Skip to main content
Log in

Why seedlings survive: influence of plant attributes

  • Published:
New Forests Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Seedling survival and successful forest restoration involves many silvicultural practices. One important aspect of a successful forest restoration program is planting quality seedlings with high survival capability. Thus the nursery needs to create seedlings with plant attributes that allow for the best chance of success once a seedling is field planted. Since the mid-twentieth century, research foresters have critically examined plant attributes that confer improved seedling survival to field site conditions. This review describes the value of commonly measured seedling quality material (i.e. shoot height, stem diameter, root mass, shoot to root ratio, drought resistance, mineral nutrient status) and performance (i.e. freezing tolerance and root growth) plant attributes defined as important in answering the question of why seedlings survive after planting. Desirable levels of these plant attributes can increase the speed with which seedlings overcome planting stress, become ‘coupled’ to the forest restoration site, thereby ensuring successful seedling establishment. Although planting seedlings with these desirable plant attributes does not guarantee high survival rates; planting seedlings with desirable plant attributes increases chances for survival after field planting.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abrams MD (1988) Sources of variation in osmotic potentials with special reference to North American tree species. For Sci 34:1030–1046

    Google Scholar 

  • Andivia E, Fernandez M, Vázquez-Piqué J (2011) Autumn fertilization of Quercus ilex ssp. ballota (Desf.) Samp. nursery seedlings: effects on morpho-physiology and field performance. Ann For Sci 68:543–553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andivia E, Márquez-García B, Vázquez-Piqué J, Córdoba F, Fernandez M (2012) Autumn fertilization with nitrogen improves nutritional status, cold hardiness and oxidative stress response of Holm oak (Quercus ilex ssp. ballota (Desf.) Samp.) nursery seedlings. Trees 26:311–320

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Armson KA, Sadreika V (1979) Forest nursery soil management and related practices. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Toronto, ON

    Google Scholar 

  • Arnold MA, Struve DK (1989) Growing green ash and red oak in CuCO3-treated containers increases root regeneration and shoot growth following transplant. J Am Soc Hort Sci 114:402–406

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arnott JT (1981) Survival and growth of bullet, styroplug and bareroot seedlings on mid-elevation sites in coastal British Columbia. For Chron 57:65–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Arnott JT, Grossnickle SC, Puttonen P, Mitchell AK, Folk RS (1994) Influence of nursery culture on growth, cold hardiness and drought resistance of yellow cypress. Can J For Res 23:2537–2547

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bacon GJ, Bachelard EP (1978) The influence of nursery conditioning treatments on some physiological responses of recently transplanted seedlings of Pinus caribaea Mor. var. honduriensis B. and G. Aust For Res 8:171–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Baer N, Ronco F, Barney CW, Baer NW (1977) Effects of watering, shading and size of stock on survival of planted lodgepole pine. USDA Forest Service Res Note RM-347

  • Baldwin VC, Barney CW (1976) Leaf water potential in planted ponderosa and lodgepole pines. For Sci 22:344–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnett JP, McGilvray JM (1974) Copper screen controls root growth and increases survival on containerized southern pine seedlings. Tree Planters’ Notes 25:11–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnett JP, McGilvray JM (1993) Performance of container and bareroot loblolly pine seedlings on bottomlands in South Carolina. South J Appl For 17:80–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayley AD, Kietzka JW (1997) Stock quality and field performance of Pinus patula seedlings produced under two nursery growing regimes during seven different nursery production periods. New For 13:341–356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becker CA, Mroz GD, Fuller LG (1987) The effects of plant moisture stress on red pine (Pinus resinosa) seedling growth and establishment. Can J For Res 17:813–820

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beikircher B, Florineth F, Mayr S (2010) Restoration of rocky slopes based on planted gabions and use of drought-preconditioned woody specis. Ecol Eng 36:421–426

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benzian B, Brown RM, Freeman SCR (1974) Effect of late-season topdressing of N (and K) applied to conifer transplants in the nursery on their survival and growth on British forest sites. Forestry 47:153–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bergquist J, Örlander G (1998) Browsing damage by roe deer on Norway spruce seedlings planted on clearcuts of different ages: 2. Effect of seedling vigour. For Ecol Manage 105:295–302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernier PY (1992) Soil texture influences seedling water stress in more ways than one. Tree Planters’ Notes 43:39–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernier PY, Lamhamedi MS, Simpson DG (1995a) Shoot:root ratio is of limited use in evaluating the quality of container conifer stock. Tree Planters’ Notes 46:102–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernier PY, Stewart JD, Gonzalez A (1995b) Effects of the physical properties of sphagnum peat on water stress in containerized Picea mariana seedlings under simulated field conditions. Scand J For Res 10:184–189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Biel C, Savé R, Habrouk A, Espelta JM, Retana J (2004) Effects of restricted watering and CO2 enrichment in the morphology and performance after transplanting of nursery-grown Pinus nigra seedlings. HortScience 39:535–540

    Google Scholar 

  • Bigras FJ, Ryyppo A, Linderstrom A, Stattin E (2001) Cold acclimation and deacclimation of shoots and roots of conifer seedlings. In: Bigras FJ, Colombo SJ (eds) Conifer cold hardiness. Kluwer, The Netherlands, pp 57–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Binder WD, Scagel RK, Krumlik GJ (1988) Root growth potential: facts, myths, value? USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-167, pp 111–118

  • Binkley D (1986) Forest nutrition management. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Birchler TM, Rose R, Haase DL (2001) Fall fertilization with N and K: effects on Douglas-fir seedlings quality and performance. West J Appl For 16:71–79

    Google Scholar 

  • Blake TJ, Sutton RF (1987) Variation in water relations of black spruce stock types planted in Ontario. Tree Physiol 3:331–344

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blake J, Zaerr J, Hee S (1979) Controlled moisture stress to improve cold hardiness and morphology of Douglas-fir seedlings. For Sci 25:576–582

    Google Scholar 

  • Blake JL, Teeter LD, South DB (1989) Analysis of economic benefits from increasing uniformity in Douglas-fir nursery stock. In: Mason WL, Deans JD, Thompson S (eds) Producing uniform conifer planting stock, vol 26, pp 251–262 (for suppl)

  • Boivin JR, Salifu KF, Timmer VR (2004) Late season fertilization of Picea mariana seedlings: intensive loading and outplanting response on greenhouse bioassays. Ann For Sci 61:737–745

