Soil water content and water relations in planted and naturally regenerated Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings during the first year in semiarid conditions

The capacity of Aleppo pine (Pinus halpensis Mill.) seedlings to overcome the planting shock in dry conditions was assessed by firstly studying the survival and water status during the first year after planting in relation to soil water content. In spite of receiving only 177 mm rainfall during the year studied, survival of planted Aleppo pine was very high (88.5%). Soil water during summer months (after receiving 67 mm rainfall in winter and spring) was only available at 30–60 cm depth, with tension values of –1.1 and –1.3 MPa in July and August respectively; in these conditions, July predawn xylem water potential measured was –2.5 MPa, and midday potential was –3.6 MPa. According to different authors, these values don't jeopardize the survival of Aleppo pine. In addition, acclimation of outplanted seedlings to environmental conditions was followed by comparing their water relations with those of naturally regenerated seedlings on the site. Predawn and midday xylem water potential showed differences in favour of outplanted seedlings since June, indicating an adjustment to this dry site. Compared to naturally regenerated trees, nursery grown stock of the same age before field planting had much more biomass and higher N and P concentrations and contents; although shoot:root balance and Dickson quality index were not significantly different. Finally, planted seedlings acclimation level during first year was also evaluated by Transplant Stress Index, which value (–0.1278) indicated a slight planting impact.     

Soil water stress: Its effects on phenology, physiology, and morphology of containerized Douglas-fir seedlings

Containerized Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) seedlings were subjected to six moisture-stress treatments (ranging from 7 to 65% soil water content by volume) for 12 weeks. At the end of this period, there were significant differences in phenological, physiological, and morphological responses among the seedlings in the various moisture-stress treatments. In general, seedlings grown under very high or very low soil moisture conditions were adversely affected, while those grown under moderate conditions (29 to 53% soil water content) exhibited optimum growth, bud development, and nutrient and starch reserves. The use of vector analysis was found to be helpful in data interpretation. The results indicate the importance of closely monitoring nursery moisture regimes in order to achieve the best seedling quality.     

The effect of Tuber melanosporum Vitt. mycorrhization on growth, nutrition, and water relations of Quercus petraea Liebl., Quercus faginea Lamk., and Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings

Mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal Quercus faginea Lamk., Quercus petraea Liebl., and Pinus halepensis Mill. one-year-old seedlings inoculated with Tuber melanosporum Vitt. have been analyzed with the purpose of studying the influence of mycorrhization on their growth, water relations, and mineral nutrition. The mycorrhization improved Q. petraea and P. halepensis seedling growth. In addition, the mycorrhization created an elastic adjustment in P. halepensis, although it did not cause any osmotic adjustment. Additionally, the mycorrhization increased phosphorus uptake in Q. faginea and P. halepensis, content of all nutrients in P. halepensis, and N content in Q. petraea.     

Effect of nursery storage and site preparation techniques on field performance of high-elevation Pinus contorta seedlings

After five years of growth at high-elevations (∼3000 m) in Utah, container lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) seedlings survived well (80–95%) and grew to similar heights regardless of nursery storage method and site preparation technique. Seedlings received one of three storage treatments: (1) spring-sown in the nursery, overwintered in cooler storage and outplanted in July; (2) spring-sown, overwintered in freezer storage, and outplanted in July; or (3) winter-sown, no storage, and hot-planted in late August. We outplanted seedlings at two locations that were clearcut and had received two treatments of surface organic matter (coarse wood, logging slash, and forest floor) removal: surface organic matter (OM) piled with a bulldozer and burned or surface OM remaining in situ. Compared to adjacent uncut stands, both site preparation treatments increased total soil bulk density, but retaining surface OM in situ maintained soil OM, carbon, and nitrogen levels. After one growing season, seedlings planted where surface OM had been bulldozed were taller and had more biomass, although survival was similar (≥96%) across site preparation treatments. The height growth advantage disappeared after five growing seasons and although overall survival was good, survival was highest where site preparation involved removal of surface OM and freezer-stored seedlings were planted. Total non-structural carbohydrates tended to be higher in roots than in shoots and were also higher in hot-planted seedlings than in stored seedlings. Our results indicate that nursery and forest managers have several options for successful nursery production and outplanting of container lodgepole pine seedlings in the central Rocky Mountains. Using hot-planted seedlings allows for a faster turnaround time (from seed to plantable seedling) and maintaining surface OM may be a cost-effective alternative to dozer piling and burning.     

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.     

