Does RGP predict field performance? A debate

Root Growth Potential (RGP) has become the most commonly used and reported measure of seedling quality. It has also been used to predict field performance after planting, but not everyone agrees that this is an appropriate use. The authors were solicited by the Making the Grade Organizing Committee to engage in a debate on the topic Does Root Growth Potential (RGP) predict Field Performance with D. G. Simpson arguing the affirmative position and G. A. Ritchie the negative. Simpson's key debate points are: (1) RGP predicts actual field performance when trees are dead __ dead trees do not grow, (2) RGP predicts field performance potential when water uptake is dependent on new root growth, and (3) RGP is a practical tool to monitor and improve reforestation system performance. Ritchie, arguing against the proposition, maintains that: (1) the logic which underlies the dependence of Field Performance on rapid root growth after planting is flawed, i.e. root growth immediately following planting rarely occurs because soils during the planting season are generally below the threshold temperature for root growth, and (2) RGP does not provide enough information about the complex of interacting factors which control Field Performance to give reliable, consistent predictions. The authors conclude by proposing a conceptual model which accommodates both positions.     

Research versus operational correlations between seedling survival and root growth potential of shortleaf pine

Relationships between root growth potential (RGP) and plantation survival were evaluated for 12 families of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) from Oklahoma and Arkansas in 2 consecutive years. Bare-root, 1+0 seedlings were either planted one day after lifting (nonstored) or were stored at 1° to 3°C for 4 weeks. Correlations were obtained using the traditional research method where seedlings are planted in the field prior to obtaining results from the RGP test. In addition, operational correlations were derived by planting seedlings after obtaining RGP test data.For nonstored seedlings, research correlations were generally higher (r values were larger in 18 of 24 cases) than operational correlations. The predictive ability of operational correlations may not be high enough with 28-day pot tests to warrant batch culling of freshly lifted shortleaf pine. However, results were mixed for stored seedlings. In one year, operational correlations were generally higher than research correlations.     

Initial moisture stress,budbreak and two-year field performance of three morphological grades of slash pine seedlings

This study examined the relationship between root collar diameter, plant moisture stress and budbreak in three morphological grades of bareroot 1+0 slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) nursery seedlings and assessed the role of these parameters in predicting field performance potential under operational conditions. Two months after outplanting seedlings with small (3.2 mm) diameters exhibited greater signs of moisture stress than those with the largest (4.7 mm) diameters, as determined by lower xylem pressure potential values. Intermediate and large-sized seedlings (diameter >3.2 mm) showed earlier budbreak than smaller seedlings with more rapid shoot elongation after planting and had significantly greater survival rates for two years after planting on both a moist flatwoods and a dry sandhill planting site. However, after two years on the more favorable moist site, height and diameter measurements of seedlings with significantly smaller diameters initially did not differ from those of intermediate sized seedlings (diameter >3.2 and <4.7 mm). Large seedlings had greater second-year leader and diameter increments and attained greater total height and diameter after two years on both sites. Decreasing the proportion of smaller seedlings included in the field performance analyses increased overall mean plantation survival while increasing the proportion of large seedlings increased mean two-year total height and diameter as well as annual growth increments.     

Tall planting stock for enhanced growth and domination of brush in the Douglas-fir region

Two long-term experiments followed development of planted stock of various sizes, origins, and species. In one experiment, multiyear comparisons of container, 2-0 bareroot, and 3-year-old Douglas-fir transplants showed strong positive relationship between initial height and long-term (10–14 years) growth under a range of site conditions with high probability of brush development. In the other experiment, Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce were planted in salmonberry disturbed by logging 0 and 4 years previously. Half the seedlings were released with glyphosate 6 months after planting. Hemlock and Douglas-fir bare-roots all grew well if planted in a fresh burn, despite rapid regrowth of salmonberry, but virtually all seedlings less than 60 cm tall except Sitka spruce were killed by 4-year-old salmonberry if not released. Release improved growth of seedlings in the fresh burn by 6%, gaining an average of about 0.6 year toward reaching a height of 6 m. Release improved growth of survivors in 4-year-old salmonberry by 51% in height, 72% in diameter, and 325% in volume at age 12. Sitka spruce grew well until damaged by insects. Hemlock growth was equal to or greater than that of Douglas-fir of comparable initial height. In all comparisons, the probability of being overtopped by brush decreased with increasing initial stock height, and the effect of suppression on growth was also inversely related to initial height. Field planting operations may require special logistic measures for the largest stock types.This is Paper 2706 of the Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University.     

