Germination Data Research Articles

Advancing Environmental Flows Science: Hindcasting and Forecasting Flow–Ecology Relationships

To advance current environmental flow standards in Texas, we developed field, laboratory, and analytical methods to model recruitment dynamics of indicator species selected to cover a range of population responses to flow variation. Preliminary investigations were conducted in three central Texas river basins to evaluate the feasibility of these methods for formulating and evaluating the state's environmental flow standards. Age analysis allowed back‐calculation of dates of fish hatching, mussel recruitment, and tree germination for estimation of temporal variation in recruitment. Recruitment data were then analyzed in relation to flow regime components. Statistical models were derived for flow–recruitment relationships of Shoal Chub Macrhybopsis hyostoma, Smallmouth Buffalo Ictiobus bubalus, threeridge mussel Amblema plicata, and boxelder Acer negundo. The Shoal Chub model was used to hindcast recruitment dynamics in the Brazos River, revealing a decline in recruitment after dam construction. The Smallmouth Buffalo model revealed that strong year‐classes were positively associated with springtime pulses of long duration but negatively associated with frequent short‐duration pulses. Results for the threeridge mussel were not as easily interpreted, but for all three river basins generally showed weaker recruitment during periods with extreme low and high flows. The boxelder model revealed positive associations between recruitment and high flow components and was used to forecast the probability of germination under five simulated flow regime scenarios, thereby providing an additional means for evaluating the suitability of environmental flow standards. Assessment of how hydrology influences recruitment provides an evidence‐based method to hindcast responses to past flow regimes and forecast responses to future flow scenarios, thereby providing a basis for evaluating environmental flow standards and water management options.

Exploring the molecular regulation of vernalization-induced flowering synchrony in Arabidopsis.

Many plant populations exhibit synchronous flowering, which can be advantageous in plant reproduction. However, molecular mechanisms underlying flowering synchrony remain poorly understood. We studied the role of known vernalization-response and flower-promoting pathways in facilitating synchronized flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. Using the vernalization-responsive Col-FRI genotype, we experimentally varied germination dates and daylength among individuals to test flowering synchrony in field and controlled environments. We assessed the activity of flowering regulation pathways by measuring gene expression across leaves produced at different time points during development and through a mutant analysis. We observed flowering synchrony across germination cohorts in both environments and discovered a previously unknown process where flower-promoting and repressing signals are differentially regulated between leaves that developed under different environmental conditions. We hypothesized this mechanism may underlie synchronization. However, our experiments demonstrated that signals originating from sources other than leaves must also play a pivotal role in synchronizing flowering time, especially in germination cohorts with prolonged growth before vernalization. Our results suggest flowering synchrony is promoted by a plant-wide integration of flowering signals across leaves and among organs. To summarize our findings, we propose a new conceptual model of vernalization-induced flowering synchrony and provide suggestions for future research in this field.

Adaptations in wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) flowering time, Part 2: Harvest weed seed control shortens flowering by twelve days

AbstractHarvest weed seed control (HWSC) is an effective technique for managing wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.), a weed that retains its seed until harvest. However, earlier flowering time (leading to increased seed shedding before harvest) is a risk to HWSC effectiveness. This study investigated the effects of repeated HWSC on the evolution of R. raphanistrum flowering dates, using two methods: an adaptation of the SOMER model that included flowering genes (called SOMEF); and a mathematical calculation of the endpoints of flowering date evolution utilizing the relevant life-history equations. In weed management systems with highly effective herbicides, the additional use of HWSC predicted R. raphanistrum population extinction. Low weed numbers and rapid extinction meant that any gradual evolution in days to first flower (DFF) was insufficient to lead to HWSC evasion. In alternative management systems with less vigorous herbicide control and using HWSC, modeling predicted a maximum 2- to 3-d reduction in DFF. In contrast, mathematical calculations of the phenotypes maximizing seeds returned to the seedbank predicted an endpoint to evolution of 12-d earlier flowering, which matched field observations. However, genetic change postulated by the mathematical calculations was not hampered by a restriction to changing DFF allele frequencies. Unknown accompanying genetic changes could affect germination dates or flowering triggers.Simulation modeling that included only flowering genes failed to predict the magnitude of an observed 12-d reduction in DFF. Differences between the 12 d observed in the field (and predicted using mathematical calculations) and the modest changes demonstrated in this field-based modeling study are postulated to be due to unaccounted evolutionary changes in R. raphanistrum.

