Family and family × nitrogen interaction effects on juvenile growth of PrunusSerotina

Abstract

Regeneration of black cherry (Prunusserotina Ehrh.) on the Allegheny Plateau is often inadequate, but in some cases it may be improved through fertilization and planting. Thirty open-pollinated families of select phenotypes from a clonal orchard and natural stands were evaluated using four rates of nitrogen at three sites to determine the magnitude of family variation in current annual height increment and height at age 2 and the extent of family × nitrogen interactions. Significant nitrogen effects were observed in the variation in both the 2nd year's annual height increment and total height at one site. A 27% increase in current annual increment was associated with the application of nitrogen. Family variation in height was evident at all sites; the range between the tallest and shortest families varied between 46 and 66% of the respective plantation height. Family × nitrogen interactions were never an important source of variation. Implications for a black cherry artificial regeneration program are discussed.