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyer JN, South DB (1987) Excessive seedling height, high shoot-to-root ratio and benomyl dip reduce survival of stored loblolly pine seedlings. Tree Planters’ Notes 37:19–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Brissette JC, Roberts TC (1984) Seedling size and lifting date effects on root growth potential of loblolly pine from two Arkansas nurseries. Tree Planters’ Notes 35:34–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Brix H, van den Driessche R (1974) Mineral nutrition of container-grown tree seedlings. In: Tinus RW, Stein WI, Balmer WE (eds) Proceedings of the North American containerized forest tree seedling symposium. Great Plains Ag. Council Publ. No. 68, pp 77–84

  • Burdett AN (1987) Understanding root growth capacity: theoretical considerations in assessing planting stock quality by means of root growth tests. Can J For Res 17:768–775

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burdett AN (1990) Physiological processes in plantation establishment and the development of specifications for forest planting stock. Can J For Res 20:415–427

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burdett AN, Martin PAF (1982) Chemical root pruning of coniferous seedlings. HortScience 17:622–624

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burdett AN, Simpson DG, Thompson CF (1983) Root development and plantation establishment success. Plant Soil 71:103–110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burdett AN, Herring LJ, Thompson CF (1984) Early growth of planted spruce. Can J For Res 14:644–651

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burney OT, Jacobs DF (2011) Ungulate herbivory of regenerating conifers in relation to foliar nutrition and terpenoid production. For Ecol Manage 262:1834–1845

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burr KE (1990) The target seedling concept: bud dormancy and cold-hardiness. In: Rose R, Campbell SJ, Landis TD (eds) Target seedling symposium: proceedings of the western forest nursery associations. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-200, pp 79–90

  • Buxton GF, Cyr DR, Dumbroff EB (1985) Physiological responses of three northern conifers to rapid and slow induction of moisture stress. Can J Bot 63:1171–1176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Calmé S, Margolis HA, Bigras FJ (1993) Influence of cultural practices on the relationship between frost tolerance and water content of containerized black spruce, white spruce, and jack pine seedlings. Can J For Res 23:503–511

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlson WC (1986) Root system considerations in the quality of loblolly pine seedlings. South J Appl For 10:87–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Chambers JL, Hinckley TM, Cox GS, Metcalf CL, Aslin RG (1985) Boundary-line analysis and models of leaf conductance for four oak-hickory forest species. For Sci 31:437–450

    Google Scholar 

  • Chamshama SAO, Hall JB (1987) Effects of nursery treatments on Eucalyptus camaldulensis field establishment and early growth at Mafiga, Morogoro, Tanzania. For Ecol Manage 21:91–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chirino E, Vilagrosa A, Hernández EI, Matoc A, Vallejoa VR (2008) Effects of deep container on morpho-fuctional characteristics and root colonization in Quercus suber L. seedlings for reforestation in Mediterranean climate. For Ecol Manage 256:779–785

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christersson L (1972) The transpiration rate of unhardened, hardened, and dehardened seedlings of spruce and pine. Physiol Plant 26:258–263

    Google Scholar 

  • Cleary BD, Greaves RD, Hermann RK (eds) (1978a) Regenerating Oregon’s forests: a guide for the regeneration forester. Oregon State University Extension Service, Corvallis, OR

    Google Scholar 

  • Cleary BD, Greaves RD, Owsten PW (1978b) Seedlings. In: Cleary BD, Greaves RD, Hermann RK (eds) Regenerating Oregon’s forests: a guide for the regeneration forester. Oregon State University Extension Service, Corvallis, OR, pp 63–97

    Google Scholar 

  • Clemens J, Jones PG (1978) Modification of drought resistance by water stress conditioning in Acacia and Eucalyptus. J Exp Bot 29:895–904

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Close DC, McArthur C, Pietrzykowski E, Fitzgerald H, Paterson S (2004) Evaluating effects of nursery and post-planting nutrient regimes on leaf chemistry and browsing of eucalypt seedlings in plantations. For Ecol Manage 200:101–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Close DC, Bail I, Hunter S, Beadle CL (2005) Effects of exponential nutrient-loading on morphological and nitrogen characteristics and on after planting performance of Eucalyptus globulus seedlings. For Ecol Manage 205:397–403

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colombo SJ (1987) Changes in osmotic potential, cell elasticity, and turgor relationships of 2nd-year black spruce container seedlings. Can J For Res 17:365–369

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colombo SJ, Menzies MI, O’Reilly C (2001) Influence of nursery cultural practices on cold hardiness of coniferous forest tree seedlings. In: Bigras FJ, Colombo SJ (eds) Conifer cold hardiness. Kluwer, The Netherlands, pp 223–252

    Google Scholar 

  • Colombo SJ, Glerum C, Webb DP (2003) Daylength, temperature and fertilization effects on desiccation resistance, cold hardiness and root growth potential of Picea mariana seedlings. Ann For Sci 60:307–317

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cuesta B, Vega J, Villar-Salvador P, Rey-Benayas JM (2010a) Root growth dynamics of allepo pine (Pinus halipensis Mill.) seedlings in relation to shoot elongation, plant size and tissue nitrogen concentration. Trees 24:899–908

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cuesta B, Vega J, Villar-Salvador P, Puértolas J, Jacobs DF, Rey-Benayas JM (2010b) Why do large, nitrogen rich seedlings better resist stressful transplanting conditions? A physiological analysis in two contrasting Mediterranean forests. For Ecol Manage 20:71–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Aoust AL, Cameron SE (1982) The effects of dormancy induction, low temperature and moisture stress on cold hardening of containerized black spruce seedlings. In: Scarrett JB, Glerum C, Plexman CA (eds) Proceedings of the Canadian containerized tree seedling symposium. Can. For. Serv. Great Lakes For. Cent. COJFRC Symp. Proc. O-P-10, pp 153–161

  • Davis AD, Jacobs DF (2005) Quantifying root system quality of nursery seedlings and relationship to outplanting performance. New For 30:295–311

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Day RJ, Skoupy J (1971) Moisture storage capacity and post-planting patterns of moisture movement from seedling containers. Can J For Res 1:151–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • del Campo AD, Navarro RM, Hermoso J, Ibáńez AJ (2007) Relationship between root growth potential and field performance in Aleppo pine. Ann For Sci 64:541–548

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • del Campo AD, Navarro RM, Ceacero CJ (2010) Seedling quality and field performance of commercial stocklots of containerized holm oak (Quercus ilex) in Mediterranean Spain: an approach for establishing a quality standard. New For 39:19–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dierauf TD, Chandler LA, Hixson DL (1992) Stripping of lateral roots from loblolly pine seedlings during lifting—effect on field performance. Virginia Dept. For. Occ. Rep. 105