Herbaceous Bee Forage Adaptation Trail in Lowlands of Borana Zone Southern Oromia

To mitigate the shortage of bee forage and help increase honey production, the use of cultivated perennial and annual nectar and pollen sources is highly important in beekeeping development. The study was conducted with the objective of evaluating and identifying adaptable honey bee forage species for beekeeping development. The planting materials were Aschynomene uniflorum, Miloletus alba, Fagopyrum esculentum, Sinaps alba, and Vicia sativa. The species were evaluated based on germination date, time to set flower, days to 50% flowering, number of flower heads per plant (at 50% flowering of the plant), flowering length (blooming duration), maturity date, and plant height at the flowering stage. Among the five evaluated herbaceous bee forage species, three of them, Aschynomene uniflorum, Fagopyrum esculentum, and Sinaps alba, are adapted and perform well in the most important agronomic parameters. Therefore, the selected bee forage species can be promoted, and beekeepers in the study areas and other areas with similar agroecology can utilise the forage species for beekeeping development. Moreover, evaluation of other agronomic parameters such as seeding rate, fertiliser rate, nectar and/or pollen yield, foraging intensity, and others over different locations of the Borana zone is recommended

Effect of Planting Dates on Stability of New Rice Genotypes Traits Grown in Iraqi Conditions

Selecting the appropriate date for planting rice can be one of the viable solutions for proper growth and development of rice to avoid unsuitable conditions that can lead to lower productivity. Two experiments were conducted in the field of Al-Mishkhab Rice Research Station in Najaf City / Iraq during 2020 and 2021. In each season, eight genotypes used and two germination dates (15 and 30 Jun). After 20 days, seedlings were transferred to the field and planted on 5th and 20th of July respectively. The experiment was based on a three-blocks in RCBD design to study the performance of eight genotypes at two planting dates in two seasons. Results showed significant differences for genotypes and planting dates for all traits, while seasons showed significant differences only for the number of days to 50% flowering and panicle length. The values of heritability in the broad sense (h2BS %) were medium for all studied traits, which in turn led to an increase in the values of expected genetic advance as a percentage of the general mean (GA %), which was slightly high for grain yield (13.66 %). The genotypes showed a significant response to the late sowing date of 20th July compared to the early date of 5th July in the two growing seasons for most of the studied traits, including grain yield. The stability of the genotypes in four environments was highly variable. Genotype T93 had the most stable grain yield and the highest 1000-grain weight, while Forat1 showed a response to late sowing. Furthermore, the Forat1 responded to suitable environmental conditions of the number of days to 50% flowering, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield. Therefore, the genotypes which have superiority and stability over various environments could be successfully used as crucial material in the future breeding programs.

Precipitation timing and soil substrate drive phenology and fitness of Arabidopsis thaliana in a Mediterranean environment

Abstract In Mediterranean climates, the timing of seasonal rains determines germination, flowering phenology and fitness. As climate change alters seasonal precipitation patterns, it is important to ask how these changes will affect the phenology and fitness of plant populations. We addressed this question experimentally with the annual plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. In a first experiment, we manipulated the date of rainfall onset and recorded germination phenology on sand and soil substrates. In a second experiment, we manipulated germination date, growing season length and mid‐season drought to measure their effects on flowering time and fitness. Within each experiment, we manipulated seed dormancy and flowering time using multilocus near‐isogenic lines segregating strong and weak alleles of the seed dormancy gene DOG1 and the flowering time gene FRI. We synthesized germination phenology data from the first experiment with fitness functions from the second experiment to project population fitness under different seasonal rainfall scenarios. Germination phenology tracked rainfall onset but was slower and more variable on sand than on soil. Many seeds dispersed on sand in spring and summer delayed germination until the cooler temperatures of autumn. The high‐dormancy DOG1 allele also prevented immediate germination in spring and summer. Germination timing strongly affected plant fitness. Fecundity was highest in the October germination cohort and declined in spring germinants. The late flowering FRI allele had lower fecundity, especially in early fall and spring cohorts. Projections of population fitness revealed that: (1) Later onset of autumn rains will negatively affect population fitness. (2) Slow, variable germination on sand buffers populations against fitness impacts of variable spring and summer rainfall. (3) Seasonal selection favours high dormancy and early flowering genotypes in a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers. The high‐dormancy DOG1 allele delayed germination of spring‐dispersed fresh seeds until more favourable early fall conditions, resulting in higher projected population fitness. These findings suggest that Mediterranean annual plant populations are vulnerable to changes in seasonal precipitation, especially in California where rainfall onset is already occurring later. The fitness advantage of highly dormant, early flowering genotypes helps explain the prevalence of this strategy in Mediterranean populations. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Determination of Adaptability of Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) Genotypes ın Siirt Ecological Conditions

