Chlorophyll fluorescence,root growth potential,and stomatal conductance as estimates of field performance potential in conifer seedlings |
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| Authors: | Sylvia J L’Hirondelle David G Simpson Wolfgang D Binder |
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| Institution: | (1) B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range, Research Branch Laboratory, PO Box 9536, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 9C4;(2) B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range, Kalamalka Forestry Centre, 3401 Reservoir Road, Vernon, BC, Canada, V1B 2C7 |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Keywords: | Stock quality Cold storage Survival Shoot growth Seedling physiology |
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