Seedling Quality

Silver birch seedlings were grown in two types of trays differing in cell volume. For each kind of tray, three different spacings were achieved by growing seedlings in all, half or one quarter of the cells. The planting-stock so produced was out-planted at two forest sites and growth followed for five years. Container size had a large effect on seedling morphology and on field performance. Density also had a large effect on seedling morphology, but little influence on performance. The tightest relationship of field 2 performance was to the mean dry weight of the stems of the planting stock (R 5 0.94). Mean height and 'sturdiness' index, defined as diameter 4 height, were not correlated with performance. Of the nondestructive measurements, mean root-collar diameter was the most closely correlated with performance.

Mineral fertilization is an important practice that contributes to the production of seedlings with satisfactory quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of potassium chloride (KCl) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) on growth and nutrition of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis seedlings. The experiment was conducted in full sun, with direct sowing in tubes containing composite substrate (Pinus bark, coconut fiber, bovine manure and vermiculite). The experimental design was a randomized block design in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with five doses of KCl (0.0, 0.025, 0.050, 0.100, and 0.200 g seedling-1) and two doses of MAP (0 and 0.10g seedling-1), with four replicates. At 120 days, the effect of the interaction between the KCl and MAP doses was verified for the variables: diameter at root collar, dry mass of the aerial part (DMAP) and total (TDM), Dickson Quality Index, N content, P K in the aerial part, K content in the roots, absorption efficiency (AE) of N and P. For the variables: height (H); leaf area; root dry mass (RDM); H/DRC and DMPA/RDM ratios; and N and P content in the roots, only effect of the application of MAP is observed, whereas for AE_K the effect was only of KCl. Thus, there is variation in the effect of KCl doses as a function of morphological and nutritional variables evaluated. In general, the best seedling growth and nutrition occurs with the applied dose of 0.100 g KCl + 0.10 g MAP seedling -1.

Low, moderate and high rates (3, 5 and 7 g/l, respectively) of two controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) types, Osmocote 9-13-18 and Osmocote 17-10-10 were evaluated for their effects on production of containerized Pinus halepensis planting stock. Both formulations had similar patterns of nutrient release, with high release rates during the first 2-3 months, in contrast with minimum seedling uptake (determined by stem volume current increment). Shoot morphological attributes improved with increasing application rate regardless of formulation, though root growth was not affected. Shoot/root ratio was significantly affected by both factors, with the highest value (3.3 g/g) observed with Osmocote 17-10-10 at the 7 g/l rate. Needle N concentration was significantly affected by both rate and formulation, with 17-10-10 at the 7 g/l rate producing the highest value (18.5 mg/g). Needle P concentration was not affected by rate, and was low in all treatments (maximum of 2.2 mg/g), particularly in the 17-10-10 formulation, suggesting that P enrichment may be needed to improve its composition. Needle K concentration was significantly affected by rate, regardless of formulation. Absorption efficiency of N was near 40% in all treatments, although K and P recovery was lower. The CRF types used in this study may be useful for plant production of P. halepensis, promoting suitable morphological values and nutritional status.

The growth and development of Pinus pinea seedlings grown in different containers was followed through one growing season in the nursery and 3 years following outplanting in the field. The variables studied in the nursery were height, diameter, biomass of shoots and roots, nutrient uptake and root density. The measured field variables, height and diameter increment and survival, were correlated with the nursery variables. Container volume had the greatest influence on plant morphology. Containers with larger rooting volume had seedlings with larger height and diameter, greater nutrient content, and better field performance. Growing density was correlated with seedling morphology and nutrient concentration in the nursery. Among the variables that influenced container volume, the diameter of the container was the most important, while the depth of the container had a minor influence on seedling morphology.

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.

