The effect of frost treatment on Root Growth Potential and field performance of oak and beech containerized seedling

2003

8 Abb., 4 Tab., 48 Lit. Ang.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200108040

The root system is an essential indicator of plant quality. After plantation it is important the new roots growth for successful establishment of plants. One of the widely used methods to indicate plant quality is the measurement of RGP (Root Growth Potential). RGP is the quantified ability of a tree seedling to initiate and elongate new roots within a prescribed period of time in a standard environment, which is optimized to promote root growth. The results of this study of containerized beech and oak seedlings after frost test showed that the length of the test was the key factor for using RGP method for testing actual planting stock quality and for predicting field performance. The growth of new roots in dormant beech seedlings needed more time than 21 days under optimal conditions. Therefore, the RGP test is not a suitable tool for determining broadleaved seedling physiological stock quality and field performance in nursery practices in central Europe (very time and cost consuming). The results showed that frost treatments of - 22°C and below are lethal temperatures for seedlings in a dormant state.