Rapid root tip and mycorrhiza formation and increased survival of Douglas-fir seedlings after soil transfer

In order to re-inoculate soil with mycorrhizal fungi, small amounts (about 150 ml) of soil from an established Douglas-fir plantation were added to planting holes when Douglas-fir seedlings were planted on an old, unrevegetated clearcut in the Klamath Mountains of Oregon. Seedlings were lifted throughout the growing season to determine the influence of soil transfer on the rate of root tip initiation and mycorrhiza formation. Six weeks after planting, seedlings receiving plantation soil had formed 62% more root tips than controls; however, no statistically significant differences were apparent 15 weeks after planting. By that time, a small percentage of root tips were visibly mycorrhizal; seedlings receiving transferred soil had the most colonization (13.6 vs 3.5 per seedling, p 0.05). Of seedlings receiving transfer soil, 36.6% survived the first growing season, compared to 11.3% of control seedlings. At this high elevation, soils often remain frozen well into spring, leaving only a brief period betwen the time when soils become warm enough for root growth and the onset of summer drought. Under these conditions, the rapid root growth and mycorrhiza formation stimulated by plantation soil increases the ability of seedlings to survive the first growing season.This is Paper 2341 of the Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University.     

Eight-year performance of bareroot Douglas-fir and bareroot and plug western larch Seedlings following herbicide applications,northeast Oregon,USA

Plantation success in northeastern Oregon can be limited by poor survival for western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) seedlings. Vegetation management treatments may increase soil moisture availability during the dry summer months, thereby increasing the probability of seedling survival. Chemical site preparation treatments were applied in spring 2007, summer 2007, and spring 2008 to determine if such treatments would improve survival and growth of bareroot Douglas-fir and bareroot and plug western larch seedlings on three sites near Elgin, Oregon. Although some herbicide treatments significantly increased survival, results were not consistent among sites. Overall, Douglas-fir had greater survival after 7–8 years than larch seedlings. Seedling size 7–8 years after planting was also highly variable among sites and treatments with larch seedlings being taller and larger than Douglas-fir seedlings, on the average. Size for all stock types was negatively correlated with vegetative cover and positively correlated with first-year soil moisture. Macro- and microclimatic conditions, including topography and soil depth, were likely contributors to differences in survival and growth.     

Chlorophyll fluorescence,root growth potential,and stomatal conductance as estimates of field performance potential in conifer seedlings

After cold storage, conifer seedlings in British Columbia are tested for field growth potential before planting. We compared three tests of performance potential using container-grown seedlings of Douglas-fir, interior spruce, lodgepole pine, and western larch (14 seedlots total). On several autumn dates, seedlings were lifted and stored at −2°C. The following spring we tested stored seedlings for root growth potential (RGP), chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), and stomatal conductance (Gs), and then planted seedlings in nursery beds. We assessed survival and shoot dry weight (SDW) after one growing season. Performance test results were significantly correlated with each other (r ≥ 0.47) but showed different relationships with field performance, which varied with lift date. The best performance predictor was the sum of CF and RGP (R ² = 0.79 for 78 seedlot by lift-date combinations), which minimized the risk of planting poor seedlings and not planting good seedlings. A sum of 83 for CF (Fv/Fm %) and RGP (new roots >1 cm) provided a threshold above which survival and growth were good. For evergreen conifers, Gs was a good performance predictor, but required extra time to measure leaf area. We recommend a combination of CF and RGP to assess vigor of shoot and root systems before planting. Wolfgang D. Binder––Scientist Emeritus.     