Root growth capacity and field performance of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies seedlings

Correlations between root growth capacity (RGC), at the time of planting, and field performance were studied for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings. Before planting a gradient in seedling viability was generated through exposure to low root temperatures and different winter storage regimes. The hypothesis that high RGC values would improve field performance was to some extent verified for pine seedlings while no correlations could be registered for spruce. Reasons for these results are discussed.     

Field performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus halepensis</Emphasis> planted in Mediterranean arid conditions: relative influence of seedling morphology and mineral nutrition

In Mediterranean arid regions, relatively small planting stock has traditionally been used in an attempt to reduce drought susceptibility, though few studies have examined influences of initial seedling morphology and nutrition on long-term plantation establishment. We fertilized Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings in the nursery with controlled release fertilizer (CRF) varying in formulations and rates; 9-13-18 and 17-10-10 (N-P-K) formulations at 3, 5 and 7 g l⁻¹ substrate plus an unfertilized control and we evaluated growth and survival 7 years after planting in arid conditions in Almería province, southeast Spain. Interactions between initial height and fertilizer treatments occurred during the first 3 years; initial size advantages of specific fertilizer treatments (7 g l⁻¹ of 9-13-18 and 17-10-10 at 3 g l⁻¹) persisted after 7 years. The largest and most nutrient-rich seedlings from 9-13-18 at 7 g l⁻¹ (41.0 cm tall, 4.4 mg of P per g of root tissue at time of planting) exhibited the highest survival after 7 years (79%), while survival declined to 42% for non-fertilized plants (12.9 cm tall and 0.6 mg of P per g of root tissue). Initial seedling morphological parameters were most consistently correlated with field performance. Root P concentration was the nutrient variable most closely related to survival. Our data emphasizes importance of longer-term experiments to accurately assess influences of nursery treatments on field responses, particularly in arid areas. We suggest that larger seedlings with greater nutrient reserves than are currently being used should be incorporated into Mediterranean plantations.     

Root system morphology of Quercus rubra L. planting stock and 3-year field performance in Iowa

On 3 sites, 3-year performance of 1+0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings was evaluated with respect to initial root system grade. Seven hundred twenty nursery-run bareroot northern red oak seedlings were graded according to numbers of large (>1mm) first-order lateral roots and outplanted in spring 1987 on eight 90-tree plots distributed among three sites in central Iowa. Survival, height growth, and diameter growth were significantly greater for seedlings with 10 or more large first-order lateral roots than for seedlings with 4 or fewer. Seedling survival and growth were significantly and positively related to initial root grade. First-year height growth, however, was significantly and negatively correlated with initial height. Combined results for seedling survival and growth indicated that red oak seedlings with five or more large first-order lateral roots have a greater probability of success both in terms of survival and early growth than do those with four or fewer first-order lateral roots.Journal paper no. J-15193 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa, Project no. 2485.     

Effect of density control and undercutting on root morphology of 1+0 bareroot hardwood seedlings: five-year field performance of root-graded stock in the central USA

The Hardwood Quality Nursery Cooperative (bareroot forest nurseries in 5 midwestern states) initiated a series of studies in 1987 to evaluate red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) seedling performance as a function of cultural treatments and seedling root system morphology.Seedlings were grown at three densities (32, 64, and 128 stems m^-2for red oak; 32, 64, and 96 stems m^-2for black walnut), and half of the density plots were undercut. Seedlings received fertilizer, weeding, and irrigation treatments customary to their respective nurseries. Seedlings were lifted, measured, and outplanted in their respective states as completely random individual tree plots during spring 1988. Survival, height, and diameter were evaluated annually through 1992.Seedling height, diameter, and number of permanent first-order lateral roots (FOLR) decreased with increasing bed density. At a given density, undercutting produced smaller seedlings (for both height and diameter) that had greater numbers of FOLR. Numbers of FOLR influenced seedling performance after outplanting. Red oak seedlings with at least 5 FOLR and black walnut with at least 7 FOLR had better survival and growth than seedlings with fewer roots.     

