Sturdiness Quotient Research Articles

Bioinoculation Effect of Frankia sp. and Microbial Bioagents on Growth and Development of Elaeagnus latifolia L. seedlings: An Endangered Plant Species of North East India

Aims: Analyses were done on the role of rhizospheric symbiotic Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Non-AM fungus and a bacterium in growth and development of E. latifolia L. seedlings. Study Design and Methodology: The seedlings were inoculated with recognized AM fungal strain (Glomus mosseae, Gm 1), non-AM fungus (Trichoderma harzianum, Th-13) alone and nitrogen fixing bacteria Frankia sp. in combined form (both, dual and triple/ tripartite consortium) and analysed for their effect on growth parameters i.e. increase in length, diameter, circumference, Sturdiness quotient (Sq), Biovolume index (Bi) and Plastochron interval index (Pi) of the target plant species. Results: Qualitative analysis have revealed that the consortium treatment containing Glomus mosseae and Frankia sp. (FS-03) resulted in more increase in the length (7.0 ±0.25 cm), diameter (1.3 ±0.25 cm), circumference while the highest biovolume index was observed in the consortium treatment of Frankia sp. along with Glomus mosseae, Trichoderma harzianum viz. Fs-04 (280.96 ± 20.0) and sturdiness quotient of 0.25 including reduced phyto-mortality and initiating rapid phyllogenesis in inoculated seedlings as compared to control seedlings. In contrast to control seedlings, which are covered in depth in this work, a similar pattern with negligible variance in all analyzed parameters as indicated above were also seen in other alone and combined treatments. Conclusion: As a result, it was shown that both AM alone and consortium inoculations with Frankia sp. increased this plant species' adaptation and resilience.

Comparative Analysis of Impact of Soil Mixture and Fertilization on Growth and Seedling Quality of Selected Agroforestry Tree Species

The study was conducted to determine the most suitable soil amendment for germination and early seedling growth of selected indigenous multipurpose agroforestry tree species, viz., Cordia africana, Fiadherbia albida, Millettia ferruginea, and Moringa stenopetala at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Seedlings were raised in polythene tubes having 10 cm diameter and 15 cm height and the experimental plots were laid out with eight treatments (i.e., potting soil mixture of, A = agricultural soil, M = manure, S = sand, D = DAP, and U = Urea) and three replications. The morphological attributes of seedlings such as shoot and root height, root collar diameter, leaf area were measured to assess tree seedlings vigor and robustness. Analysis of variance indicated that the shoot height of C. africana, F. albida, and M. ferruginea were significantly different (P<0.05) whereas shoot height of M. stenopetala was highly significant (P<0.01). Actual leaf area (cm2) of F. albida and M. stenopetala were significantly different (P<0.05) and estimated leaf area (cm2) of the four species were highly significant at (P<0.01). Treatment 8 (3A: 2M: 1S) for C. africana, treatment 5 (3A: 2M: 1S: 23U) for F. albida and treatment 2 (2A: 2M: 2S: 25D) for both M. stenopetala and M. ferruginea exhibited the lowest sturdiness quotient, which indicates that they are good-quality seedling for plantation. The shoot-to-height ratio indicated positive correlation with most seedling growth parameters whereas root collar diameter and sturdiness quotient showed negative correlation for all species. Treatment 3 (3A: 2M: 1S: 75D) is recommended as the best pot soil mix and fertilization compared to all other treatments, though it needs further study.

Effect of sowing density on performance and biometric features of pedunculate oak