Oilseed crop sesame is mainly grown in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Plants seeds contain 42-54% quality oil, 22-25% protein and 20-25% carbohydrates. Sesame seeds with high amounts of nutritional components are consumed as a traditional health food for its specific antioxidative activity. This crop is frequently cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of the world.
 A research was carried out at in South Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey in Siirt where continental climate prevails, with the aim to select the best genotypes from a total of 23 different sesame genotypes showing high performance in terms of germination date, vegetation period, the first flowering time, the last flowering time, plant height, first branch height, number of branches, number of capsules per plant and yield. 
 As a result of the study, significant variations were determined between genotypes for the observed parameters in the study. Plant height, first branch height, branches number, capsules number per plant, seed number per capsule were between 80,8-115,9 cm; 5,9-18,3 cm; 3,1-8,5 pieces; 65,6-154,2 pieces; 62,8-135,2 pieces, respectively. The seed yield values were lowest (38,2 kg/da) and highest (97,4 kg/da) at SUS10 and SUS1 genotypes, respectively. The differences between the genotypes might be due to the inherent genetic potential differences of the genotypes and appeared phenotype in tested environments. As a conclusion, SUS1 genotype fit well to Siirt conditions. Branch number was negatively effected the seed yield where highest yield was obtained under lowest branch number and vice versa. As a result, it was determined that sesame species can be cropped under Siirt ecological conditions with good seed yield levels.

Assessing The Effects of Microorganisms (EM) and Bokashi on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Towards Plant Growth and Yield Performance

The fertilizer application can impact crop production, quality, and growth performance. However, excessive use of chemical fertilisers in farming can cause in poor soil conditions, contamination, environmental pollution and decreased yield. Thus, this study aims to investigate the possible impacts of Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Bokashi on the quality, growth, and yield performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The field study was conducted at the Agropark, UMK Jeli Campus,Kelantan . The study's treatments included in the study were as follows: (T0) control; (T1) EM solution; (T2) bokashi fertiliser; and (T3) EM solution and bokashi fertilizer combined. The experiment layout was designed in a completely randomised design (CRD) with 16 samples. Data regarding quality, plant growth, and yield performance were gathered, including the germination date, harvesting date, plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits produced, dry weight of fruit, and fresh weight of fruit. Compared to the other treatments, Bokashi alone (T2) delivers the highest mean value of products in terms of number of leaves, number of fruits, fresh weight of fruits, the dried weight of fruits, and germination date of okra seeds. Whereas the combined application of EM and Bokashi (T3) has produced the highest plant height and the earliest harvesting date as the first to produce their yield that developed into mature and ready to be harvested relatively than others. The control treatment (T0) showed the slowest growth rate and okra plant yield. However, it can be concluded that individual applications of Bokashi had a significant effect on the plant development and yield performance of okra plants. This study hoped to improve okra’s yields and growth performance and aid in its production effort

Adaptation Trial of Improved Bee Forages in West Hararghe Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Mechara Agriculture Research station and in Gemechis district kunisekeria FTC for two consecutive cropping seasons of, 2018 and 2019, with the objective of identifying adaptable and potential bee forages for honey production. Five herbaceous bee forages were sown in 2mX2m plot size in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replication. The bee forages were evaluated based on germination efficiency days to flower, number of flower heads/plant and intensity of honeybees on flowers. The result indicated that, there were mean difference for germination date, blooming date, flowering length, number of flower heads/plant for all study plant species. Among the study bee forage plants, both black and white buckwheat’s were take short day to flower with mean value of 20 and 24 days. Similarly Sinapis alba was take a short day to flowering at Kuni sakaria FTC while Sinapis alba at Kuni sakaria FTC has the highest mean value in duration of blooming (45) days followed by white buck wheat at both site (43) days. Coriander has highest flower per head/plant (92) at both site followed by Sinapis at Kuni sakaria FTC. There was mean difference in bee visit between each plant species at all study sites. Coriander was highly visited by honey bees at Kuni sakaria FTC followed by white buckwheat at both site. In general, both black and white type of buckwheat and Coriander had high performance in lowland and highland of the zone whereas Phacelia tanacetifolia and Sinapis alba showed good performance at highland part of the study area. Therefore, further demonstration and scaling-up is needed at recommended area for the respective similar agro ecology of the West Harerghe Zone.