盐碱胁迫对牛叠肚幼苗渗透调节物质及叶绿素含量的影响

为了探讨牛叠肚幼苗对盐碱胁迫的生理适应性,以盆栽牛叠肚组培苗为试材,就不同浓度的NaCl、Na2SO4、NaHCO3和Na2CO3胁迫处理对其叶片中的叶绿素含量和部分有机渗透调节物质的影响进行了试验。结果表明:在中性盐(NaCl、Na2SO4)和碱性盐(NaHCO3、Na2CO3)的胁迫处理下,牛叠肚叶片叶绿素的合成中均出现了低促高抑的现象,而游离脯氨酸的积累对叶绿素的合成并未起到直接作用。在单价盐碱(NaCl、NaHCO3)的胁迫处理下,牛叠肚幼苗主要通过可溶性糖、游离脯氨酸、可溶性蛋白的交替积累来发挥其渗透调节功能;在二价盐碱(Na2CO3、Na2SO4)的胁迫处理下,可溶性糖、游离脯氨酸和可溶性蛋白的积累趋势各异,其中,在Na2CO3胁迫条件下三者同步积累,共同发挥其渗透调节功能,而在Na2SO4的胁迫处理下,牛叠肚幼苗主要通过可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白的彼此协同作用来降低盐碱伤害,并且二者的积累有利于叶绿素的合成。     

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.     

Gas exchange,water relations and morphology of yellow-cedar seedlings and stecklings before planting and during field establishment

Information is lacking on how yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don.) Spach) stecklings compare with seedlings in their response to potentially limiting field site environmental conditions. Before planting, yellow-cedar seedlings and stecklings were characterized at 5 and 22°C root temperatures for gas exchange parameters (n=6), root growth capacity (n=12) and plant water movement (n=6) using a fully randomized design in a controlled environment growth room. Seedlings, compared with stecklings (t-test), showed a faster (p=0.01) recovery of net photosynthesis (P_n) and stomatal conductance (g_wv) after root temperature increased from 5 to 22°C. Seedlings had greater (p=0.05) root growth capacity (number of new roots 0.5 cm in length) than stecklings after 14 days at 22°C and after 14 days at 5°C followed by 15 days at 22°C. Seedlings had a lower (p=0.01) resistance to plant water movement measured after 29 days (14 days at 5°C followed by 15 days at 22°C root temperature).Seedlings and stecklings were planted on a coastal British Columbia field site and monitored for 1) morphological development and physiological response to ambient site conditions throughout the first growing season, and 2) physiological response to drought conditions during late summer. Both trials used a fully randomized design and stock type means were compared using t-tests (p=0.10, 0.05, and 0.01). Initially, seedlings were taller (p=0.01) than stecklings but otherwise morphologically similar (n=20). Over a 35 week period after planting, stecklings had greater incremental height growth, while seedlings produced a greater (p=0.01) number of roots extending out of the root plug. Seedlings and stecklings (n=6) had similar P_n and g_wv patterns under late spring environmental conditions. However, seedlings had greater P_n and g_wv under cold temperature (p=0.05 and p=0.1, respectively) and drought conditions (p=0.05 and p=0.01, respectively), but during conditions of high evaporative demand and adequate soil moisture, stecklings had greater (p=0.01) P_n and g_wv. Seedlings had higher (p=0.01) daily integrated shoot water potential values (D) at different times during the growing season, and maintained higher (p=0.05) predawn (_pd) shoot water-potential values, higher (D) (p=0.01) and lower (p=0.01) resistance to plant water movement (R_SPAC) during drought conditions.     

Seed spacing and seedling biomass: Effect on root growth potential of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

Results from three studies conducted in bare-root nurseries indicate a positive linear relationship between seed spacing and root growth potential of Pinus taeda L. seedlings. However, root growth potential was also correlated with several morphological variables, including seedling weight, root collar diameter, root weight, root volume, foliage weight and stem weight. Because seedlings grown at wider spacings were larger in diameter and biomass, covariate analyses (using either root collar diameter or foliage ovendry weight) were also conducted. These analyses indicate that differences in root growth potential between seed spacings can be accounted for by differences in seedling size.     

不同茵根茵对板栗容器苗生长和形态指标的影响

试验研究了不同菌根菌接种处理对板栗容器苗生长和形态指标的影响,试验结果表明：接种不同菌根菌对板栗容器苗的生长和形态指标的影响各不相同,其中处理6(B．e C．o)、处理5(B．e X．ch)和处理3(X．ch)对板栗容器苗苗高生长促进作用较大;处理7(X．ch C．o)对板栗容器苗地径生长促进作用最大,生物量也最大;处理7(X．ch C．o)和处理3(X．ch)对苗木各项根系指标的促进作用均较大,生物量也较大。     

Effects of an ectomycorrhizal fungus on the growth and physiology of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings subjected to saline-alkali stress

