Abstract
A previous study revealed low survival rates for Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) summer-planted seedlings grown in Hiko-V-120 containers. This study examines nursery practices that could potentially prevent deterioration of the seedling water balance after planting to improve the survival rate of this species, which has a low drought tolerance. During summer planting, we tested (1) drought hardening or high-potassium fertilization for two months before planting, (2) antitranspirant or topping treatment at planting, and (3) the use of the JFA-150 container with a larger capacity and lower growing density than the Hiko-V-120 container. Drought hardening increased seedling drought tolerance because of the low leaf:root ratio, due to lower leaf mass production, resulting in increased survival from 74% to 93% in Hiko-V-120 containers. When JFA-150 containers were used, the leaf:root ratio was lower because of higher root mass, resulting in an increase in survival to 87%, with the highest survival of 97% when combined with drought hardening. The application of antitranspirant increased survival to over 90%, whereas topping did not, probably because of severer competition from weeds. High-potassium fertilization did not affect seedling traits or survival. For better survival of summer-planted container-grown Japanese larch seedlings, it is recommended that they be grown in containers providing sufficient cell volume and density for root growth while the seedlings are in the nursery and that irrigation be withheld for two months before planting. In addition, to obtain higher survival, an antitranspirant can be applied at planting at a cost.
Highlights
The quality of planted seedlings is one of the most influential factors affecting seedling survival and growth after reforestation [1,2,3,4]
This study aimed to examine whether two months of irrigation or K fertilizer management in the nursery before planting, the application of antitranspirant and leaf removal at planting, and the use of containers with high capacity and low density could improve the survival of container-grown 1-year-old Japanese larch seedlings following summer planting
The DMroot was not affected by the HD and HK treatments compared to the HC tre Results ment,3.but it was significantly positively affected by the JFA-150 containers (JC) and JD treatments
Summary
The quality of planted seedlings is one of the most influential factors affecting seedling survival and growth after reforestation [1,2,3,4]. Seedling quality is strongly associated with several morphological and physiological attributes of roots, stems, and leaves. It can be influenced by stock types, such as bare-root or container-grown [5,6,7], and nursery cultivation practices [8,9,10,11]. It is crucial to plant seedlings with attributes suited to the environment to achieve better performance after planting [3,11,12]. The drought tolerance of seedlings is becoming more important for reforestation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