Sowing density is one of the most important factors influencing seedling quality. In forest nurseries, to ensure full seeding, it is recommended to obtain approximately 200 seedlings from 1 m2 (ZHL 2012). The aim of the study was to assess the effect of sowing density on sowing efficiency and the morphological features of pedunculate oak seedlings. Acorns were sown directly by broadcast seeding on 20 test plots, each 4 m in length, in four replications. The following variants were used:- 250acorns capable of germination totaling 341 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m2);- 300 acorns capable of germination totaling 410 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m2);- 350 acorns capable of germination totaling 478 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m2);- 400 acorns capable of germination totaling 546 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m2);- 450 acorns capable of germination totaling 614 acorns per 1 linear meter (0.9 m2). At the end of the growing season, seedlings were counted per 1 m (0.9 m2) in the central part of each plot. Sowing efficiency was determined as a percentage of seedling yield from the sown seeds. For laboratory analysis, 30 seedlings from each plot (600 in total) were collected. Based on biometric features like shoot height, root collar diameter, and dry weights of shoots, roots, and leaves, quality indicators such as the sturdiness quotient (SQ) and the Dickson quality index (DQI) were calculated. Sowing efficiency at the end of the vegetation season ranged between 39.68% and 50.12% and was not statistically significant. The research revealed that sowing density influenced seedling biometric characteristics. Pearson’s correlation coefficients showed significant negative correlations between the number of seedlings obtained in an experimental plot and the dry weight of the root, number and dry mass of leaves, as well as the DQI. The seedlings from all sowing variants complied with the binding Polish standard, outlined in the Regulation of the Minister for the Environment of 18 February 2004 (Ministerstwo Środowiska 2004) by over 96%. Keywords: seeding density, sowing rate, seedling quality, sowing performance, sturdiness quotient (SQ), Dickson quality index (DQI), Quercus robur L.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF HYDRO AND HALOPRIMING ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF IPIL IPIL (Leucaena leucocephala)

An experiment was conducted during the year 2020 to investigate the comparative effect of hydro and halopriming on seed germination and seedling growth of Ipil Ipil. The seeds of Ipil Ipil were primed in various solutions for 30 hours. The seeds were soaked in priming solutions viz. distilled water, luke warm water, NaCl solution @ 1% and 2%. The unprimed seeds were taken as control. The data was recorded for seed germination percentage, mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI), seedling vigor index (SVI), fresh biomass of shoot, fresh biomass of roots, dry biomass of shoot, dry biomass of roots, quality index of the seedlings, sturdiness quotient and leakage of the electrolytes. The results revealed that all the observed parameters studied in the present study were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by various seed priming treatments. The results of seed priming depict that seed germination (90.00%), germination index (0.43), germination time (5.22 days) and seedling vigor index (1498.0) were observed better in response to the luke warm water. While the seeds primed with NaCl @ 1% had better results for fresh biomass of shoot (5.58 g), root (1.44 g), dry biomass of shoot (1.57 g) and root (0.29 g). Quality index of the seedlings and sturdiness quotient had better result from NaCl treatment. The quality of the seedlings was measured in terms of sturdiness quotient, quality index of the seedlings and leakage of the electrolytes. The sturdiness quotient (0.98), quality index of the seedling (24.85) was also better in response to the halo (NaCl) seed priming @ 1%. The only leakage of the electrolytes had no significant of seed priming. It is concluded from the present study that all seed germination related parameters are greatly affected by the lukewarm water treatment. However, parameters related with the seedling growth are affected by the NaCl treatment @ 1%.

Effects of nanoparticle applications on seedling survival and morphological characteristics in Scots pine afforestation

This study was conducted in the afforestation area, using bare-root 2+0-year-old Scots pine seedlings from Kastamonu. The study aimed to determine the impact of nanoparticle (NP) applications on seedling morphological characteristics and seedling survival success. Three different concentrations (low, medium, high) and four different nanoparticle types [Fe₃O₄, CuO, ZnO, TiO2] were applied to the plant root-dipping method in the study. The effects of NP treatments on seedling height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD), stem fresh weight (SFW), root new weight (RFW), seedling fresh weight (SEFW), root dry weight (RDW), stem dry weight (SDW), seedling dry weight (SEDW), sturdiness quotient (SI), root: shoot ratio (R/S), and seedling survival in the field were evaluated. The study results revealed that NP types significantly affected all seedling variables except RFW, SDW, RDW, and SEDW, and NP doses significantly affected all seedling variables except RFW. The binary interaction effects of NP types and doses had a significant effect on all seedling variables, and higher values were obtained compared to the control treatment. Medium and high NP doses were more effective in seedling growth than low doses; the percentage of seedling survival was 61.4% in the control treatment and 95% in the TiO2-Medium NP treatment combination.