  • Dixon RK, Garrett HE, Cox GS, Johnson PS, Sander IL (1981) Container- and nursery-grown black oak seedlings inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius: growth and ectomycorrhizal development following outplanting on an Ozark clear-cut. Can J For Res 11:492–496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon RK, Pallardy SG, Garrett HE, Cox GS (1983) Comparative water relations of container-grown and bare-root ectomycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal Quercus velutina seedlings. Can J Bot 61:1559–1565

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dumroese KR (2000) Changes in interior Douglas-fir root development in containers after copper and auxin treatments. West J Appl For 15:213–216

    Google Scholar 

  • Duryea ML (1984) Nursery cultural practices: impacts on seedling quality. In: Duryea ML, Landis TD (eds) Forest nursery manual: production of bareroot seedlings. Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. W. Junk Publishers, The Hague, pp 143–164

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Duryea ML, Dougherty PM (eds) (1991) Forest regeneration manual. Kluwer, Dordrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Duryea ML, McClain KM (1984) Altering seedling physiology to improve reforestation success. Corvallis, OR. In: Duryea ML, Brown GH (eds) Seedling physiology and reforestation success: proceedings of the physiology working group technical session. Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. W. Junk Publishers, Boston, pp 77–114

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Faulkner R (1953) Early observations on the root development of one-year-old Corsican pine seedlings following root pruning. Scott For 7:23–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Feret RP, Kreh RE (1985) Seedling root growth potential as an indicator of loblolly pine field performance. For Sci 31:1005–1011

    Google Scholar 

  • Floistad IS, Kohmann K (2004) Influence of nutrient supply spring frost hardiness and time of bud break in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings. New For 27:1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foiles MW, Curtis JD (1973) Regeneration of ponderosa pine in the northern Rocky Mountain-Intermountain region. USDA Forest Service Res. Paper INT-145, 45 pp

  • Folk RS, Grossnickle SC, Major JE, Arnott JT (1994) Influence of nursery culture on western red cedar. II. Freezing tolerance of fall-planted seedlings and morphological development of fall- and spring-planted seedlings. New For 8:231–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fuchigami LH, Nee CC (1987) Degree growth stage model and rest-breaking mechanisms in temperate woody perennials. HortScience 22:836–845

    Google Scholar 

  • Généré B, Garriou D (1999) Stock quality and field performance of Douglas-fir seedlings under varying degrees of water stress. Ann For Sci 56:501–510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gleason JF, Duryea M, Rose R, Atkinson M (1990) Nursery and field fertilization of 2+0 ponderosa pine seedlings: the effect on morphology, physiology and field performance. Can J For Res 20:1766–1772

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC (2000) Ecophysiology of northern spruce species: the performance of planted seedlings. NRC Research Press, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC (2005a) Importance of root growth in overcoming planting stress. New For 30:273–294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC (2005b) Seedling size and reforestation success. How big is big enough? In: Colombo SJ (Compiler) The thin green line: a symposium on the state-of-the-art in reforestation. Ont. For. Res. Inst., Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. For. Res. Info. Paper 160, pp 138–144

  • Grossnickle SC, Arnott JT (1992) Gas exchange response of western hemlock seedlings from various dormancy induction treatments to reforestation site environmental conditions. For Ecol Manage 49:177–193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC, Blake TJ (1987) Comparison of water relation patterns for newly planted bare-root and container jack pine and black spruce seedlings on boreal cut-over sites. New For 1:101–116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC, Folk RS (2003) Spring versus summer spruce stocktypes of western Canada: nursery development and field performance. West J Appl For 18:267–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC, Folk RS (2007) Field performance potential of a somatic interior spruce seedlot. New For 34:51–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC, Major JE (1994) Interior spruce seedlings compared to emblings produced from somatic embryogenesis. III. Physiological response and morphological development on a reforestation site. Can J For Res 24:1397–1407

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC, Reid CPP (1984) Water relations of Engelmann spruce seedlings on a high-elevation mine site: an example of how reclamation techniques can alter microclimate and edaphic conditions. Reclam Reveg Res 3:199–221

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC, Arnott JT, Major JE, Tschaplinski TJ (1991a) Influence of dormancy induction treatment on western hemlock seedlings. 1) Seedling development and stock quality assessment. Can J For Res 21:164–174

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC, Major JE, Arnott JT, LeMay VM (1991b) Stock quality assessment through an integrated approach. New For 5:77–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC, Arnott JT, Major JE (1991c) Influence of dormancy induction treatments on western hemlock seedlings. 2) Physiological and morphological response during the first growing season on a reforestation site. Can J For Res 21:175–185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guehl JM, Aussenac G, Kaushal P (1989) The effects of transplanting stress on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and leaf water potential in Cedrus atlantica: role of root regeneration. Ann Sci For 46S:464–468

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haase DL, Rose R (1993) Soil moisture stress induces transplant shock in stored and unstored 2+0 Douglas-fir seedlings of varying root volumes. For Sci 39:275–294

    Google Scholar 

  • Hahn PF, Smith AJ (1983) Douglas-fir planting stock performance. Comparison after the third growing season. Tree Planters’ Notes 34:33–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Hallgren SW, Tauer CG (1989) Root growth potential, first-year survival, and growth of shortleaf pine seedlings show effects of lift date, storage, and family. South J Appl For 13:163–169

    Google Scholar 

  • Harvey HP, van den Driessche R (1997) Nutrition, xylem cavitation and drought resistance in hybrid poplars. Tree Physiol 17:647–654

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harvey HP, van den Driessche R (1999) Nitrogen and potassium on xylem cavitation and water-use efficiency in poplars. Tree Physiol 19:943–950

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hennessey TC, Dougherty PM (1984) Characterization of the internal water relations of loblolly pine seedlings in response to nursery cultural treatments: implications for forest regeneration success. In: Duryea ML, Brown GN (eds) Seedling physiology and reforestation success. Martinus Nijhoff Dr W. Junk Publishers, Dordrecht, pp 225–244

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hermann RK (1964) Importance of top-root ratios for survival of Douglas-fir seedlings. Tree Planters’ Notes 64:7–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Hines FD, Long JN (1986) First-and second-year survival of containerized Engelmann spruce in relation to initial seedling size. Can J For Res 16:668–670