Root spiraling, root egression through drainage holes, and poor growing medium drainage are common problems in polybag seedling production systems in Mexico. Two commercially and environmentally important Mexican conifer species, Pinus pseudostrobus Lindi. and Pinus montezumae Lamb., were grown in simulated Mexican ''platabanda'' nursery conditions. The seedlings were grown in polybag containers, with and without chemical root pruning and with six different drainage designs. A chemical root pruning product, Spin Out 1 , was evaluated on these two pine species. Six different drainage designs ranging from an open-bottom, well-drained design, to small holes and restricted drainage were tested. The results clearly demonstrated benefits from the chemical root pruning, but the impact of the drainage treatments was distorted by the use of a well-drained growing medium. Root collar diameter, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight were increased in Spin Out 1 -treated seedlings. These seedlings also had significantly fewer roots egressing from the bag and spiraling at the bottom of the polybag. Generally, Spin Out 1 -treated seedlings had a more fibrous and well-developed root system than untreated seedlings. Chemical root pruning can be used to reduce or eliminate root deformations and improve seedling quality of these two Mexican pines. #

A produção de mudas de espécies florestais nativas visa a atender aos plantios, principalmente para fins ambientais, tais como a recuperação de áreas degradadas. Para intensificar os conhecimentos sobre espécies com potencial de recuperação de áreas degradadas, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a utilização de diferentes substratos no crescimento de mudas de Sesbania virgata (Cav.) Pers. Os tratamentos foram formulados utilizando-se lodo de esgoto, fibra de coco, vermiculita e casca de arroz in natura, além do substrato comercial. As mudas foram produzidas em tubetes com capacidade para 120 cm 3. O estudo foi constituído de 14 tratamentos, com cinco repetições de cinco mudas cada, totalizando 25 plantas cada tratamento. Após 150 dias da semeadura, foram avaliadas as seguintes características nas mudas: altura; diâmetro do coleto; relação entre a altura da parte aérea e o diâmetro do coleto; massa seca da parte aérea; massa seca do sistema radicular; massa seca total; relação entre a massa seca da parte aérea e a massa seca do sistema radicular, e índice de qualidade de Dickson. Os tratamentos que continham lodo de esgoto e vermiculita em sua composição, sobretudo o tratamento T6 (60% lodo de esgoto + 40% vermiculita), proporcionaram o melhor crescimento das características morfológicas das mudas de Sesbania virgata. Palavras-chave: caraterísticas morfológicas, qualidade de mudas, resíduos.

ABSTRACT
In this study, the effects of seedling quality clases on field performance of bare-root
Anatolian black pine seedling were investigated. For this purpose, five seedling quality
class were formed according to height and root collar diameter from morphological
seedling characteris in Anatolian black pine seedlings. This study, some morphological
properties of the quality classes with post-planting performances of quality classes were
studied. Field performance of seedlings in quality classes were assessed according to 3
yearly field data in the two experiment area. According to the result, the seedlings in
quality class 4 (minimum collar diameter is 4 mm and minimum seedling height is 10 cm)
was most proper to planting. Because best survival and growth were obtained from
seedlings in quality class 4. The seedling which have greater root color diameter and height
were done better diameter and height growth than the other. Planting shock lasted for two
years in Anatolian black pine.
Keywords: Anatolian Black pine, bare-root seedling, quality classes, morphology, field
performance""

This study was investigated effect of calcium silicate on seed production of pepper cv. Bangchang in September, 2014 to January, 2015 at Division of Botany Greenhouse, Faculty Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus. The experimental design was completely randomized design with 4 treatments. Plants were treated with Ca 2 SiO 4 0, 10, 20 and 40 kg/rai. The results showed that Ca 2 SiO 4 at 40 kg/rai significantly increased fruit size, fruit yield, seed weight and seed yield higher than the other treatments. Seed quality was observed by top of paper. Ca 2 SiO 4 application during seed production