Effect of Changing Substrate Density and Water Application Method on Substrate Physical Properties and Container-Grown Seedling Growth

The quality of container-grown seedlings is influenced by the air and water properties of the substrate. These properties are closely tied to the amount and frequency of water supplied through sprinkler systems in nurseries, as well as the density of the substrate in the container cells. Throughout the entire growing season, this study examined how various parameters of Scots pine, Norway spruce, European beech, and pedunculate oak seedlings cultivated in HIKO V120SS and V265 containers were affected by two factors. Firstly, the study analyzed the impact of increased substrate density when filling the containers. Secondly, it explored the precise dosing of water applied by the sprinkler system, which was determined based on substrate sensors and meteorological conditions surrounding the seedlings. The results revealed that increased substrate compaction led to a long-term reduction in air capacity and an increase in water capacity within pine, spruce, and beech containers. However, oak seedlings were not affected by the increased substrate density. Additionally, the higher density of the compacted substrate positively influenced the growth parameters of pine seedlings but did not affect the other species. As a result, the current substrate compaction level used in the nursery where the measurements were taken appears to be optimal for spruce, beech, and oak seedlings. Furthermore, precise control over the amount of water applied during irrigation allowed for a reduction in water consumption by about 8%. This control also resulted in improved seedling sturdiness quotient and a more developed root system in the case of pine seedlings. However, no significant differences were observed for the other species.

Morphogenetic variations of Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings depending on altitude

Scotch pine is a primary species that spreads from sea level to very high altitudes in Turkey and has a very wide distribution area in the world. For this reason, it is important to investigate the variations of the species depending on the altitude. The research aims to determine the morphogenetic variations of the seedling characters in populations representing the vertical distribution area of Scotch pine and to reveal the within and among population variations in the vertical distribution areas. In the study, seedlings (three, four and five-year-old) grown from the seeds collected from five populations in the altitudinal zones up to 2,250 m from sea level in the natural distribution area of Scotch pine in Trabzon region were used. The seedling’s height, root collar diameter, the number of side branches and crown buds and sturdiness quotient were determined. As a result of the study, it was determined that there were statistically significant differences (p

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ROOTSTOCKS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON STIONIC ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MANGO SEEDLINGS

To explore the quality rootstock which impart better stionic establishment of the mango seedlings, we studied the comparative effect of scion and rootstock using three mango scion varieties (Sindhri, Chaunsa and Neelum) grafted on three rootstocks i.e. Ratam, Pado and Sindhri. Parameters including seed germination (%), seedling height (cm), leaves seedling rootstock-1, seedling vigor index (SVI), fresh biomass of shoot and roots (g), dry biomass of shoot and roots (g), chlorophyll content (rg), rootstock diameter (mm), scion diameter (mm), stionic ratio, leaves graft-1 and sturdiness quotient were studied. Results showed the best seed germination (88.33%), seedling vigor index (5158.74), and sturdiness quotient (3.89) in Pado rootstock. However maximum fresh biomass of shoot (20.67 g), fresh biomass of roots (16.2 g), dry biomass of shoot (12.65 g), dry biomass of roots (8.33 g) and scion diameter of the rootstocks were observed in Sindhri rootstocks. Regarding grafting data, the best stionic ratio (0.93) was observed from the scion and rootstock combination of Neelum and Pado rootstock. It was concluded that Pado rootstock performed better in terms of seedling rootstock and for successful stionic establishment of the mango seedlings

Linking the effects of nursery light and fertilization and post-transplant first summer irrigation on the field survival and growth of Pinus pinaster seedlings

Seedling size-related functional attributes of Mediterranean forest species are critical traits to be considered in nursery practices aimed at improving the survival and performance of seedlings exposed to summer drought in dryland reforestation projects. We looked at how nursery light regimes and nitrogen fertilization affected the survival and performance of Pinus pinaster Ait. under contrasting post-planting watering regimes. Seedlings grown in the nursery for 13 months were given low or high nitrogen doses and exposed to three light regimes (full sun, medium light and low light). After outplanting, half of the seedlings were watered fortnightly during the hottest months of the first summer and the other half were left unwatered. Seedling size-related variables (shoot height, basal diameter, stem volume and sturdiness quotient) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study, and summer drought survival was checked three times. Our results showed that fertilization and the nursery light regime influenced initial seedling quality and transplant stress. Post-planting first summer watering also increased seedling survival probability. The medium-light and especially the full-sunlight regimes in the nursery decreased the probability of seedling mortality after outplanting. However, a low-light regime in the nursery negatively affected plant traits and increased the probability of post-planting seedling mortality. In comparison with low-N seedlings, high-N fertilization increased post-planting stress (evaluated in the change of sturdiness quotient after one field growth season), but did not affect survival.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF SEED PRIMING AND GROWING MEDIA ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF PAPAYA (CARICA PAPAYA L.)