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hobbs SD (1982) Stocktype selection and planting techniques for Douglas-fir on skeletal soils in southwest Oregon. In: Hobbs SD, Helgerson OT (eds) Proceeding of reforestation of skelatal soils workshop. Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, pp 92–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobbs SD (1984) The influence of species and stocktype selection on stand establishment: an ecophysiological perspective. In: Duryea ML, Brown GH (eds) Seedling physiology and reforestation success: proceedings of the physiology working group technical session. Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. W. Junk Publishers, Boston, pp 180–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobbs SD, Wearstler KA (1983) Performance of three Douglas-fir stocktypes on a skeletal soil. Tree Planters’ Notes 34:11–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobbs SD, Crawford MS, Yelczyn BA (1989) Early development of three Douglas-fir stocktypes on a droughty skeletal soil. West J Appl For 4:21–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobbs SD, Tesch SD, Owston PW, Stewart RE, Tappeiner JC II, Wells GE (1992) Reforestation practices in Southwestern Oregon and Northern California. Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

    Google Scholar 

  • Ingestad T, Lund AB (1986) Theory and techniques for steady state mineral nutrition and growth of plants. Scand J For Res 1:439–453

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Irwin KM, Duryea ML, Stone EL (1998) Fall-applied nitrogen improves performance of 1-0 slash pine nursery seedlings after outplanting. South J Appl For 22:111–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Islam MA, Apostol KG, Jacobs DF, Dumroese RK (2009) Fall fertilization of Pinus resinosa seedlings: nutrient uptake, cold hardiness, and morphological development. Ann For Sci 66:704–713

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs DF, Davis AD, Wilson BC, Dumroese RK, Goodman RC, Salifu KF (2008) Short-day treatment alters Douglas-fir seedling dehardening and transplant root proliferation at varying rhizosphere temperatures. Can J For Res 38:1526–1535

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jarvis PG (1976) The interpretation of the variations in leaf water potential and stomatal conductance found in canopies in the field. Philos Trans R Soc Lond Ser B 273:593–610

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jobidon R, Charette L, Bernier PY (1997) Initial size and competing vegetation effects on water stress and growth of Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP seedlings planted in three different environments. For Ecol Manage 103:295–308

    Google Scholar 

  • Jobidon R, Roy V, Cyr G (2003) Net effect of competing vegetation on selected environmental conditions and performance of four spruce seedling stock sizes after eight years in Quebec (Canada). Ann For Sci 60:691–699

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnsen KH, Feret PP, Seiler JR (1988) Root growth potential and shoot activity of northern and southern provenances of 1-0 eastern white pine seedlings grown in a Virginia nursery. Can J For Res 18:610–614

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson JD, Cline ML (1991) Seedling quality of southern pines. In: Duryea ML, Dougherty PM (eds) Forest regeneration manual. Kluwer, Dordrecht, pp 143–162

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson DM, Smith WK (2005) Refugial forests of the southern Appalachians: photosynthesis and survival in current-year Abies fraseri seedlings. Tree Physiol 25:1379–1387

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson PS, Novinger SL, Mares WG (1984) Root, shoot, and leaf area growth potentials of nortern red oak planting stock. For Sci 30:1017–1026

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson JD, Seiler JR, McNabb KL (1985) Manipulation of pine seedling physiology by water stress conditioning. In: South DB (ed) Proceedings of the international symposium on nursery manage. Practices for the Southern Pines, IUFRO Sub. Grp. S3.202-03, pp 290–302

  • Jones MD, Kiiskila S, Flanagan A (2002) Field performance of pine stock types: two-year results of a trial on interior lodgepole pine seedlings grown in Styroblocks™, Copperblocks™, or AirBlocks™. BC J Ecosyst Manag 2:1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Jospon TM, Paul JL (1985) Influence of fall fertilization and moisture stress on growth and field performance on container-grown Douglas-fir seedlings. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-185, pp 14–19

  • Jutras S, Thiffault N, Munson AD (2007) Comparing large bareroot and container stock: water stress as influenced by peat and soil water availability. Tree Planters’ Notes 52:15–18

    Google Scholar 

  • Kainer KA, Duryea ML (1990) Root wrenching and lifting date of slash pine: effects on morphology, survival and growth. New For 4:207–221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kandiko RA, Timmis R, Worrall J (1980) Pressure-volume curves of shoots and roots of normal and drought-conditioned western hemlock seedlings. Can J For Res 10:10–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaushal P, Aussenec G (1989) Drought preconditioning of Corsican pine and Cedar of Atlas seedlings: photosynthesis, transpiration and root regeneration after transplanting. Acta Oecol 11:61–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim YT, Colombo SJ, Hickie DF, Noland TD (1999) Amino acid, carbohydrate, glutathione, mineral nutrient and water potential changes in non-water-stressed Picea mariana seedlings after transplanting. Scand J For Res 14:416–424

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kittredge J (1929) Forest planting in the lake states. USDA Bull. 1497

  • Kormanik PP (1986) Lateral root morphology as an expression of sweetgum seedling quality. For Sci 32:595–604

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozlowski TT, Pallardy SG (2002) Acclimation and adaptive response of woody plants to environmental stress. Bot Rev 68:270–334

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kozlowski TT, Kramer PJ, Pallardy SG (1991) The physiological ecology of woody plants. Academic Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Krasowski MJ, Letchford T, Eastham AM (1993) Growth of short-day treated spruce seedlings planted throughout British Columbia. Forestry Canada and British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC, FRDA Rep. 209

  • Lamhamedi MS, Bernier PY, Hérbert C (1997) Effect of shoot size on the gas exchange and growth of containerized Picea mariana seedlings under different watering regimes. New For 13:209–223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Tinus RW, McDonald SE, Barnett JP (1989) Seedling nutrition and irrigation. The container tree nursery manual, vol 4. USDA Forest Service Agric. Handb. 674, Washington, DC, 87 pp

  • Landis TD, Tinus RW, Barnett JP (1999) Seedling propagation. The container tree nursery manual, vol. 6. USDA Forest Service Agric. Handb. 674, Washington, DC, 167 pp

  • Lantz CW (ed) (1985) Southern pine nursery handbook. USDA Forest Service Cooperative Forestry, Southern Region

    Google Scholar 

  • Larsen HS, South DB, Boyer JM (1986) Root growth potential, seedling morphology and bud dormancy correlate with survival of loblolly pine seedlings planted in December in Alabama. Tree Physiol 1:253–263

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Larsen HS, South DB, Boyer JM (1988) Foliar nitrogen content at lifting correlates with early growth of loblolly pine seedlings from 20 nurseries. South J Appl For 12:181–185

