高,苗木高生长也显著增加,但苗木地径生长与60%遮阳网遮荫处理的苗木差异不显著。     

遮荫对红松、红皮云杉苗木生长的影响

研究不同年龄红松，红皮云杉在全日照、70％、40％、30％及10％光照条件下的生长情况，结果表明，红松、红皮云杉苗木均在相对照度70％的条件下，树高生长量最大。全日照不利于苗木高生长。地径生长随着光照强度的增大而增大。相对照度70％条件下，红松、红皮云杉（小）平均单株生物量最高。红皮云杉（大）在全日照下平均株生物量最高。随着苗龄的增长对光的需要量增大。     

Verification of a phenotypic discrimination method for hybrid larch seedlings using DNA markers

The hybrid between Kuril larch (Larix gmelinii var. japonica) and Japanese larch (L. kaempferi) is an important afforestation tree species in Hokkaido, Japan, because of its rapid juvenile growth, straight stem, and resistance to bark gnawing by voles. To produce desirable hybrid seedlings, precise seedling discrimination is essential. However, continuous variations in morphological and phenological traits occur across L. gmelinii var. japonica × L. kaempferi and L. gmelinii var. japonica × L. gmelinii var. japonica seedlings. Therefore, we used DNA markers to verify and improve the morphological and phenological discrimination method. We collected seeds from an interspecific seed orchard and, using chloroplast DNA analysis, we showed that the hybridization rates of 1-year-old seedlings were different between years (2004, 23.2 %; 2005, 53.6 %) and between mother trees (2004, 5.8–39.4 %; 2005, 20.0–81.0 %). Discriminant analyses revealed that the root collar diameter of 2-year-old seedlings, number of sylleptic branches of 2-year-old seedlings, and day of terminal bud set in 1- and 2-year-old seedlings are traits that aid in discriminating hybrid seedlings. The proportions of correctly discriminated individuals were found to be 81.7–88.2 % when using improved phenotypic discrimination methods. These methods adopted traits with high discrimination abilities during discriminant analyses and determined the selection intensity according to the hybridization rate estimated from the DNA markers. In contrast, the proportions of correctly discriminated individuals obtained using the current method were lower, 72.7–78.5 %, because this method was based on seedling height and adopted a constant selection intensity.