A. Mena-petite et al., Water relations, root growth potential and plant survival of cold stored Pinus radiata D. Don seedlings, PHYTON AUST, 40(4), 2000, pp. 143-148
We have investigated the effect of storage conditions (duration: 1, 8 or 15
days; temperature: 4 degreesC or 10 degreesC; and root characteristics: ba
reroot (BR) or soil-plugged root (PR) on the water status, electrolyte leak
age and root growth potential (number of new roots and new root length) of
radiata pine seedlings. We have also examined its effects on plant quality
and field performance and their usefulness for detect physiological damage
to seedlings affecting plant quality and vitality. Our data show that stora
ge conditions influence the ability of radiata pine seedlings to initiate a
nd elongate new roots. The effect was more pronounced in bareroot seedlings
than in seedlings with soil around roots, pointing out that the rooting-pl
ug medium provides protection against the desiccation. The water potential
at the time of transplanting is a reliable predictor of the ability to gene
rate new roots.