    Google Scholar 

  • Lavender DP (1985) Bud dormancy. In: Duryea ML (ed) Evaluating seedling quality: principles, procedures, and predictive ability of major tests. Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, pp 7–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Lavender DP, Cleary BD (1974) Coniferous seedling production techniques to improve seedling establishment. In: Tinus RW, Stein WI, Balmer WE (eds) Proceedings of the North American containerized forest tree seedling symposium. Great Plains Ag. Council Publ. No. 68, pp 177–180

  • Lavender DP, Wareing PF (1972) The effects of daylength and chilling on the response of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco.) seedlings to root damage and storage. New Phytol 71:1055–1067

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lavender DP, Parish R, Johnson CM, Montgomery G, Vyse A, Willis RA, Winston D (eds) (1990) Regenerating British Columbia’s forests. University of British Columbia Press, Vancouver, BC

    Google Scholar 

  • Li GL, Lui Y, Yang J, Sun HY, Jia ZK, Ma LY (2011) Influence of initial age and size on the field performance of Larix olgensis seedlings. New For 42:215–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Long AJ, Carrier BD (1993) Effects of Douglas-fir 2+0 seedling morphology on field performance. New For 7:19–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopushinsky W, Beebe T (1976) Relationship of shoot-root ratio to survival and growth of outplanted Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine seedlings. USDA Forest Service Res. Note, PNW-274

  • Luis VC, Puértolas J, Climent J, Peters J, González-Rodríguez AM, Morales D, Jimenéz MS (2009) Nursery fertilization enhances survival and physiological status in Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis) seedlings planted in a semiarid environment. Eur J For Res 128:221–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luoranen J, Lahti M, Rikala R (2008) Frost hardiness of nutrient-loaded two-year-old Picea abies seedlings in autumn and at the end of freezer storage. New For 35:207–220

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Macey DE, Arnott JT (1986) The effect of moderate moisture and nutrient stress on bud formation and growth of container-grown white spruce seedlings. Can J For Res 16:949–954

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Major JE, Grossnickle SC, Folk RS, Arnott JT (1994) Influence of nursery culture on western red cedar. I. Measurement of seedling attributes before fall and spring planting. New For 8:211–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malik V, Timmer VR (1996) Growth, nutrient dynamics, and interspecific competition of nutrient-loaded black spruce seedlings on a boreal mixedwood site. Can J For Res 26:1651–1659

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malik V, Timmer VR (1998) Biomass partitioning and nitrogen retranslocation in black spruce seedlings on competitive mixedwood sites: a bioassay study. Can J For Res 28:206–215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Margolis HA, Brand DG (1990) An ecophysiological basis for understanding plantation establishment. Can J For Res 20:375–390

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Margolis HA, Waring RH (1986) Carbon and nitrogen allocation patterns of Douglas-fir seedlings fertilized with nitrogen in autumn. II. Field performance. Can J For Res 16:903–909

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall JD (1985) Carbohydrate status as a measure of seedling quality. In: Duryea ML (ed) Evaluating seedling quality: principles, procedures, and predictive ability of major tests. Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, pp 49–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Mason EG, South DB, Weizhong Z (1996) Performance of Pinus radiata in relation to seedling grade, weed control, and soil cultivation in the central North Island of New Zealand. N Z J For Sci 26:173–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Mattsson A (1996) Predicting field performance using seedling quality assessment. New For 13:223–248

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonald SE, Tinus RW, Reid CPP (1982) Root development control measures in containers: recent findings. In: Scarrett JB, Glerum C, Plexman CA (eds) Proceedings of the Canadian containerized tree seedling symposium. Can. For. Serv. Great Lakes For. Cent. COJFRC Symp. Proc. O-P-10, pp 207–214

  • McDonald SE, Tinus RW, Reid CPP, Grossnickle SC (1984) Effect of CuCO3 container wall treatments and mycorrhizae fungi inoculation of growing medium on pine seedling growth and root development. J Environ Hortic 2:5–8

    Google Scholar 

  • McDowell N, Pockman WT, Allen CD, Bershears DD, Cobb N, Kolb T, Plaut J, Sperry J, West A, Williams DG, Yepez EA (2008) Mechanisms of plant survival and mortality during drought: why do some plants survive while others succumb to drought? New Phytol 178:719–739

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McGrath DA, Duryea ML (1994) Initial moisture stress, budbreak and two-year field performance of three morphological grades of slash pine seedlings. New For 8:335–350

    Google Scholar 

  • McKay HM, Mason WL (1991) Physiological indicators of tolerance to cold storage in Sitka spruce and Douglas-fir seedlings. Can J For Res 21:890–910

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McTague JP, Tinus RW (1996) The effects of seedling quality and forest site weather on field survival of ponderosa pine. Tree Planters’ Notes 47:16–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Mena-Petite A, Ortega-Lasuen U, González-Moro M, Lacuesta M, Muňoz-Rueda A (2001) Storage duration and temperature effects on the functional integrity of container and bare-root Pinus radiata D. Don stock-types. Trees 15:289–296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Menzies MI, Holden DG, Green LM, Rook DA (1981) Seasonal changes in frost tolerance of Pinus radiata seedlings raised in different nurseries. N Z J For Sci 11:100–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Menzies MI, van Dorsser JC, Balneaves JM (1985) Seedling quality—radiata pine as a case study. In: South DB (ed) Proceedings of the international symposium on nursery manage. Practices for the Southern Pines, IUFRO Sub. Grp. S3.202-03, pp 385–415

  • Mexal JG, Dougherty PM (1983) Growth of loblolly pine seedlings. IV. Performance in a simulated drought environment. Weyerhaeuser Co. Hot Springs, AK. Tech Rep. 050-1422/6, 26 pp

  • Mexal JG, Landis TD (1990) Target seedling concepts: height and diameter. In: Rose R, Campbell SJ, Landis TD (eds) Target seedling symposium: proceedings of the western forest nursery associations. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-200, pp 17–36

  • Mexal JG, South DB (1991) Bareroot seedling culture. In: Duryea ML, Dougherty PM (eds) Forest regeneration manual. Kluwer, Dordrecht, pp 89–115

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mexal JG, Timmis R, Morris WG (1979) Cold hardiness of containerized loblolly pine seedlings. South J Appl For 3:15–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Mexal JG, Cuevas Rangel RA, Landis TD (2008) Reforestation success in central Mexico: factors determining survival and early growth. Tree Planters’ Notes 53:16–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller PC (1983) Comparison of water balance characteristics of plant species in “natural” versus modified ecosystems. In: Mooney HA, Godron M (eds) Disturbance and ecosystems. Components of response. Springer, Berlin, pp 188–212