Individual selection of roselle plant m4 generation (Hibiscus sabdariffa l.) based on anthocyanin, vitamin c and water content

Mutation of a plant is included to be one of the most effective methods to create a high genetic diversity in plants. This study aimed to get the selected individuals of M4 generation of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in rows through gamma-ray irradiation based on the flower calyx production, the content of anthocyanin and vitamin C. This research used Roselle seed of Roselindo 2 variety (control) as many as 16 numbers selected selection. The study was conducted at the Agrotechnology field Universitas Sumatera Utara (± 25 m asl) starting from December 2018 until April 2019 with the germination date of December 7, 2018. The data obtained were tested using a t-test analysis and presented descriptively. Results showed that the observation of all the average dry weights of plants−1 did not show any significant effect between one and other plants (control and number of selected plants). The average wet weight of plant−1 showed a significant effect in plant numbers of R141 and R148 compared to the other sample numbers. Levels of plants−1 parameters of anthocyanin and vitamin C showed a significant effect between one plant to another in all plant numbers (control and number of selected plants).

Hydrothermal sensitivities of seed populations underlie fluctuations of dormancy states in an annual plant community.

Plant germination ecology involves continuous interactions between changing environmental conditions and the sensitivity of seed populations to respond to those conditions at a given time. Ecologically meaningful parameters characterizing germination capacity (or dormancy) are needed to advance our understanding of the evolution of germination strategies within plant communities. The germination traits commonly examined (e.g., maximum germination percentage under optimal conditions) may not adequately reflect the critical ecological differences in germination behavior across species, communities, and seasons. In particular, most seeds exhibit primary dormancy at dispersal that is alleviated by exposure to dry after-ripening or to hydrated chilling to enable germination in a subsequent favorable season. Population-based threshold (PBT) models of seed germination enable quantification of patterns of germination timing using parameters based on mechanistic assumptions about the underlying germination physiology. We applied the hydrothermal time (HTT) model, a type of PBT model that integrates environmental temperature and water availability, to study germination physiology in a guild of coexisting desert annual species whose seeds were after-ripened by dry storage under different conditions. We show that HTT assumptions are valid for describing germination physiology in these species, including loss of dormancy during after-ripening. Key HTT parameters, the hydrothermal time constant (θHT ) and base water potential distribution among seeds (Ψb (g)), were effective in describing changes in dormancy states and in clustering species exhibiting similar germination syndromes. θHT is an inherent species-specific trait relating to timing of germination that correlates well with long-term field germination fraction, while Ψb (g) shifts with depth of dormancy in response to after-ripening and seasonal environmental variation. Predictions based on variation among coexisting species in θHT and Ψb (g) in laboratory germination tests matched well with 25-yr observations of germination dates and fractions for the same species in natural field conditions. Seed dormancy and germination strategies, which are significant contributors to long-term species demographics under natural conditions, can be represented by readily measurable functional traits underlying variation in germination phenologies.

Selection and plasticity both account for interannual variation in life-history phenology in an annual prairie legume.

As the environment changes, so too must plant communities and populations if they are to persist. Life‐history transitions and their timing are often the traits that are most responsive to changing environmental conditions. To compare the contributions of plasticity and natural selective response to variation in germination and flowering phenology, we performed a quantitative genetic study of phenotypic selection on Chamaecrista fasciculata (Fabaceae) across two consecutive years in a restored tallgrass prairie. The earliest dates of germination and flowering were recorded for two parental cohorts and one progeny cohort in an experimental garden. Environmental differences between years were the largest contributors to phenological variation in this population. In addition, there was substantial heritability for flowering time and statistically significant selection for advancement of flowering. Comparison between a progeny cohort and its preselection parental cohort indicated a change in mean flowering time consistent with the direction of selection. Selection on germination time was weaker than that on flowering time, while environmental effects on germination time were stronger. The response to selection on flowering time was detectable when accounting for the effect of the environment on phenotypic differences, highlighting the importance of controlling for year‐to‐year environmental variation in quantitative genetic studies.

