Measurement of electrolyte leakage - a possibility to assess frost damage of containerized oak and beech planting stock

Leopoldsdorf

Österreichischer Agrarverlag

2004

S. 209-223

4 Abb., 42 Lit. Ang.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200121092

Centralblatt für das gesamte Forstwesen 2004, 121(4), S. 209-223

In this study the influence of frost on containerized beech and oak planting stock was investigated. The determination of forst injury by measuring electrolyte leakage from the root systems and shoots was tested. In January 1997 containerized seedlings were exposed to artificial frost stress with different intensities. In spring before plantation the electrolyte leakage from fine roots, tap root and shoot was measured. The increase of electrolyte leakage from the tap root corresponded with the intensity of frost stress. After the first vegetation period, plant and terminal shoot survival and height increment were determined. Three groups of damage were defined for beech seedlings. For the first group, with seedlings in the greenhouse and after 16°C and -20°C artificial frost, the 15-17 % electrolyte leakage from the tap root corresponded with about 20 % height increment. The second group contained seedlings stored in the nursery without protection against frost and had 27 % of electrolyte leakage before plantation and 15 % height increment after vegetation period. The third group contained seedlings treated with -22°C and -24°C and showed 42 % electrolyte leakage from tap root and seedlings no survival. The oak seedlings with the most intensive artificial frost treatment -22°C and -24°C did not survive, their electrolyte leakage was about 60 %. The oak planting stock stored without protection in the nursery had 61 % electrolyte leakage and 20 % plant survival after the first vegetation period. The plants treated with -16°C and -20°C had about 90 % survival of plants. Next different ways of cold storage for oak cuttings were tested. The results of this test demonstrated the sensitivity of cuttings to frost damage. Moreover, it was found that the sensitivity of oak cuttings could be determined by measuring electrolyte leakage from the tap root. The electrolyte leakage from tap root was 10 % for cuttings with refrigerated storage. After the first vegetation period these plants had 2 % plants mortaility and 20 % height growth. On the other hand, the cuttings sotred outdoors without protection had only about 6 % height growth and 30 % terminal shoot losses, electrolyte leakage from tap root was 18 % before plantation. Test results indicate that suitable winter storage containerized of oak and beech seedlings is a very important factor for planting stock quality. Measurements of electrolyte leakage from tap root before planting could be used for assessment of frost damage of containerized planting stock. The advantages of this method is that is rapid relatively cost effective.