Root growth potential as an indicator of drought stress history

Container-grown quiescent Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) seedlings were air dried to plant water potentials of -0.2, -2.2 or -3.8 MPa (unstressed, moderate, and severe stress treatments, respectively). Trees from each treatment were either placed in root mist chambers held at 10, 20, or 28 degrees C for 28 days and root growth potential (RGP) and plant water potential (PWP) measured weekly, or potted in a 1/1 mix of peat and vermiculite, watered only once, and height growth and survival recorded after 10 weeks in an unheated greenhouse. Root growth potential of unstressed trees was greater than that of moderately stressed trees at all temperatures. Root growth potential of severely stressed trees was zero. Predawn plant water potentials of unstressed and moderately stressed trees were initially high, fell to -0.5 to -0.8 MPa, and then increased. Predawn plant water potential of severely stressed trees declined continuously over the 28-day experiment. Survival and height growth of the severely stressed trees were reduced compared to the unstressed and moderately stressed trees. Among the root growth potential measurements, RGP measured after 7 days at 10 degrees C was most sensitive to drought stress history and revealed differences in vigor that were not apparent from the survival and height growth data.     

Predicting field performance using seedling quality assessment

Seedling quality is defined as fitness for purpose. Attributes for assessing seedling quality are grouped in material attributes that can be rapidly assessed by any number of direct or indirect methods, and performance attributes that are assessed by subjecting whole seedlings to certain environmental regimes and evaluating their growth response. Material attributes comprising morphology, bud dormancy, water relations and nutrition and performance attributes comprising frost hardiness, vigour and root growth potential are discussed with regard to relevance for predicting field performance. Measurement techniques and relevance in assessing seedling quality are presented for different physiological attributes: electrolyte leakage, enzymatic activity, water potential, water conductance, mineral nutrition, food reserves, mitotic index, gas exchange, chlorophyll content, plant growth regulators, stress-induced volatile emission, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Methods with future potential in improving the prediction of field performance are identified and discussed. The methods presented in this respect are chlorophyll fluorescence, infrared thermography, machine vision systems, integrated approaches and ecophysiological evaluations.     

Effects of Douglas-fir 2+0 seedling morphology on field performance

The relationships between field performance of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) 2+0 seedlings and their initial diameter and root mass were evaluated on five sites in Oregon in the early 1980s to identify opportunities for improving seedling grading prior to planting. Survival and height 3–5 years after planting were positively related to seedling size at the time of planting. On all sites, survival nearly doubled from the smallest to largest diameter classes. Root mass had a similar relationship to survival on sites with environmental stress. Increasing root size class increased survival more for the small diameter classes than for the larger diameter clases. On the other hand, increasing root size class increased total height more for the large diameter class than the smaller ones. Although height was not as strongly affected as survival on several sites, height differences among initial seedling diameter classes were still significant and increasing after five years. Root class effects on height were less important than diameter class effects.     

Root volume as a grading criterion to improve field performance of Douglas-fir seedlings

Three seed sources of 2+0 Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] seedlings were graded into three root-volume categories (<9, 9–13, and >13 cm³) and outplanted to determine (i) differences in survival and growth after one and two growing seasons in the field, (ii) relationship(s) of seedling height after one and two seasons to preplanting nursery root volume, total fresh weight, root-collar diameter, and height, and (iii) differences in field performance due to fertilization at planting. Field survival was >90% among all root-volume categories. Seedlings in the largest category grew significantly better than those in the smaller two categories over two seasons. Apparently, a population of seedlings having a large proportion of high root volumes will outperform a population having a large proportion of low root volumes in the field. Fertilization at the time of planting had no effect on survival or growth because of shallow placement of the fertilizer pellet. The results suggest that targeting root volume, as well as height and diameter, is worthwhile where morphological quality must be maximized to improve field performance. Thus, root volume has potential for use as a criterion for grading seedlings.     