Event‐scale floodplain accretion revealed through tree‐ring analysis of buried plains cottonwoods, Powder River, MT, USA

AbstractSix plains cottonwoods along the axis of a meander were excavated to determine if dendrochronology could identify the year and location of germination and date past overbank sedimentation events. Samples from all excavated trees showed clear anatomical changes associated with burial, including increased vessel size, decreased definition of annual ring boundaries, and decreased ring widths. Some of these burial signatures were created by deposition of only a few centimeters of sediment, and most burial events were detected by multiple samples from the same tree. Four of the trees germinated at or near the upper surfaces of bar deposits, while two germinated within thin overbank deposits draped over bar deposits, indicating that germination is closely associated with bars. Dates and inferred thicknesses of overbank sedimentation events are consistent with repeated topographic surveys and data obtained from cesium‐137 (137Cs) analyses. However, the record of overbank sedimentation extracted from the trees does not entirely reflect the history of past peak discharges documented by stream gaging, largely because individual trees are progressively less likely to be flooded through time as the river migrates farther away. Germination dates and locations closely track past positions of the river channel. Germination elevations and the elevations of the tops of point bars appear to be decreasing with time as the bend migrates, implying vertical incision by Powder River at a rate of 7.1 ± 4.3 mm/yr. The rate of floodplain growth determined by elevation changes decreases progressively through time, ultimately reaching an apparent plateau after 0.8–1.3 m of vertical accretion. While similar patterns of vertical accretion have previously been interpreted as resulting from decreasing flood probability with increasing floodplain elevation, distance from the channel is also a first‐order control on vertical floodplain growth. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sentinel-1 Data for Winter Wheat Phenology Monitoring and Mapping

The ability of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Sentinel-1 data to detect the main wheat phenological phases was investigated in the Bekaa plain of Lebanon. Accordingly, the temporal variation of Sentinel-1 (S1) signal was analyzed as a function of the phenological phases’ dates observed in situ (germination; heading and soft dough), and harvesting. Results showed that S1 data, unlike the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, were able to estimate the dates of theses phenological phases due to significant variations in S1 temporal series at the dates of germination, heading, soft dough, and harvesting. Particularly, the ratio VV/VH at low incidence angle (32–34°) was able to detect the germination and harvesting dates. VV polarization at low incidence angle (32–34°) was able to detect the heading phase, while VH polarization at high incidence angle (43–45°) was better than that at low incidence angle (32–34°), in detecting the soft dough phase. An automated approach for main wheat phenological phases’ determination was then developed on the western part of the Bekaa plain. This approach modelled the S1 SAR temporal series by smoothing and fitting the temporal series with Gaussian functions (up to three Gaussians) allowing thus to automatically detect the main wheat phenological phases from the sum of these Gaussians. To test its robustness, the automated method was applied on the northern part of the Bekaa plain, in which winter wheat is harvested usually earlier because of the different weather conditions. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the estimation of the phenological phases’ dates was 2.9 days for germination, 5.5 days for heading, 5.1 days soft dough, 3.0 days for West Bekaa’s harvesting, and 4.5 days for North Bekaa’s harvesting. In addition, a slight underestimation was observed for germination and heading of West Bekaa (−0.2 and −1.1 days, respectively) while an overestimation was observed for soft dough of West Bekaa and harvesting for both West and North Bekaa (3.1, 0.6, and 3.6 days, respectively). These results are encouraging, and thus prove that S1 data are powerful as a tool for crop monitoring, to serve enhanced crop management and production handling.

