Sexual Reproduction of European Aspen (Populus tremula L.) at Prescribed Burned Site: The Effects of Moisture Conditions |
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Authors: | Tarja Latva-Karjanmaa Leena Suvanto Kari Leinonen Hannu Rita |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland;(2) Plant Protection Department, Plant Production Inspection Centre, P.O. Box 42, FI-00501 Helsinki, Finland;(3) Department of Forest Resource Management/Statistics & Methodology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland |
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Abstract: | Aspen (Populus tremula) is capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually from root suckers, the latter being more common. Seedlings are rare even though potential seed production is enormous. The aim of this study was to find out how different moisture conditions affect emergence and survival of aspen seedlings on burned soil. We set up a sowing experiment on mineral soil and on humus. The sowing was done at 240 microsites (θ7 cm) in 15 blocks (1×1 m). Treatments were sowing time, watering and sowing shelter. A total of 1463 seedlings emerged on mineral soil and 26 on humus. Watering, covering, their interaction, block and sowing time had significant effects on the number of seedlings. The largest numbers of seedlings were recorded at microsites that were watered and covered. The survival of seedlings was 20% during the growing season and 45% over winter. We conclude that seedbed conditions and moisture are the most essential factors for sexual reproduction of aspen. Short-term weather conditions have an important effect on seedling emergence and are likely to greatly affect field studies. |
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Keywords: | Boreal forest European aspen Prescribed burning Seed ecology Seedbed conditions Seedling emergence and survival |
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