Prevalence and incidence of the root-inhabiting fungi, Fusarium, Cylindrocarpon and Pythium, on container-grown Douglas-fir and spruce seedlings in British Columbia

Surveys were made at the end of the 1990 and 1991 growing seasons for root-inhabiting fungi in the genera Fusarium, Cylindrocarpon and Pythium from the roots of one year-old container-grown Douglas-fir and spruce seedlings grown under greenhouse conditions. In the 1990 survey of four nurseries, it was found that 61–97% of both Douglas-fir and spruce roots were colonized with Fusarium, Cylindrocarpon or Pythium. There were significantly (p0.05) more Douglas-fir roots than spruce roots colonized by Fusarium at all nurseries, however, there were significantly (p0.05) more spruce roots than Douglas-fir roots colonized by Cylindrocarpon and Pythium. Root colonization of Douglas-fir and spruce by the three fungal genera during 1991 varied from 0–82% at three nurseries, however, only at a south coastal nursery was there significantly (p0.05) more spruce than Douglas-fir roots colonized by Cylindrocarpon. Significantly more seedlings were infected in 1990 than in 1991. In 1991, there were few significant differences between Douglas-fir and spruce, in the percentage of seedlings with colonized roots and in the percentage of growth medium colonized by the fungi. However, there were significant differences between nurseries.     

First year field growth of chemically root pruned containerized seedlings

Containers deform seedling root systems and have a potential to inhibit tree growth after outplanting. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. var. ponderosa), western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl. ex D. Don), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) were grown in containers coated with latex paint containing different concentrations of cupric carbonate and outplanted in a forest. Treatment effects on seedling growth and root morphology were determined after one growing season in the field. Seedling height was unrelated to treatment and stem diameter was not significantly affected (p0.05). New root growth in the upper portion of the root plug was significantly increased (p0.05). The optimal concentration of cupric carbonate for seedling root growth in the upper portion of the root plug was estimated by multiple regression.     

Transplant Stress Index: A proposed method of quantifying planting check

This paper demonstrates a simple way of estimating the intensity and duration of planting check by examining height growth patterns. A transplant stress index is determined by the relationship between initial seedling height and subsequent height growth. This index is defined as the slope of a linear relationship between initial height and height increment. If the slope is negative, the plants (as a population) are said to be experiencing planting check. When the slope is approximately zero, the stock is said to be recovering from planting check. A steep positive slope suggests the stock has recovered from planting check. TSI values were determined for several conifers including Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii, Pinus taeda L., Pinus radiata D. Don, Picea sitchensis (Bongard) Carrière, and Larix× eurolepis Henry.     

Effects of alternate types of microsite shade on survival of planted Douglas-fir in southwest Oregon

Five-year survival of 2-0 bareroot Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] seedlings was increased by three types of shading (cardboard shadecards placed to the south or east of seedlings, and bottomless styrofoam cups inverted around the seedling base) on two south-facing sites in southwest Oregon. On the drier site, seedlings survived well without shading (89% unshaded, 98% shaded), but on the wetter site, where seedlings were stressed more, shading was more beneficial (62% unshaded, 89% shaded). Shading did not affect growth. Seedlings grew more in 5 years on the drier than the wetter site, likely as a result of better handling and planting practices, less browsing by deer, and better weed control.     

Influence of nursery soil amendments on water relations,root architectural development,and field performance of Douglas-fir transplants

This experiment evaluated the influence of manure, peat, and vermiculite incorporated at low and high rates (0.0118 and 0.0236 m³/m²) and under two soil moisture regimes on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedling (1+0 for 1+1) xylem water potential (_xylem), whole-plant growth, root architectural development, and subsequent field performance under fertilized and non-fertilized conditions. Trends in soil moisture retention were observed (high manure > high peat > control) but there were no differences in _xylem. Root length in the wetter soil moisture experiment was initially (three months) greatest for seedlings in high vermiculite and least in high manure but there were no differences among treatments at lifting (eight months). Mean height was greatest for seedlings grown in vermiculite and peat (wetter nursery experiment) after two field seasons. Field fertilization (35 g/seedling) with controlled-release fertilizer in the planting hole stimulated height growth initially, but decreased height and diameter growth during the second growing season. Dramatic improvements associated with the use of nursery soil amendments were not realized, but the failure to identify negative effects, a potential reduction in disease incidence, and improvement of nursery soil physical and chemical properties may justify their use.     