SUMMARY
The results from various transplanting studies with picea oriental,r (L.) Link.) at "of Forest
Nursery" near Trabzon in Northern Turkey were analysed to determine the effects of trans-
: planting, transplanting time and nursery stock size at the base of the major morphological characteristics.
2+0 and 212+0 seedlings( Qataldere-Madenp rovenance)w ere used in the experiments.5
seedlings were taken from each 40 randomised ploti. Height, root collar diameter and oven dry
weight of the root and shoot (60"C for 48 h) of each 200 seedlings were measured. The ratios of
shoot/root collar diameter (sturdiness) were calculated as well (Table l).
Before lining out, the seedlings to be utilized in transplanting treatments were divided into
short (3-7 cm), medium (7.1-11c m) and tall () 11.1 cm) height classesa ccordingt o the heightso f
the 2+0 ages, and they were planted at about 15x7.5 cm spacing at 18-21 November 1987
- (TREATMENT AUTUMN),7-14 March 1988 (TREATMENT SPRING) and l-5 July 1988
(TREATMENT MID-SUMMER) after clipping fifty percent of the roots. The transplanting trearments
were set up as three replications in a split-plot design with the dates as main plots and sizes
-, as the split plots. In addition, 3 plots (length of 30 m) from nurseryb edso f untransplanteds eedlings
were randomly selected as a "CONTROL".
When the seedlings were five-year-old, 30 seedlings were carefully lifted from the beginning
of each plots. Mean values of the annual increment of height, height and root collar diameter,
sturdiness, oven dry weights of the root, shoot and seedling, shoot/root ratio, relative increment of
the height, root shoot and seedling were determined separately for each treatments and height
classes at the base of replications. Relative increment datas were transformed by muttiplying with
. the values of the two-year-old. Statistical analysis were carried out on the data by the uie of one or
.two way ANOVA and Duncan's merhod at 0.05 level (Table 2 and 3).
' It can clearly'be seen in Table 2, figure I and 2 that best height, root collar diameter ahd
oven dry weight of root and shoot were obtained from nursery stocks transplanted in midsummer.
f,or almost all properties, there were no significant differences between transplants planted in au-
, tumn and spring.

According to the resultso f Oriental sprucep lanting studiesi n Turkey, the seedlingst o be
used in plantation should be at least 20-25 cm heights and min.8 mm diameters (EYUBOGLU
1989; GENQ 1992).T aking into considerationt o recommendationst,h e tall size nursery stocks
transplantedin autumn,s pring or midsummerp eriod and medium size transplantso nly from midsummer
transplanting treatment can satisfactorily be used to establish plantations while they are
four-year-old.I f seedlingsa re immediatlyr equired,t he tall sizet ransplantsp lantedi n mid-summer
can be utilized at the end of the third growing season.
As alreadym entioned,t ransplantingi s a need inPicea orientalis. The seedlingso f twoyear-
old aged should be transplantedin mid-summer,d ividing into three height classes;b ut, the
spacing of 15x7.5 cm is not the proper transplant-bed density for tall size. Because the injuries of
fungi destroying the needles on the lower branches were increased in especially mid-summer
transplanting treatment. Hence, the spacing of I 5x I 0 cm (or I 5x 1 5 cm, if possible) should be used
for tall size to grow the five-year-old transplants. In general, the spacing of 15x7.5 cm is sufficient
for medium and small sizes, Likewise, the distance between each small size seedlings within a drill
row must not be short more than 5 cm."

 Improvement in seed and seedling quality of Acacia auriculiformis after culling phenotypically inferior trees was studied in a 6-year old seed production area (SPA). A 5-ha plantation was identified, of which 2.3 ha was converted into SPA. The initial stocking, 1 612 trees•ha-1 , was thinned down to 982 trees•ha-1 based on growth characteristics. The following fruiting season, seeds were collected from 10 randomly selected trees in culled and non-culled stands, and seed physical characters, germination and seedling traits were assessed. Seed weight, seed thickness and percentage germination increased by 32.1%, 4.43% and 22.37%, respectively in the culled stand compared to the non-culled stand. Culling also increased the speed of germination, seedling dry weight and seedling vigor index. Heritability values were high for seed weight (0.974) and seed thickness (0.948) while medium values were observed for percentage germination (0.577) and total dry weight (0.534). Predicted genetic gain was 11.13% and 11.22% for seed weight and percentage germination, respectively. The actual gain was 32.1, 51.9 and 22.9% for seed weight, percentage germination and total dry matter, respectively. In conclusion, SPAs established by culling inferior trees could serve as sources of good quality seeds for reforestation programs until genetically improved seeds are made available.