This research investigates the mechanism of increased salinity tolerance of ectomycorrhizal fungiinoculated P. sylvestris var. mongolica to provide a theoretical basis for the application of the fungus in saline soils.Growth effects due to inoculation of seedlings with Suillus luteus(a symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungus), were determined in four kinds of saline–alkali soils. Growth and physiological indicators, including photosynthetic characteristics, plant height, biomass, photosynthetic pigments,catalase(CAT) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) enzyme levels, and malondialdehyde(MDA), an organic marker for oxidative stress, and soluble protein levels were determined. Mycorrhizal colonization rate decreased with increasing saline–alkalinity and growth of inoculated seedlings was significantly enhanced. Biomass and chlorophyll contents also increased significantly. SOD and CAT activities were higher than in non-inoculated seedlings. However, MDA content decreased in inoculatedseedlings. Soluble protein content did not increase significantly. Inoculation with a symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungus could enhance the saline–alkali tolerance of P. sylvestris var. mongolica. Growth and physiological performance of inoculated seedlings were significantly better than that of uninoculated seedlings. The results indicate that inoculated P. sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings may be useful in the improvement of saline–alkali lands.     

不同土壤水分胁迫格局对印度沙漠中的黄檀种苗营养吸收和生物量的影响

1998年7月,利用非称重式蒸渗池种植单一种源的一年生黄檀种苗,研究在印度沙漠地区培养黄檀种苗的合理灌水技术参数。当各处理（W1、W2、W3、W4）的土壤水分含量分别降低到7.56%、5.79%、4.44%和3.23%时,通过灌溉使苗木生长保持在一定的土壤的水分状况,如36.2mm（W1）、26.5mm（W2）、20.2mm（W3）和18.1mm（W4）。结果表明,在36.2mm（W1）水平时,种苗的株高、冠径、叶数和叶面积达到最大值（p〈0.01）。在W1和W2处理中,虽然上述参数没有明显差异,但在W2处理中,种苗的每升水分利用率的生物量最大。在W3、W4和W5灌溉水平下,不利于提高种苗的株高、生物量和营养积累。在W2水平以下（5.79%）,土壤水分有效率能提高根系生物量占总生物量的百分比。但在W3和W4处理中,叶干生物量百分比下降,同时在W5处理中,茎干生物量百分比下降。在W5处理中,土壤水势达到-196Mpa,种苗才可以成活。在W3和W4处理中,土壤水分有效率的限额影响黄檀种苗的生长和生物量。在W2处理中,土壤水分有效利用率最高,种苗的生长和生物量达到最高值。因此,在壤砂土条件下,通过灌溉维持幼苗土壤水分含量在5.79%以上时,可获得较好的黄檀种苗的生长和生物量产量。     

Changes induced by osmotic stress in the morphology,biochemistry, physiology,anatomy and stomatal parameters of almond species （Prunus L. spp.） grown in vitro

We investigated the influence of different levels of osmotic stress on growth and development in selected wild almond species(eight Prunus spp.) grown in vitro. The study, while endorsing the efficacy of in vitro screening of auxiliary buds of wild almond for osmotic stress tolerance, showed species variability in its response to osmotic stress. Osmotic stress reduced growth and development of all the species. However, the putative tolerant Prunus spp. showed better performance than the putative susceptible genotypes. On average there was an 80% decrease in shoot dry weight at-1.2 MPa. Reduction in shoot weight was more common in osmotic stress-susceptible species in the section labeled ‘Euamygdalus'. The tolerant Prunus species produced smaller changes in biochemical responses than the sensitive cultivars for malondialdehyde content, catalase activity, relative permeability of protoplast membranes, and net photosynthetic rate. The tolerant species maintained cell integrity better than drought sensitive species. Wild almond species in the section labeled ‘Spartioides'(Prunus arabica(Olivier) Neikle, Prunus glauca (Browicz) A.E. Murray, Prunus scoparia Spach) and ‘Lycioides'(Prunus lycioides Spach, Prunus reuteri Bossi. et Bushe) were best adapted to osmotic stress. Increase in chlorophyll concentration and leaf thickness under high osmotic stress can be considered as preliminary selection parameters for osmotic stress tolerance in Prunus spp. The study confirmed the efficacy of the in vitro method for screening of large number of genotypes for osmotic stress tolerance in wild almond species.     

PEG模拟干旱胁迫对红松幼苗生理生化指标的影响

采用PEG-6000人工模拟干旱胁迫的方法对红松幼苗针叶相对含水量、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白质、丙二醛、脯氨酸、超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化物酶的变化进行研究,应用主成分分析方法对生理生化指标进行分析。结果表明：过氧化物酶、相对含水量、可溶性糖和脯氨酸综合反映了红松幼苗的抗旱性。随干旱胁迫加剧,过氧化物酶含量呈下降趋势;相对含水量逐渐降低,可溶性糖含量逐渐升高,脯氨酸呈现先下降后上升的趋势。