Appraisal of Seedling Quality Tests

1990

35 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

9087

200085673

This paper discusses the concepts applied to the characterization of seedling quality, requirements and effectiveness of such tests, and gains of the seedling quality research for regeneration research and reforestation practice. Since the recognition of the importance of seedling quality, numerous seedling quality concepts and tests have been developed, tested, and applied, but no consensus exits on quality concepts. The purpose, method, and interpretation of seedling quality tests have to be clearly specified, and the tests have to fulfill several conceptual and practical requirements. Most of all the plant physiological research, the advent of pressure chamber technique has changed the quality thinking. The most applicable methods (morphological attributes, root growth potential, and frost resistance) describe the seedling condition and predict planting performance only in specific situations where the sources of variation are known. Emphasis on quality has resulted in detailed characterization of the whole nursery growing development, suggestions of major areas for improvement, and it has increased the cooperation with nurserymen, field foresters, nursery and reforestation scientists.