An experiment was directed to assess the comparative effect of seed priming and growing media on seed germination and growth of papaya. Papaya seeds were primed in distilled water, 1% potassium nitrate (KNO3) for 12 hours. The un-primed seeds were taken as control. The growing medium was prepared by mixing different ratios of the canal silt, bagasse, and cocopeat. Results have shown that each experimental parameters in the current investigation was influenced by seed priming and growing media. Moreover the findings revealed that, seed priming with distilled water got the highest mean seed germination, seedling vigor index, fresh biomass of shoot and root, dry biomass of shoot, dry root weight, quality index of the seedlings, sturdiness quotient, survival % and mean germination time. While to compare means of the growing media, M2 (Canal silt + bagasse + cocopeat in 1:1:1) medium had the best results for seed germination, seedling vigor index, fresh biomass of shoot and root, dry biomass of shoot and root, quality index of the seedlings, sturdiness quotient, lowest mean germination time and leakage of the electrolytes. It’s determined from the current study that seed priming with distilled water and M2 medium contained canal silt, bagasse and cocopeat in (1:1:1) found optimal for all germination and seedling attributes of papaya.

Growth enhancement in containerized Pinus gerardiana seedlings inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi

Mycorrhizal fungi boost host plant growth by improving roots' ability to absorb nutrients and water from the rhizosphere soil. In this study, a mass inoculum of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Scleroderma polyrhizum was produced on wheat grains and incorporated into polybags during seed sowing of Pinus gerardiana, with the expectation that the roots of the germinating seedlings would form a mycorrhizal association with S. polyrhizum. For 2years, the seedlings' growth parameters were measured at 3-month intervals. The seedlings raised in inoculated bags exhibited ectomycorrhizal anatomy and higher growth indices like absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, sturdiness quotient, volume index, quality index etc. The growth parameters of 2-year-old inoculated seedlings were 44.36 to 94.36 percent higher than control. Shoot dry weight increased the most (94.36 percent), followed by root volume (93.59 percent), shoot fresh weight (91.42 percent), root fresh weight (79.46 percent), and collar diameter increased the least (49.30 percent). Two-year-old seedlings were outplanted in two locations: one within and one beyond its normal zone of occurrence. Inoculated seedlings fared better at both sites in terms of survival and growth. S. polyrhizum inoculation has accelerated the growth metrics of P. gerardiana seedlings. Thus, it can be recommended that the P. gerardiana nursery should be raised by artificial inoculation with S. polyrhizum toproduce healthy, tall planting stock in a shorter nursery time while also lowering maintenance costs.

Variation in Sturdiness Quotient of Khejri seedlings

Sturdiness Quotient (SQ) is the growth standard to determine the good quality of seedlings at nursery conditions. The SQ of Khejri seedlings was studied at nursery conditions, but the SQ value was found to be contradictory with normal which is always less than six. In this experiment in two different years, the SQ value was more than six for the Khejri tree and it was not always less than six which is universal. Based on experimentation data the authors conclude that the SQ value of the khejri tree lies between 13 ± 7.

Effect of Peat-Perlite Substrate Compaction in Hiko V265 Trays on the Growth of Fagus sylvatica L. Seedlings

The growth of seedlings depends on many factors: the availability of light, water, and minerals, as well as the type and physical properties of the substrate, including its density. The effect of different levels of compaction of the peat-perlite substrate on the growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings in container nursery has not been investigated so far. In presented research, nine variants of peat-perlite substrate compaction (in three replications), with the actual bulk density ranging between 0.196 and 0.317 g·cm−3, were prepared in Hiko V265 nursery trays. European beech seeds were sown in the trays, and a seedling was grown in the production field. After the cultivation period, selected parameters were measured. The results reveal that substrate in a wide range of compaction (dry bulk density: 0.078–0.127 g·cm−3) had an impact on the height of seedlings, root dry matter, and the mean length of coarse roots and fine roots. The best shoot-to-root ratio and sturdiness quotient were observed in the seedlings growing on the substrate with the lowest compaction. Based on the results, compaction at the level of 0.196 g·cm−3 is recommended for the cultivation of European beech in Hiko V265 nursery trays.

