Abstract
Exponential fertilization (EF) can feed seedlings with more nutrients than needed for growth and continuous lighting is expected to reduce the risk of loading at high application rate. In this study, red-seed tree (Ormosia hosiei Hemsley & E. H. Wilson) seedlings were raised by EF at a low rate of 160 mg nitrogen (N) plant-1 (conventional) (N-phosphorus [P]-potassium [K], 12-9-12) and a high rate of 600 mg N plant-1 (intensive), which was adapted from previous studies with large-pot-seedlings. Both fertilizer regimes were nested to either of two light spectra from high-pressure sodium (HPS) and light-emitting diode (LED) sources with three replicates for each combined treatment. Seedlings subjected to the conventional regime in the LED spectrum showed better growth and greater biomass accumulation with higher leaf N and P contents than other ones. In the conventional fertilizer regime, the LED spectrum also resulted in higher photosynthesis shown by more pigments and higher N synthesis than the HPS spectrum. The HPS spectrum strengthened P synthesis in the intensive regime. The antioxidative activity was stimulated by a high dose of EF, hence excessive toxicity was likely induced. We recommend using the normal rate of 160 mg N plant-1 for the culture of red-seed tree seedlings with LED lighting to promote seedling quality without causing excessive nutrient toxicity.
Highlights
Wilson) seedlings were raised by Exponential fertilization (EF) at a low rate of 160 mg nitrogen (N) plant-1 (N-phosphorus [P]-potassium [K], 12-9-12) and a high rate of 600 mg N plant-1, which was adapted from previous studies with large-pot-seedlings
Seedlings with a high rate of EF showed higher POD activity, suggesting a negative effect of nutrient excess. Both activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and CAT were higher in the light-emitting diode (LED) spectrum and the intensive fertilizer regime than in seedlings subjected to the high-pressure sodium (HPS) spectrum. These results suggest that a high rate caused the reactive oxygen species (ROS) reaction and the LED spectrum aggravated the negative impact
Red-seed tree seedlings show better growth and biomass performances in the LED spectrum than in the HPS spectrum, but the benefit was only apparent in combination with a low rate of EF
Summary
The natural range of habitat of red-seed tree is narrow and most current reserves are found in eastern and central China (Sun and Vincent, 2012). Its wood is used to produce top quality materials for the manufacture of furniture, which is traded all over the world. It was listed as a near-threatened species due to over-harvesting since roughly 20 years ago (World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 1998). In recent decades, red-seed tree has been listed as an endangered species (Chu et al, 2020; Liu et al, 2011; Zhang et al, 2012). Artificial regeneration is an efficient way to regenerate natural red-seed tree populations.
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