This study was carried out as a pot experiment in the growth chamber in order to investigate the effects of sewage sludge on the emergence and seedling quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Seedling growing media consisted of soil, manure and pumice in the rate of 2:2:1. The manure part of the growing media was changed proportionally with sewage sludge. 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of 100 g of manure in 250 g of growing media were replaced with sewage sludge. No additional nutrient was applied to the treatments. The effect of sewage sludge on the time and percentage of emergence, hypocotyls length, cotyledon width and length, true leaf emergence time, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, leaf number and area were observed. It was determined that sewage sludge had a positive effect on the emergence and seedling growth of cucumber.

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

Objetivou-se verificar a eficiência de silicato de alumínio na composição do substrato para produção de mudas de Corymbia citriodora. O delineamento adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado com
cinco tratamentos e oito repetições. A composição do substrato consistiu de moinha de carvão, esterco bovino, casca de eucalipto e substrato comercial. Foram acrescidos nos tratamentos 0 (testemunha), 5, 10, 15 e 20% de silicato de alumínio. O índice de qualidade de mudas, altura, diâmetro do coleto, massa seca e fresca da raiz, área foliar média e total e relação entre massa seca da raiz e massa seca da parte aérea não foram influenciados. Para massa seca e fresca da parte aérea as testemunhas foram superiores 2,5953 e 4,9323 g, respectivamente. Porém a adição de 12,2% apresentou ganhos crescentes no número de folhas. O silicato de alumínio para produção de mudas de C. citriodora surge como potencial alternativa de destino deste resíduo.

We demonstrate some stress detection and stock quality applications of fluorescence to conifer seedlings using two types of fluorometers: an integrating fluorometer (IF) for laboratory use, and two field-portable pulse-modulated instruments, the EARS-PPM (EARS) and PAM--2000 (PAM). Freezing tests showed that as temperature decreased, the IF and EARS detected decreased fluorescence in white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench.] Voss) seedlings (r2> 0.90 with visible injury). Fv/Fvm from the IF was highly correlated with quantum yield (φ) from the EARS (r> 0.94). The relationship betweenφ p and visible injury in white spruce was strongest whenφ p was measured at low light levels. Freezing-stressed Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis [Bong.] Carr.) seedlings also showed decreased φ. Values of φ in the dark were about 20? higher than in the light (400λ mol m-2s-1PPFD, photosynthetic photon flux density); but the two φs were highly correlated (r 2= 0.99). Heating Sitka spruce seedlings showed that φ decreased linearly as duration at 40x00B0;C increased. Although there was some recovery inφ p, after 5 days, it was a good indicator of subsequent growth. Desiccation tests showed that the PAM and IF both detected water stress in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings but the values for Fv/Fmdiffered. Moderate stress was detected by the PAM as higher qNand lowerφ p, and by the IF as delayed FtM2. For severe stress, the PAM detected lower Fv/Fm, qN, qP, and φ, and FM2disappeared from IF curves. Gross photosynthesis (Gp), measured by the EARS, can be used as be a quick estimator of net photosynthesis (P> 0.90), but its use as an estimator of seedling quality requires further study. NOTE: All parameters, abbreviations and symbols, unless specifically defined in the text, are defined in Table 1. Endorsement or rejection of any particular fluorometer is not implied.