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mohammed GH, Noland TL, Wagner RG (1998) Physiological perturbation in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) in the presence of competing herbaceous vegetation. For Ecol Manage 103:77–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore DG (2002) Some new research into container design. Proc Int Plant Prop Soc 52:105–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrissey RC, Jacobs DF, Davis AS, Rathfon RA (2010) Survival and competitiveness of Quercus rubra regeneration associated with planting stocktype and harvest opening intensity. New For 40:273–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munson AD, Bernier PY (1993) Comparing natural and planted black spruce seedlings. II. Nutrient uptake and efficiency of use. Can J For Res 23:2435–2442

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muse DH, Hatchell GE (1992) A preliminary identification of morphological indicators of field performance in bare-root nursery stock. USDA Forest Service Res. Pap. SE-283

  • Nambiar EKS (1984) Significance of first-order lateral roots on the growth of young radiata pine under environmental stress. Aust For Res 14:187–199

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson WR (1999) Root pruning can influence first order lateral root development of containerised plants. Proc Int Plant Prop Soc 49:96–103

    Google Scholar 

  • Newton M, Cole EC, White DE (1993) Tall planting stock for enhanced growth and domination of brush in the Douglas-fir region. New For 7:107–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson U, Örlander G (1995) Effects of regeneration methods on drought damage to newly planted Norway spruce seedlings. Can J For Res 25:790–802

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliet JA, Tejada M, Salifu KF, Collazos A, Jacobs DF (2009a) Performance and nutrient dynamics of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) seedlings in relation to nursery nutrient loading and post-transplant fertility. Eur J Forest Res 128:253–263

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliet JA, Planelles R, Artero F, Valverde R, Jacobs DF, Segura M (2009b) Field performance of Pinus halepensis planted in Mediterranean arid conditions: relative influence of seedling morphology and mineral nutrition. New For 37:313–331

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliet JA, Salazar JM, Villar R, Robredo E, Valladares F (2011) Fall fertilization of Holm oak affects N and P dynamics, root growth potential, and post-planting phenology and growth. Ann For Sci 68:647–656

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Reilly C, Owens JN, Arnott JT, Dunsworth BG (1994) Effect of nursery culture on morphological development of western hemlock seedlings during field establishment. II. Survival, shoot length components, and needle length. Can J For Res 24:61–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Örlander G, Due K (1986) Location of hydraulic resistance in the soil-plant pathway in seedlings of Pinus sylvestris L. grown in peat. Can J For Res 16:115–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Owston PW (1990) Target seedling specifications: Are stocktype designations useful? In: Rose R, Campbell SJ, Landis TD (eds) Target seedling symposium: proceedings of the western forest nursery associations. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-200, pp 9–16

  • Parker J (1949) Effects of variation in the root-leaf ratio on transpiration rate. Plant Physiol 24:739–743

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paul GS, Montagnini F, Berlyn GP, Craven DJ, van Breugel M, Hall JS (2012) Foliar herbivory and leaf traits of five native tree species in a young plantation of Central Panama. New For 43:9–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Puértolas J, Gil L, Pardos JA (2003) Effects of nutritional status and seedling size on field performance of Pinus halepensis planted in former arable land in the Mediterranean basin. Forestry 76:159–168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Puttonen P (1997) Looking for the “silver bullet”—can one test do it all? New For 13:9–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ritchie GA (1982) Carbohydrate reserves and root growth potential in Douglas-fir seedlings before and after cold storage. Can J For Res 12:905–912

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ritchie GA (1984) Assessing seedling quality. In: Duryea ML, Landis TD (eds) Forest nursery manual: production of bareroot seedlings. Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. W. Junk Publishers, The Hague, pp 243–266

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ritchie GA (1985) Root growth potential: principles, procedures, and predictive ability. In: Duryea ML (ed) Evaluating seedling quality: principles, procedures, and predictive ability of major tests. Oregon State University, Forestry Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR, pp 93–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Ritchie GA, Dunlap JR (1980) Root growth potential: its development and expression in forest tree seedlings. N Z J For Sci 10:218–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Ritchie GA, Roden JR (1985) Comparison between two methods of generating pressure-volume curves. Plant, Cell Environ 8:49–53

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ritchie GA, Tanaka Y (1990) Root growth potential and the target seedling. In: Rose R, Campbell SJ, Landis TD (eds) Target seedling symposium: proceedings of the western forest nursery associations. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-200, pp 37–51

  • Roberts DR, Dumbroff EB (1986) Drought resistance, transpiration rates and ABA levels of three northern conifers. Tree Physiol 1:161–178

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rodgers AR, Williams D, Sinclair ARE, Sullivan TP, Andersen RJ (1993) Does nursery production reduce antiherbivore defenses of white spruce? Evidence from feeding experiments with snowshoe hares. Can J For Res 23:2358–2361

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rook DA (1969) Water relations of wrenched and unwrenched Pinus radiata seedlings on being transplanted into conditions of water stress. N Z J For 14:50–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Rose R, Ketchum JS (2003) Interaction of initial seedling diameter, fertilization and weed control on Douglas-fir growth over the first four years after planting. Ann For Sci 60:625–635

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rose R, Gleason JF, Atkinson M (1993) Morphological and water-stress characteristics of three Douglas-fir stocktypes in relation to seedling performance under different soil moisture conditions. New For 7:1–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rose R, Haase DL, Kroiher F, Sabin T (1997) Root volume and growth of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir seedlings: a summary of eight growing seasons. West J Appl For 12:69–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Royo A, Gil L, Pardos JA (2001) Effects of water stress conditioning on morphology, physiology and field performance of Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings. New For 21:127–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rowe SJ (1964) Environmental preconditioning with special reference to forestry. Ecology 45:399–403

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rudolf PO (1939) Why forest plantations fail. J For 37:377–383

    Google Scholar 

  • Salifu KF, Jacobs DF, Birge ZKD (2009) Nursery nitrogen loading improves field performance of bareroot oak seedlings planted on abandon mine lands. Restor Ecol 17:339–349

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scagel R, Bowden R, Madill M, Kooistra C (1993) Provincial seedling stock type selection and ordering guidelines. British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC 75

    Google Scholar 

  • Schultz RC, Thompson JR (1996) Effect of density control and undercutting on root morphology of 1+0 bareroot hardwood seedlings: five-year field performance of root-graded stock in central USA. New For 13:297–310

    Google Scholar 

  • Seiler JR, Johnson JD (1985) Photosynthesis and transpiration of loblolly pine seedlings as influenced by moisture-stress conditioning. For Sci 31:742–749