Germination timing and chilling exposure create contingency in life history and influence fitness in the native wildflower Streptanthus tortuosus

Abstract The timing of life history events, such as germination and reproduction, influences ecological and selective environments throughout the life cycle. Many organisms evolve responses to seasonal environmental cues to synchronize these key events with favourable conditions. Often the fitness consequences of each life history transition depend on previous and subsequent events in the life cycle. If so, shifts in environmental cues can create cascading effects throughout the life cycle, which can influence fitness, selection on life history traits, and population viability. We examined variation in cue responses for contingent life history expression and fitness in a California native wildflower, Streptanthus tortuosus, by manipulating seasonal germination timing in a common garden experiment. We also manipulated chilling exposure to test the role of vernalization cues for seasonal life history contingency. Plants germinating early in the growing season in autumn were more likely to flower in the first year and less likely to perennate than later germinants in spring. First‐year reproduction and overall fitness was the highest for autumn cohorts. Sensitivity analyses showed that optimal germination date depended on survival beyond the first year and fruit production in later years. Experimental chilling exposure induced first‐year flowering in spring germinants, demonstrating that seasonal life history contingency is mediated by a vernalization requirement. This requirement reduced fitness of spring germinants without increasing survival or later fecundity and may be maladaptive. Such mismatches between cues and fitness may become more pervasive as predicted climate change reduces exposure to chilling, shortens growing seasons, and increases severity of summer drought. Synthesis. Shifts in germination timing in seasonal environments can cause cascading effects on trait expression and fitness that extend beyond the first year of the life cycle. Climate change is likely to shift seasonal conditions, influencing such life history contingency, with significant impacts on trait expression, fitness, and population persistence. These shifts may cause strong natural selection on cue sensitivity and life history expression, but it is an open question whether populations have the potential for rapid adaptation in response to this selection.

Responses of propagule germination and sexual reproduction of submerged macrophytes exposed to cadmium

Submerged macrophytes are considered the main primary producers in shallow lakes. Recently, they have experienced a decline due to increasing environmental impacts, e.g., excessive heavy metal loads. Compared to extensive studies on vegetative growth, reports on effects of heavy metals on propagule germination and reproduction remain scarce. In this study, three experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) on the propagule germination and sexual reproduction of submerged macrophytes. In Experiment I, six Cd concentrations were used (0, 0.05, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 mg L−1), with seed germination found to be marginally affected by Cd treatment. In Experiment II, Cd exposure (5 d) at the six Cd concentrations was performed 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 d prior to the designated germination date for turions/tubers. The Vallisneria spinulosa tubers did not germinate at ≥ 2.5 mg Cd L−1 when exposed to Cd 90 and 120 d prior to germination, whereas the Potamogeton crispus turions remained viable but with a low germination rate at ≥ 2.5 mg Cd L−1. In Experiment III, with an increase from 0 to 0.5 Cd mg L−1, the fruit weight of Ottelia alismoides and V. spinulosa decreased, whereas the fruit number increased for O. alismoides but not for V. spinulosa. Furthermore, the phenology of sexual reproduction for both species advanced under Cd exposure. In summary, Cd exposure affected the germination of asexual propagules and sexual reproduction of submerged macrophytes, with seeds found to be tolerant of Cd treatment up to 5 mg L−1.

Effects of a biodegradable liquid film on winter chill protection of winegrape cultivars

In China, according to the climatic zoning, more than 90% Vitis vinifera are distributed in areas where the vines must be buried under a layer of soil during winter (vine burial) to protect them from severe winter chill (Li et al., 2006; Wang et al., 2018). Vine burial in winter followed by vine excavation and straightening in spring are difficult and expensive tasks, posing risks to the plants and the environment. Therefore, the goal of this work was to identify a biodegradable liquid film (BLF) suitable for grapevine application to replace vine burial as an alternate strategy to protect against winter chill. We evaluated the influence of BLF spraying on vines after being trained in winter (BLF spraying treatment) and compared it with vine burial (VB). The study evaluated the grapevine death rate of BLF treatment following freezing events in January 2016, and compared germination date, yields, berry quality, and a cost analysis of the two treatments during the winter of 2015 to the spring of 2017 at Heyang Station of Viticulture, NWAFU, in China. The results showed that BLF application can protect some cultivars from winter chill in Heyang and delays bud germination date in cold years. BLF treatment has the opposite trend of reducing sugar and titratable acid content for Cabernet Sauvignon and Italian Riesling, causes higher polyphenols content of berries under most conditions, and requires lower winter vineyard operations costs than VB treatment.