We analysed the physiological bases that explain why large and high nitrogen (N) concentration seedlings frequently have improved survival and growth relative to small seedlings in Mediterranean woodland plantations. Large seedlings of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) and holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) with high N concentration (L+), and small seedlings with either high (S+) or low (S−) N concentration, were planted on two sites of different weed competition intensity that created contrasting stress conditions. Seedling survival, growth, gas exchange, N remobilization (N R ) and uptake (N U ), and water potential were assessed through the first growing season. Weeds reduced survival and growth, but seedling response to weed competition varied among phenotypes and between species. At the end of the first growing season, L+ Aleppo pine seedlings had higher survival than both small seedling types in presence of weeds but no differences were observed in absence of weeds. Mortality differences among phenotypes occurred in spring but not in summer. L+ Aleppo pines grew more than small Aleppo pines independently of weed competition. No holm oak seedling type survived in presence of weeds and no mortality differences among phenotypes where observed in absence of weeds, although L+ holm oak seedlings grew more than small seedlings. Mortality and growth differences in Aleppo pine were linked to marked physiological differences among phenotypes while physiological differences were small among holm oak phenotypes. L+ Aleppo pines had greater root growth, gas exchange, N R , and N U than small seedlings, irrespective of their N concentration. Seedling size in Aleppo pine had a greater role in the performance of transplanted seedlings than N concentration. The functional differences among oak phenotypes were small whereas they were large in pine seedlings, which led to smaller differences in transplanting performance in holm oak than in pine. This suggests that the nursery seedling quality improvement for planting in dry sites could depend on the species-specific phenotypic plasticity and functional strategy. Improved transplanting performance in large Aleppo pine seedlings relative to small seedlings was linked to greater gas exchange, root growth and N cycling.

The interaction of seedling quality and type of browse protection on height growth of northern red oak and eastern white pine was examined in plots established on abandoned agricultural land and on recent clearcuts with moderate-to-high deer densities (18±21 deer/km 2 ). One-year-old seedlings were sorted by size, transplanted, and protected with plastic mesh or fabric sleeves, or tree shelters. Seedling heights were measured in the autumn of each year for 7 years after transplanting. Seven-year northern red oak seedlings in tree shelters were 80% taller than those in other treatments. Tree shelters increased early growth of eastern white pine, but not tree height in the seventh year. Temperature and light transmission was measured for different tree protection devices. Tree shelters increased maximum temperature by up to 108C and decreased light intensity by 50% or more. The initial rate of height growth was faster in tree shelters, despite the apparent greater environmental stress than in mesh or fabric sleeves. Stem length, number of twigs, root collar diameter (RCD), and number of ®rst-order lateral roots (FOLR) were measured prior to planting. When protected by tree shelters, red oaks with !8 FOLR prior to planting were 55% taller than seedlings with 2 FOLR, and 213% taller than seedlings not protected by tree shelters with 2 FOLR. Seven-year height of unprotected white pine was signi®cantly correlated with root collar diameter. White pine seedlings with RCD !8 mm before planting were 75% taller after 7 years than seedlings with RCD 4 mm. Planting higher quality seedlings would permit time previously spent on planting inferior seedlings to be reallocated to vegetation control or browse protection. Therefore, severe grading of seedlings should increase planting ef®ciency and reforestation success. #

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.

Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were performed on the foliage of 3-year-old (11/2+11/2) nursery-grown Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] seedlings after exposure to controlled freezing temperatures, in the laboratory, to assess low temperature tolerance. The seedlings were propagated in an Irish nursery and lifted at monthly intervals overwinter 1999 and 1999–2000. Excised shoots from first-order laterals were frozen, in the dark. After

Nursery researchers tend to study seedling quality instead of other sylvicultural practices such as soil preparation and planting date. The aim of this study was to determine the effects and interactions of site preparation and stock quality on the survival and growth of 1-year-old Quercus ilex L. seedlings planted on different dates. Based on the hypothesis that soil preparation affects out-planting performance more than stock quality does in Mediterranean areas, two different site preparations (subsoiling and manual holing) and three planting dates were studied. Two years after planting, high-quality seedlings planted on an early date over a subsoiling preparation showed the best survival rates (61%), followed by the same quality plant and soil preparation treatments on a mid-season planting date (40%). After two growing seasons, planting date and site preparation affected height growth rate positively, whereas relative diameter growth rate of surviving seedlings was affected by planting date only. A correct selection of the planting date and soil treatment plays an important role in the expression of seedling quality in terms of survival and growth.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influência do período de permanência das mudas sob sombreamento nos parâmetros empregados na avaliação da qualidade das mudas de Tremamicrantha (crindiúva). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições por tratamento, contendo 88 plantas cada. Foram realizadas três avaliações, aos 90, 120 e 150 dias após a emergência. Os tratamentos na avaliação I foram 45, 60, 75 e 90; na avaliação II, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 e 120; e na avaliação III, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135 e 150 dias de permanência sob sombreamento com 48% de retenção da radiação, respectivamente. Foram avaliados os parâmetros morfológicos das mudas, suas relações e o índice de qualidade de Dickson. As mudas desenvolvidas sob maiores períodos de sombreamento, embora tenham alcançado maiores alturas das partes aéreas e áreas foliares, apresentaram as piores qualidades, com redução do diâmetro do coleto, da massa seca do sistema radicular e do índice ...