Root growth potential and seedling growth of kamagong (Diospyros blancoi A. DC.) influenced by root pruning

Abstract Quality seedlings are vital to the success of any reforestation project. This can be attained and improved by employing nursery management practices like root pruning. This study was carried out to determine the effect of root pruning on root growth potential and growth of kamagong seedlings. Three-month-old seedlings were obtained from the Learning Laboratory for Forestry and Agroforestry, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines – Los Baños, where treatments non-root pruned and root pruned were applied to seedlings repotted in larger polybags. After 80 days, root pruning did not significantly affect height and root collar diameter growth. Shoot dry mass, root collar diameter, root length, total tree dry mass, sturdiness quotient, seedling mortality were consistent in between treatments. Non-root pruned seedlings yielded significantly higher root volume and root dry mass while root pruned seedlings have significantly higher shoot height, root: shoot ratio, and seedling quality index. Attainment of moderate Root Growth Potential (RGP) based on root length and root volume was influenced by root pruning. Expressions of RGP were positively and significantly correlated to root dry mass, sturdiness quotient and seedling quality index. In conclusion, root pruning of this critically endangered species increases its quality as planting stock.

Variation of Morphological Traits and Quality Indices of Micropropagated Melia volkensii Gürke Clones before Field Planting

The quality of acclimatized in vitro cultivated plants is essential to ensure good survival and growth after planting in field conditions. After two months of acclimatization, this study revealed a significant variation in survival rate, shoot characteristics, root traits, and biomass features between 13 clones of Melia volkensii Gürke. A number of quality indices such as the Dickson Quality Index (DQI), shoot dry weight: root dry weight ratio (S:R), and sturdiness quotient (SQ) also showed a large variation. The survival rate was genotype-dependent, with an average of 85%. Extreme genotypes were tall, had long internodes, a lot of leaves, and a large leaf area. At the other side of the spectrum, there were small clones with short internodes and a reduced number of leaves and leaf areas. The high S:R values (>2) of the evaluated clones indicate an imbalance between the shoot and root system, negatively influencing the quality of the in vitro produced M. volkensii plants. The SQ for all clones was below the threshold value of 6, implying a good and expected survival rate. This study illustrates that some clones might systematically score better for SQ, S:R, plant volume, and DQI after acclimatization and that these factors could form the basis for selection.

Effect of seed size on germination and seedling performance during storage of bhekal (Prinsepia utilis) seeds

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of various grades of Prinsepia utilis (bhekal) seeds on germination and seedlings performance during storage. Freshly collected seeds were grouped into three sub-lots viz. large size seeds (size 10 mm or > 10 mm), medium size seeds (size < 10 mm and > 7 mm), and small size seeds (size < 7 mm) with the help of specified sieves. Seeds of all grades were sown in nursery beds as fresh and after 35 days of storage. Various grades of seeds had shown significant effect on germination percentage as fresh and after 35 days of storage. Large size seeds exhibited significantly higher germination percentage, lower mean germination time, and higher germination values as compared to medium and small size seeds. Only small size seeds significantly exhibited lower germination percentage, higher mean germination time (MGT), and lower germination values as compared to large and medium-size seeds. However, no significant difference was observed in Germination Value (GV) and germination percentage between large and medium size seeds. The large size seeds exhibited a significantly good value of seedling length, the number of leaves, collar diameter, total biomass, vigour index, sturdiness quotient, volume index and quality index as compared to medium and small size seeds.

Evaluation of Growth Performance of Bixa orellana L. Progenies under Nursery Conditions

Dyeing is a traditional art and the Indians are experts in doing it. Natural dyes find huge scope in the current era of organic interests. Bixa orellana L. is commonly known as a lipstick tree. The present study was conducted to identify the superior progenies from plus trees selected from various locations of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The progenies were evaluated for four growth periods in the nursery such as 45 days after sowing (DAS), 90 DAS, 135 DAS, and 180 DAS. The growth performance was recorded for shoot length, collar diameter, root length, root to shoot ratio, number of leaves, sturdiness quotient, and volume index. The results indicated that the two progenies showed significant superiority in growth attributes viz., TNBi 008 and TNBi 003. Higher growth attributes in nursery seedlings may contribute more to better performance in field conditions. Volume index recorded the maximum values for GCV (36.04%), PCV (37.81%), and genetic advance (70.76%). The highest heritability was shown by shoot length (0.99) and root length (0.98). Good tree architecture facilitates them to produce more resources, such energy could be allocated for a further reproductive phase that results in increased seed yield. The superiority of these progenies for growth traits shows that they could be better utilized for developing plantations to meet the dye demand and for further tree improvement programme