    Google Scholar 

  • Shoulders E (1959) Root pruning boosts longleaf pine survival. Tree Planters’ Notes 36:15–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson DG (1990) Frost hardiness, root growth capacity, and field performance relationships in interior spruce, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock seedlings. Can J For Res 20:566–572

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simpson DG, Ritchie GA (1997) Does RGP predict field performance? A debate. New For 13:253–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simpson DG, Vyse A (1995) Planting stock performance: site and RGP effects. For Chron 71:739–742

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith IE, McCubbin PD (1992) Effect of copper tray treatment on Eucalyptus grandis (Hill ex Maiden) seedling growth. Acta Hortic 319:371–376

    Google Scholar 

  • South DB (1993) Rationale for growing southern pine seedlings at low bed densities. New For 7:63–92

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • South DB (2000) Planting morphologically improved pine seedlings to increase survival and growth. Ala. Agric. Exp. Sta. Auburn Univ. For. and Wildlife Res. Ser. No. 1

  • South DB, Barnett JP (1986) Herbicides and planting affect early performance of container-grown and bare-root loblolly pine seedlings in Alabama. New For 1:17–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • South DB, Blake JI (1994) Top-pruning increases survival of pine seedlings. Ala Agric Exp Sta Highlights Agric Res 41:9

    Google Scholar 

  • South DB, Donald DGM (2002) Effect of nursery conditioning treatments and fall fertilization on survival and early growth of Pinus taeda seedlings in Alabama, U.S.A. Can J For Res 32:1171–1179

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • South DB, Hallgren SW (1997) Research versus operational correlations between seedling survival and root growth potential of shortleaf pine. New For 13:357–365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • South DB, Mexal JG (1984) Growing the “best” seedling for reforestation success. Ala Agric Exp Stn Auburn Univ For Dep Ser No. 12

  • South DB, Mitchell RJ (1999) Determining the “optimum” slash pine seedling size for use with four levels of vegetative management on flatwoods site in Georgia, USA. Can J For Res 29:1039–1046

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • South DB, Stumpff NJ (1990) Root stripping reduces root growth potential of loblolly pine seedlings. South J Appl For 14:196–199

    Google Scholar 

  • South DB, Boyer JN, Bosch L (1985) Survival and growth of loblolly pine as influenced by seedling grade: 13 year results. South J Appl For 9:76–81

    Google Scholar 

  • South DB, Rakestraw JL, Lowerts GA (2001) Early gains from planting large diameter seedlings and intensive management are additive for loblolly pine. New For 21:97–110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • South DB, Harris SW, Barnett JP, Hainds MJ, Gjerstad DH (2005) Effect of container type and seedling size on survival and early height growth of Pinus palustris seedlings in Alabama, U.S.A. For Ecol Manage 204:385–398

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart JD, Bernier PY (1995) Gas exchange and water relations of 3 sizes of containerized Picea mariana seedlings subjected to atmospheric and edaphic water stress under controlled conditions. Ann For Sci 52:1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stone EC (1955) Poor survival and the physiological condition of planting stock. For Sci 1:89–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Stone EC, Cavallaro JI, Norberg EA (2003) Critical RGC-Expected survival models for predicting survival of planted white fir (Abies concolor Lindl.) seedlings. New For 26:65–82

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stupendick JAT, Shepherd KR (1980) Root regeneration of root-pruned Pinus radiata seedlings. II. Effects of root-pruning on photosynthesis and translocation. N Z J For Sci 10:148–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan TP, Moses RA (1986) Demographic and feeding responses of a snowshoe hare population to habitat alteration. J Appl Ecol 23:53–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sutton RF (1980) Planting stock quality, root growth capacity, and field performance of three boreal conifers. N Z J For Sci 10:54–71

    Google Scholar 

  • Sutton RF (1990) Root growth capacity in coniferous forest trees. Hortic Sci 25:259–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Sword Sayer MA, Sung SJ, Haywood JD (2011) Longleaf pine root system development and seedling quality in response to copper root pruning and cavity size. South J Appl For 35:5–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Tan W (2007) Impacts of nursery cultural treatments on stress tolerance in 1+0 container white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) seedlings for summer-planting. New For 33:93–107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tan W, Blanton S, Bielech JP (2008) Summer planting performance of white spruce 1+0 container seedlings affected by nursery short-day treatment. New For 35:187–205

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka Y, Walstad JD, Borrecco JE (1976) The effect of wrenching on morphology and field performance of Douglas-fir and loblolly pine seedlings. Can J For Res 6:453–458

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teskey RO, Hinckley TM (1986) Moisture: effects of water stress on trees. In: Hennessey TC, Dougherty PD, Kossuth SV, Johnson JD (eds) Stress physiology and forest productivity. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, The Netherlands, pp 9–33

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Thiffault N (2004) Stock type in intensive silviculture: a (short) discussion about roots and size. For Chron 80:463–468

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas DS (2009) Survival and growth of drought hardened Eucalyptus pilularis Sm. seedlings and vegetative cuttings. New For 38:245–259

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson BE (1985) Seedling morphological evaluation: what you can tell by looking. In: Duryea ML (ed) Evaluating seedling quality: principles, procedures, and predictive ability of major tests. Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, pp 59–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Tillotson CR (1915) Forest planting in the eastern United States. USDA Bull. 153

  • Timmer VR (1997) Exponential nutrient loading: a new fertilization technique to improve seedling performance on competitive sites. New For 13:279–299

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Timmer VR, Aidelbaum AS (1996) Manual for exponential nutrient loading of seedlings to improve outplanting performance on competitive forest sites. NODA/NFP Tech. Rep. TR-25

  • Timmer VR, Miller BD (1991) Effects of contrasting fertilization and irrigation regimes on biomass, nutrients, and water relations of container grown red pine seedlings. New For 5:335–348

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Timmer VR, Armstrong G, Miller BD (1991) Steady-state nutrient preconditioning and early out-planting performance of containerized black spruce seedlings. Can J For Res 21:585–594

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Timmis R, Tanaka Y (1976) Effects of container density and plant water stress on growth and cold hardiness of Douglas-fir seedlings. For Sci 22:167–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Tinus RW (1974) Characteristics of seedlings with high survival potential. In: Tinus RW, Stein WI, Balmer WE (eds) Proceedings of the North American containerized forest tree seedling symposium. Great Plains Ag. Council Publ. No. 68, pp 276–282

  • Tinus RW, McDonald SE (1979) How to grow tree seedlings in containers in greenhouses. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-60

  • Toumey JW (1916) Seeding and planting. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Troth JL, Campbell RG, Allen HL (1986) Nutrients: use of forest fertilization and nutrient efficient genotypes to manage nutrient stress in conifer stands. In: Hennessey TC, Dougherty PD, Kossuth SV, Johnson JD (eds) Stress physiology and forest productivity. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, The Netherlands, pp 61–99