Lettuce cultivar Vera seedling production and performance in the field were tested using three different types of polystirene trays. The experiment for seedling production was set on randomized complete block design. For field evaluations the experimental design was completely randomized. At 26 days after sowing date, root size and leaf number per plant were evaluated. After transplanting to the field, production was evaluated by the root size and shoot fresh and dry weights. The best seedlings were obtained in the tray with greater cell volume (T1=128 cells). Seedlings from T1 (128 cells) and T2 (200 cells) presented similar performance in the field. T3 (288 cells), with a smaller volume of substrate, produced the worst seedlings and lowest yield.

Cyclobalanopsis glauca, a Fagaceae plant, is one of the dominant species in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests in humid East China and also the main afforestation species in the region. Choosing the proper substrate is a key factor of optimal growing conditions for Cyclobalanopsis Glauca container seedlings. It is important to investigate feasible and correct combination of substrates with various organic

We tested the hypothesis that fertilized containerized Pinus canariensis seedlings increases survival when planted in semiarid sites through the improvement of their physiological status during the establishment phase by an increment in root growth. Seedlings were cultured under two diVerent regimes: traditional (in non-fertilized natural soil) and alternative (in fertilized peat). Morphological attributes and nitrogen content were measured before planting. Measurements of survival and growth in the plantation were made periodically for 2 years and physiological plant responses (leaf water potential, gas exchange and chlorophyll Xuorescence) during the third summer after planting were tested and Wnally a set of plants were excavated to measure the same parameters as before planting. Seedlings cultivated using fertilized peat achieved the highest values for all of evaluated parameters. During the third dry season, big seedlings exhibited better physiological status. Therefore, enhanced root growth can result in better water uptake during the dry period thereby increasing survival and growth in the next few years after planting. A feed-back physiological model is proposed to explain P. canariensis establishment in a semiarid environment.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of sources and doses of nitrogen on the initial growth and quality of jacarandá-da-Bahia (Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Fr. All. ex Benth.) seedlings produced in three types of soils (RED YELLOW ARGISOL, CAMBISOL and RED YELLOW LATOSOL). The nitrogen sources were: ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate and ammonium sulfate, in five doses

To reduce the quantity of irrigation water used and the amount of mineral nutrients lost because of leaching, we used time domain reflectometry to monitor and maintain four irrigation regimes (15, 30, 45 and 60%, v/v) during the first growing season for 1+0 black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) seedlings. The seedlings were produced in air-slit containers (IPL 25–350A), filled with a peat substrate and were grown under a polyethylene tunnel at a forest nursery. Similar fertility levels were maintained in all four irrigation regimes even though the water content of the substrate could be very low (15 and 30%). Irrigation regime did not affect growth, root architecture or tissue nutrient contents at the end of the growing season. Monitoring water use over the course of the growing season clearly showed that the amount of irrigation water could be reduced by 62 to 76% without compromising seedling quality relative to the 60% irrigation regime. Leachate losses varied exponentially as...

