Water potential and subsequent growth of Pinus radiata seedlings: influence of lifting, packaging and storage conditions.
Year: 1990
Type: article
Abstract: The integrated system widely used in New Zealand for planting out Pinus radiata D. Don seedlings minimises handling and facilitates the smooth flow of tree stocks from nursery to field, reducing the time between lifting and planting. However, some instances of desiccation have been reported, especially in seedlings at the top of cartons, and so various methods of minimising this problem were evaluated. Where soil conditions are dry, irrigation of nursery beds can help minimise the early afternoon water deficit. Seedlings lifted early in the morning or late in the afternoon, with their roots dipped in water, and with overnight cool storing, gave the best growth after planting. In one trial, dipping the roots of the seedlings from the top third of the carton in water, spraying the roots with water, and folding plastic flaps over the roots in cartons were all beneficial compared with no watering. In another trial where seedlings were dipped in water, a wet hessian blanket over the roots was slightly more effective than a plastic liner, and both were significantly better than no extra protection.
Authors: J.M. Balneaves, M. I. Menzies
Language: English
Subfield: Forestry
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W410135533