Varijabilnost svojstava sadnica kitnjaka (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl) sa Područja PIO "Avala"

The research of the variability within the population based on morphometric characteristics of seedlings had been conducted to preserve the available gene pool of the Sessile oak population located in the Area of Outstanding Natural Landscape (AONL) "Avala" and the controlled use of the genetic resources. Fifty best-quality trees based on the phenotypic characteristics, the carriers of the Sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl) reproductive material production were selected at the population level. Approximately 3 kg of apparently healthy and undamaged acorns were collected from each tree, separated by mother trees, and used for seedling production in the nursery under uniform environmental conditions. The root collar diameter and the height of the randomly selected 50 seedlings per half-sib line were measured at the end of the first growing season, and the sturdiness quotient was calculated based on the measured values. The obtained mean values of the morphometric characteristics indicate a high variability among the tested genotypes. This is also confirmed by the analysis of variance which determined statistically significant differences between the analyzed half-sib lines for all observed morphometric characteristics. The obtained results represent a good starting point for future research on breeding, long-term preservation, and improvement of the ecological adaptability and evolutionary potential of the Sessile oak population by applying adequate in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures. Based on the research results, it can be recommended to use this important species for reintroduction in optimal microclimatic conditions, as well as for the selection of the best individuals for reintroduction.

Effect of Root Pruning on the Root Growth Potential (RGP) of Three Philippine Native Tree Species

Root growth potential (RGP) is the plant’s capacity to grow new roots, an important trait for seedlings to be used on any reforestation program. In the Philippines, these kinds of programs often end up in failure, as low-quality seedlings are usually chosen due to unfamiliarity with attributes that indicate good outplanting performance, narrow sources of high-quality seeds, and the lack of a reliable quality assessment method. This study aimed to determine the RGP of three native species – namely, bignai (Antidesma bunius), kamagong (Diospyros blancoi), and molave (Vitex parviflora) – and find its correlation with other morphological parameters. The experiment was done in a completely randomized design (CRD) with taproot pruning lengths (1-cm pruning, 2-cm pruning, and no root pruning) applied as treatments for each species. The morphological parameters measured included the relative growth rate (height and diameter), number of leaves, root collar diameter (RCD), biomass (root, shoot, and total) and length of taproot while root-shoot ratio, sturdiness quotient, and seedling quality index (SQI) were calculated. In general, taproot pruning had no significant effects on the seedling morphological attributes of all species. Excluding molave, the two other species had mostly responded well to root pruning and can be recommended as a treatment to induce root growth development. RGP had generally complemented the results from the other parameters, indicating how root development was associated with the morphological growth of the species. The study shows how RGP can also be relied on for testing seedling health and the status of native species. For a more comprehensive result, future research could increase experiment duration or use younger seedlings. A field performance assessment could also be performed to supplement the RGP study

Carpinus betulus L. (Adi Gürgen) ve Carpinus orientalis Mill. (Doğu Gürgeni) fidanlarının bazı kalite özellikleri üzerine yükseltinin etkisi

This study aims to determine some morphological characteristics of two-year-old common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis Mill.) seedling and to determine the quality classes of the seedlings according to Turkish Standards Institute’s (TSI) seedling quality standards and sturdiness quotient values. As a study material, two-year-old common hornbeam and oriental hornbeam seedlings, grown from seed obtained from three different altitudes as lower (0-400 m), mid (400-800 m) and upper (800-1200 m) in the Trabzon-Maçka watershed were used. The seedlings were grown in seedbeds in open nursery conditions of Karadeniz Technical University Forestry Faculty Research and Application Greenhouse. Seedling length and root collar diameter were measured in two-year-old seedlings. The sturdiness quotient was calculated with the data of the measured seedling morphological characteristics. Quality classes were classified according to TSI seedling quality standards determined for hornbeam seedlings. The highest mean seedling length for common hornbeam was determined as 48.76 cm at the 3rd altitude level, while the highest mean seedling length for oriental hornbeam was found as 38.90 cm at the 2nd altitude level. The mean root collar diameters for were varied between 4.97-5.23 mm in common hornbeam and 4.62-5.09 mm in oriental hornbeam. As a result of variance analysis, statistically significant differences (p