Stock quality and field performance of Pinus patula seedlings produced under two nursery growing regimes during seven different nursery production periods

Two types of containerized P. patula seedlings, referred to as hard and soft seedlings, were raised by droughting and different fertilizer applications. Hard seedlings were raised by applying half the water and a quarter of the fertilizer (0.01 g per seedling 21%N:7.1%P:14.2%K) applied to the soft seedlings. At the end of the nursery cultural treatments the two types of seedlings were morphologically distinct. Hard seedlings had lower heights, height to root collar diameter ratios and seedling dry masses than soft seedlings, but mortality was similar for both seedling types when planted during seven different production periods within the planting season on three sites which differed climatically and geologically. Correlations between mortality and height to root collar diameter ratio (r = 0.76), root to shoot ratio (r = 0.83) and root growth potential (r = --0.69) were obtained indicating that grading of seedlings on these parameters may improve survival. However, it was evident that survival could be significantly improved by identifying the best time of year and conditions for planting, as well as improving stock quality.     

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.     

Looking for the “silver bullet” -- can one test do it all?

Seedling quality tests should ideally fulfill several conceptual and practical requirements which are explored in this paper. Difficulties in making predictions of seedlings' field performance arise from several constraints that are discussed. Some proposed criteria are evaluated for quality testing methods, and some new reasons are considered. The reasons for seedling quality tests have to be clearly stated as tests have different purposes during nursery culture, at lifting, and pre-planting. Rooted cuttings (stecklings) and seedlings produced using embryogenesis (emblings) have additional quality requirements. Eleven rating criteria for seedling quality tests are proposed and the feasibility of using anyone of the 11 tests as a silver bullet are assessed using these criteria. New purposes for seedling testing will result from the forest management goals of genetic diversity, diversification in use of silvicultural systems, and climate change. Future tests may apply results of molecular genetics research on gene expression and genome mapping. Expert systems will become available which will integrate and build on existing data. Seedling morphology will remain the basis for stock type selection and an important characteristic of stock quality. Nursery production should aim for uniform planting stocks wherein the need for culling is minimized, but batch culling is possible. A silver bullet does not exist as no single test can be applied throughout the nursery culture, lifting and pre-planting stages for all species and conditions. However, continuing emphasis on quality has resulted in detailed characterization of the whole nursery growing environment, suggestions of major areas for improvement, and increased field performance. Future research efforts should focus on a better understanding of acclimatization of seedlings on the planting site.     

The effect of short day treatments on containerized Douglas-fir morphology,physiology and phenology

The effect of short day treatments (blackout) on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) container seedlings at the time of lift and following cold storage was investigated. Variables measured included height, root collar diameter (RCD), root growth capacity (RGC), photosynthetic efficiency after –18 °C freezing (PEF), and days to terminal bud break (DBB). From one to four blackout dormancy induction treatments were started on three dates (July 12, July 26, and August 10) with 10 or 20 d between multiple blackouts. Increasing the number of blackout treatments resulted in lower RCD, lower DBB in the late winter/early spring, and higher PEF in the early fall. Later blackout start dates decreased PEF in the early fall, and increased overall height and late fall RGC as compared to earlier blackout start dates. Nurseries growing Douglas-fir seedlings from coastal Pacific Northwest provenances should be aware that blackout regimes can decrease RGC in the late fall, and cause quicker dormancy release in the early spring. Coastal Douglas-fir can be lifted and planted in the early fall, when RGC and DBB are relatively high. If planting between February and April is necessary, seedlings given blackout should be cold stored in January to maintain an adequate level of dormancy, RGC and PEF.