GROWTH AND MORPHOLOGY OF RHIZOME CUTTINGS AND SEEDLINGS OF SALAL (GAULTHERIA-SHALLON) - EFFECTS OF 4 LIGHT INTENSITIES

Rhizome cuttings and seed of salal (Gaultheria shallon) were cultured in nursery beds at four light intensities (20, 50, and 70%, and full s unlight) created by various thicknesses of shade cloth. After each of two growing seasons, growth and morphological characteristics were com pared among light intensities and between life stages. Under all light intensities, rhizome cuttings produced aerial stems and new rhizomes within 1 year and produced fruit within 2 years. Seedlings produced nu merous aerial stems but few rhizomes. In general, 70% light induced th e greatest production of aerial stems and rhizomes for both cuttings a nd seedlings. In 70% light, cuttings averaged more than three times th e number of rhizomes and rhizome biomass and nearly twice the aerial s tem biomass of cuttings in 20% light. Morphology of aerial stems, rhiz omes, leaves, and seedling canopies was also affected by light quantit y. Aerial stems produced by cuttings were shortest (9.9 cm) in full li ght and rhizome lengths were longer (27.6 cm) in 50% light than in 20% or full light. Specific leaf area of both cuttings and seedlings was highest (99.9 cm(2)/g and 146 cm(2)/g, respectively) under the most sh aded treatment. The implications of these results with respect to the ecology of salal under field conditions are discussed.;