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Tsakaldimi MN, Ganatsas PP (2006) Effects of chemical pruning on stem growth, root morphology and field performance on the Mediterranean pine Pinus halepensis Mill. Sci Hortic 109:183–189

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tuttle CS, South DB, Golden MS, Meldahal RS (1987) Relationship between initial seedling height and survival and growth of loblolly pine seedlings planted during a droughty year. South J Appl For 11:139–143

    Google Scholar 

  • Tuttle CS, South DB, Golden MS, Meldahal RS (1988) Initial Pinus taeda seedling height relationships with early survival and growth. Can J For Res 18:867–871

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Unterschuetz PF, Ruetz W, Geppert R, Ferrell WK (1974) The effect of age, pre-conditioning, and water stress in the transpiration rates of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings of several ecotypes. Physiol Plant 32:214–221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaartaja O (1960) Effect of photoperiod on drought resistance of white spruce seedlings. Can J Bot 38:597–599

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van den Driessche R (1969) Influence of moisture supply, temperature, and light on frost hardiness changes in Douglas-fir seedlings. Can J Bot 47:1765–1772

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van den Driessche R (1980) Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on Douglas-fir nursery growth and survival after outplanting. Can J For Res 10:65–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van den Driessche R (1984) Relationship between spacing and nitrogen fertilization of seedlings in the nursery, seedling mineral nutrition, and outplanting performance. Can J For Res 14:431–436

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van den Driessche R (1985) Late-season fertilization, mineral nutrient reserves, and retranslocation in planted Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings. For Sci 31:485–496

    Google Scholar 

  • van den Driessche R (1988) Nursery growth of conifer seedlings using fertilizers of different solubilities and application time, and their forest growth. Can J For Res 18:172–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van den Driessche R (1991a) Influence of container nursery regimes on drought resistance of seedlings following planting: survival and growth. Can J For Res 21:555–565

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van den Driessche R (1991b) Effects of nutrients on stock performance in the forest. In: van den Driessche R (ed) Mineral nutrition of conifer seedlings. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, pp 229–260

    Google Scholar 

  • van den Driessche R (1992) Changes in drought resistance and root growth capacity of container seedlings in response to nursery drought, nitrogen, and potassium treatments. Can J For Res 22:740–749

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • VanderSchaaf C, McNabb K (2004) Winter nitrogen fertilization of loblolly pine seedlings. Plant Soil 265:295–299

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Verdauger D, Vilagran J, Lloansi S, Fleck I (2011) Morphological and physiological acclimation of Quercus coccifera L. seedlings to water availability and growing medium. New For 42:363–381

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Villar-Salvador P, Ocana L, Penuelas J, Carrasco I (1999) Effects of water stress conditioning on the water relations, root growth capacity, and nitrogen and non-structural carbohydrate concentration of Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings. Ann For Sci 56:459–465

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Villar-Salvador P, Penuelles R, Enriquez E, Penuelas J, Rubira JL (2004a) Nursery cultivation regimes, plant functional attributes, and field performance relationship in Mediterranean oak Quercus ilex L. For Ecol Manage 196:257–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Villar-Salvador P, Penuelles R, Oliet J, Enriquez E, Penuelas JL, Jacobs DF, Gonzalez M (2004b) Drought tolerance and transplanting performance of holm oak (Quercus ilex) seedlings after drought hardening in the nursery. Tree Physiol 24:1147–1155

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner B, Colombo SJ (eds) (2001) Regenerating Ontario’s forests. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd., Markham, ON

    Google Scholar 

  • Wakeley PC (1948) Physiological grades of southern pine nursery stock. Soc Am For Proc 1948:311–322

    Google Scholar 

  • Wakeley PC (1954) Planting the southern pines. Agric. Monogr. No. 18. USDA Forest Service Washington, DC, 233 pp

  • Webb RA (1972) Use of boundary line in the analysis of biological data. J Hortic Sci 97:309–319

    Google Scholar 

  • Wenny DL, Liu Y, Dumroese RK, Osborne HL (1988) First year field growth of chemically root pruned containerized seedlings. New For 2:111–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitcomb CE (1984) Plant production in containers. Lacebark Publications, Stillwater, OK

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams HM, South DB (1992) Effects of fall fertilizer applications on mitotic index and bud dormancy of loblolly pine seedlings. For Sci 38:336–349

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams BJ, Pellett NE, Klein RM (1972) Phytochrome control of growth cessation and initiation of cold acclimation in selected woody plants. Plant Physiol 50:262–265

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Williams HM, South DB, Webb A (1988) Effects of fall irrigation on morphology and root growth potential of loblolly pine seedlings growing in sand. S Afr For J 147:1–5

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson BC, Jacobs DF (2006) Quality assessment of temperate zone deciduous hardwood seedlings. New For 31:417–433

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson ER, Vitols K, Park A (2007) Root characteristics and growth potential of container and bare-root seedlings of red oak (Quercus rubra L.) in Ontario Canada. New For 34:163–176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Young LJ (1921) Forest planting in southern Michigan. J For 19:1–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Young E, Hanover JW (1978) Effects of temperature, nutrient, and moisture stresses on dormancy of blue spruce seedlings under continuous light. For Sci 24:458–467

    Google Scholar 

  • Zida D, Tigabu M, Sawadogo L, Odén PC (2008) Initial seedling morphological characteristics and field performance of two Sudanian savannah species in relation to nursery production period and watering regimes. For Ecol Manage 255:2151–2162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zobel BJ, Talbert JT (1984) Applied forest tree improvement. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Zwiazek JJ, Blake TJ (1989) Effects of preconditioning on subsequent water relations, stomatal sensitivity, and photosynthesis in osmotically stressed black spruce. Can J Bot 67:2240–2244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zwolinski JB, South DB, Cunningham L, Christie S (1996) Weed control and large bare-root stock improve early growth of Pinus radiata in South Africa. N Z J For Sci 26:163–172

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

I thank Dr. Steve Colombo for the wide ranging discussions that lead to the initial structure and focus of this paper. I also thank Drs. John Mexal and Dave South, and the Editor-in-Chief and three anonymous reviewers whose review of draft versions of this manuscript kept me on topic and within context of the published literature.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steven C. Grossnickle.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Grossnickle, S.C. Why seedlings survive: influence of plant attributes. New Forests 43, 711–738 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-012-9336-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-012-9336-6

Keywords

Navigation