Mass vegetative propagation of rare and endangered tree species of Indonesia by shoot cuttings by KOFFCO method and effect of container type on nursery storage of rooted cuttings

Rachmat HH, Subiakto A, Susilowati A. 2018. Mass vegetative propagation of rare and endangered tree species of Indonesia by shoot cuttings by KOFFCO method and effect of container type on nursery storage of rooted cuttings. Biodiversitas 19: 2353-2358. The Forestry Research and Development Agency (FORDA) and The Advance Research of Komatsu Ltd have developed a mass propagation technique using shoot cuttings, namely KOFFCO system (Komatsu-FORDA Fog Cooling System). KOFFCO system controls environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and light intensity) to produce high percentage of rooted cuttings. The seed production of dipterocarp species is unreliable and unpredictable. Thus, vegetative propagation is an alternative means for producing planting materials of dipterocarp species. An attempt was made to produce rooted cuttings of rare and endangered dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp species of the Indonesian native trees, for further use in both reforestation and plantation programs. In fact, this study attempts to answer two specific research questions: (i) What is the potential of KOFFCO system as a vegetative mass propagation technique for Indonesian dipterocarps and non-dipterocarps? (ii) What is the effect of container types on long-term post-nursery storage of dipterocarp planting stock? To answer the first question stated above, vegetative propagation through shoot cuttings of 24 species belonging to 7 genera of dipterocarps and 13 species belonging to 12 genera of non-dipterocarps was attempted (>30.000 cuttings, in total), using KOFFCO system. The results showed that KOFFCO is an efficient innovative technology for the successful mass propagation from cuttings. 100% root formation obtained for Nauclea orientalis, Anotephalus macrophyllus and Ficus sp. To find the answer for the second question, storage experiments and growth observations of the planting stock of selected dipterocarp species was performed, using three different types of containers. Rooted cuttings of six species of dipterocarps with same germination date were tested in each type of the container. The result showed that medium sized square and medium sized round containers produced an average height increment of 19.92 cm and 21.58 cm, respectively, in a year, while small sized square containers produced only 13.94 cm height increment. Both square and round shaped containers are appropriate for short term storage of planting stock, while small containers are more appropriate for storing planting stocks or seedlings for a longer period.

A millennium-long perspective on high-elevation pine recruitment in the Spanish central Pyrenees

Long-term fluctuations in forest recruitment, at time scales well beyond the life-span of individual trees, can be related to climate changes. The underlying climatic drivers are, however, often understudied. Here, we present the recruitment history of a high-elevation mountain pine (Pinus uncinata Ram.) forest in the Spanish central Pyrenees throughout the last millennium. A total of 1108 ring-width series translated into a continuous chronology from 924 to 2014 CE, which allowed estimated germination dates of 470 trees to be compared against decadal-scale temperature variability. High recruitment intensity mainly coincided with relatively warm periods in the early 14th, 15th, 19th, and 20th centuries, whereas cold phases during the mid-17th, early 18th, and mid-19th centuries overlapped with generally low recruitment rates. In revealing the importance of prolonged warm conditions for high-elevation pine recruitment in the Pyrenees, this study suggests increased densification and even possible upward migration of tree-line ecotones under predicted global warming.

Dendrochronological assessment of British veteran sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) trees: Successful cross-matching, and cross-dating with British and French oak (Quercus) chronologies

Across Britain and continental Europe there are many ancient Castanea sativa trees of great significance for natural and cultural heritage, yet scant assessment has been made of them for dendrochronological information. This paper describes the dendrochronological analysis of 28 Castanea sativa trees (veteran historic trees, forest trees and coppice stems) sampled from 15 sites in southern Britain: 56 growth-ring sequences were collected for analysis, by boring living trees and by cutting transverse sections from dead fallen trees and previously cut stumps. Twenty-three single-tree sequences from 14 sites were cross-matched (t ≥3.5) and then cross-dated with 17 oak Quercus reference chronologies from England and northern France: a Castanea sativa master chronology spanning AD 1660–2014 has been created. The results demonstrate the viability of dendrochronological analysis of Castanea sativa wood; and confirm that Castanea sativa can be cross-dated with oak Quercus reference chronologies, inter-regionally and inter-nationally. The findings provide the potential means for dating Castanea sativa timbers sampled from palaeoenvironmental and historical contexts. The extraction of sawn sections from long-dead (up to 60 years in this study) trees and stumps is proven to be a reliable method for dating veteran trees in cultural landscapes and ancient woodlands; and for revealing the growth history of historic/iconic trees. The germination dates calculated for the Castanea sativa trees in this study span the period AD 1640–1943. The inaccuracy of estimating veteran Castanea sativa tree ages from girth measurements is highlighted.