The polybag is widely used for seedling production in the Philippines. Seedlings commonly have root deformation which has adverse effects as they grow and develop into mature trees. This study assessed the influence of potting technique and hardening intensity on the growth performance of seedlings in nursery and field conditions. Seedlings of bagras (Eucalyptus deglupta) and mangium (Acacia mangium) were grown in hiko trays and 4"x 6" polybags at the College of Forestry nursery, Leyte State University (LSU). Kalumpit (Terminalia microcarpa) and pellita (Eucalyptus pellita) were used for a trial in the Conalum Agroforestry Farmers Association (CAFA) nursery in Inopacan, Leyte, aimed at validating LSU results and at the same time evaluating farmers' perceptions on the use of hiko trays and polybags in seedling production. It was found that seedlings of bagras, mangium, kalumpit and pellita grown in hiko trays have smaller diameter and height compared with those in polybags at 12 weeks. Root deformation of seedlings was absent in hiko trays but high with seedlings in polybags. As perceived by both farmers and ACIAR researchers, hiko tray seedlings are of high quality exhibiting sturdy shoot, trained roots and homogenous growth.

Cangas (ironstone outcrops) host a specialized flora, characterized by high degree of edaphic endemism and an apparent lack of natural history knowledge of its flora. Due to intense pressure from iron ore mining this ecosystem is under threat and in need of restoration. We studied seed functional traits that are relevant for restoration, translocation and ex situ conservation in 48 species from cangas in eastern Amazon. Were determined the thermal niche breadth, classified seed dormancy and determined methods to overcome it, determined the effect of seed storage on germination, tested the association between germination traits and functional groups, and tested whether seed traits are phylogenetically conserved. We found a broad interspecific variation in most seed traits, except for seed water content. Large interspecific variation in the temperature niche breadth was found among the studied species, but only four species, showed optimum germination at high temperatures of 35–40°C, despite high temperatures under natural conditions. Only 35% of the studied species produced dormant seeds. Mechanical scarification was effective in overcoming physical dormancy and application of gibberellic acid was effective in overcoming physiological dormancy in five species. For the 29 species that seeds were stored for 24 months, 76% showed decreases in the germination percentage. The weak association between germination traits and life-history traits indicate that no particular plant functional type requires specific methods for seed-based translocations. Exceptions were the lianas which showed relatively larger seeds compared to the other growth-forms. Dormancy was the only trait strongly related to phylogeny, suggesting that phylogenetic relatedness may not be a good predictor of regeneration from seeds in cangas. Our study provides support to better manage seed sourcing, use, storage and enhancement techniques with expected reduced costs and increased seedling establishment success.

Improvement in seed and seedling quality of Acacia auriculiformis after culling phenotypically inferior trees was studied in a 6-year old seed production area (SPA). A 5-ha plantation was identified, of which 2.3 ha was converted into SPA. The initial stocking, 1 612 trees·ha -1 , was thinned down to 982 trees·ha -1 based on growth characteristics. The following fruiting season, seeds were collected from 10 randomly selected trees in culled and non-culled stands, and seed physical characters, germination and seedling traits were assessed. Seed weight, seed thickness and percentage germination increased by 32.1%, 4.43% and 22.37%, respectively in the culled stand compared to the non-culled stand. Culling also increased the speed of germination, seedling dry weight and seedling vigor index. Heritability values were high for seed weight (0.974) and seed thickness (0.948) while medium values were observed for percentage germination (0.577) and total dry weight (0.534).

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and Rhizobium sp. individually as well as in combinations, on the growth response of Acacia planifrons W. et A. seedlings in sterilized soil under greenhouse conditions. The native AM fungi Glomus fasciculatum (Thatcher) Gerd. & Trappe emend. Walker & Schenck & Smith emend. Koske and G. geosporum (Nicol & Gerd.) Walker were isolated from the rhizosphere of A. planifrons and multiplied in the roots of Zea mays (L.). The Rhizobium sp. was isolated from the root nodules of A. planifrons and cultured in yeast extract mannitol broth. These cultures were used to inoculate the seedlings of A. planifrons individually and in combinations. The results showed that co-inoculation of AM fungi and Rhizobium sp. increased the growth, biomass and nutrient uptake of A. planifrons more than single inoculations of AM fungi or Rhizobium sp. AM fungi and Rhizobium sp. inoculated seedlings had a higher accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) than un-inoculated controls. The seedlings inoculated with triple root symbionts, G. fasciculatum + G. geosporum and Rhizobium sp. resulted in the maximum plant growth and nodular biomass production. Lower root to shoot ratios and increased seedling quality index were also obtained in these combinations.

