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Seed spacing and seedling biomass: Effect on root growth potential of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

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Abstract

Results from three studies conducted in bare-root nurseries indicate a positive linear relationship between seed spacing and root growth potential of Pinus taeda L. seedlings. However, root growth potential was also correlated with several morphological variables, including seedling weight, root collar diameter, root weight, root volume, foliage weight and stem weight. Because seedlings grown at wider spacings were larger in diameter and biomass, covariate analyses (using either root collar diameter or foliage ovendry weight) were also conducted. These analyses indicate that differences in root growth potential between seed spacings can be accounted for by differences in seedling size.

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Author notes

  1. James N. Boyer

    Present address: Corps of Engineers, Custom House, 19109-2991, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Forestry and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University, 36849-5418, Auburn, AL, USA

    David B. South, Harry S. Larsen & James N. Boyer

  2. School of Forestry, Louisiana State University, 70803, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Hans M. Williams

Authors
  1. David B. South
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  2. Harry S. Larsen
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  3. James N. Boyer
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  4. Hans M. Williams
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South, D.B., Larsen, H.S., Boyer, J.N. et al. Seed spacing and seedling biomass: Effect on root growth potential of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). New Forest 4, 179–192 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00118876

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