Phenology of tree seedlings in relation to seed size

Abstract

Vertical growth patterns and leaf dynamics of seedlings of 31 deciduous broad-leaved tree species with different seed sizes were examined under either open or shaded conditions. Seed size positively affected initial seedling height and leaf longevity, and negatively affected duration of leaf emergence and leaf-turnover rate. Large-seeded species completed shoot elongation and almost all of their annual leaf production in a short period, irrespective of shading. Small-seeded species attained maximum heights similar to those of large-seeded species under open conditions by having a longer duration of leaf emergence, higher resource allocation to leaf production, and rapid leaf turnover. However, leaf-production and leaf-turnover rates were reduced by shading for small-seeded species, a trait that resulted in lower final seedling heights for small- versus large-seeded species. In small-seeded species, maximum seedling growth was attained only under open conditions through changes in the phenology of leaf dynamics. In contrast, growth of large-seeded species was independent of the effect of light limitation. The importance of seed size in determining seedling establishment success depends on the relationships between seasonal change of environmental light conditions and characteristics of seedling phenology, which are related to seed size. Key words: seed size, tree seedlings, leaf dynamics, phenology, establishment strategies.