Thirty-six programs have been set up to revegetate the degraded lake wetlands in east China since 2002. Most projects however faced deficiency of submerged macrophyte propagules. To solve the problem, alternative seedling sources must be found besides traditional field collection. This paper deals with an in vitro propagation protocol for two popularly used submerged macrophytes, Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Potamogeton crispus L. Full strength Murashige and Skoog-based liquid media (MS) plus 3% sucrose in addition to 0-2.0 mg l À1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and 0-1.0 mg l À1 indoleacetic acid (IAA) were tried for shoot regeneration. Meanwhile, full, half or quarter strength MS in addition to 0, 0.1 or 0.2 mg l À1 naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were tested for root induction, respectively. Results indicated that both species had the ability of regeneration from stem fragments in MS without further regulators. However, the addition of 2.0 mg l À1 BA with 0.2 or 1.0 mg l À1 IAA in MS drastically stimulated the regeneration efficiency of M. spicatum, while the addition of 2.0 mg l À1 BA with 0.2 or 0.5 mg l À1 IAA in MS significantly stimulated that of P. crispus. For root induction, full strength MS in combination with 0.1or 0.2 mg l À1 NAA was preferred by M. spicatum, and the same MS without or with 0.1 mg l À1 NAA was preferred by P. crispus. Seedlings of each species produced from tissue culture room had a 100% survival rate on clay, sandy loam or their mixture (1:1) in an artificial pond, and phenotypic plasticity was exhibited when the nutrient levels varied among the three types of sediments. This acclimation of seedlings helped develop the shoot and root systems, which ensured seedling quality and facilitated the transplantation. Our study has established an effective protocol to produce high quality seedlings for lake revegetation programs at a larger scale. Since the two species we tested represent different regeneration performances in nature but shared similar in vitro propagation conditions, this study has indicated a potentially wide use of the common media for preparing seedlings of other submerged macrophytes.

Thirty-six programs have been set up to revegetate the degraded lake wetlands in east China since 2002. Most projects however faced deficiency of submerged macrophyte propagules. To solve the problem, alternative seedling sources must be found besides traditional field collection. This paper deals with an in vitro propagation protocol for two popularly used submerged macrophytes, Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Potamogeton crispus L. Full strength Murashige and Skoog-based liquid media (MS) plus 3% sucrose in addition to 0–2.0 mg l−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and 0–1.0 mg l−1 indoleacetic acid (IAA) were tried for shoot regeneration. Meanwhile, full, half or quarter strength MS in addition to 0, 0.1 or 0.2 mg l−1 naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were tested for root induction, respectively. Results indicated that both species had the ability of regeneration from stem fragments in MS without further regulators. However, the addition of 2.0 mg l−1 BA with 0.2 or 1.0 mg l−1 IAA in MS drastically stimulated the regeneration efficiency of M. spicatum, while the addition of 2.0 mg l−1 BA with 0.2 or 0.5 mg l−1 IAA in MS significantly stimulated that of P. crispus. For root induction, full strength MS in combination with 0.1or 0.2 mg l−1 NAA was preferred by M. spicatum, and the same MS without or with 0.1 mg l−1 NAA was preferred by P. crispus. Seedlings of each species produced from tissue culture room had a 100% survival rate on clay, sandy loam or their mixture (1:1) in an artificial pond, and phenotypic plasticity was exhibited when the nutrient levels varied among the three types of sediments. This acclimation of seedlings helped develop the shoot and root systems, which ensured seedling quality and facilitated the transplantation. Our study has established an effective protocol to produce high quality seedlings for lake revegetation programs at a larger scale. Since the two species we tested represent different regeneration performances in nature but shared similar in vitro propagation conditions, this study has indicated a potentially wide use of the common media for preparing seedlings of other submerged macrophytes.

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.