The influence of seedling density in containers on morphological characteristics of European beech

Abstract This study examines the influence on growth parameters, in particular the morphological features of the root system, of 1-year-old European beech seedlings cultivated in containers with two different densities. The experiment was conducted in the container nursery in Skierdy (Forest District of Jabłonna) in spring 2011. After 10 months of cultivation in Hiko polyethylene containers, above- and below-ground parts of the seedlings were measured. The measurements of the root system were conducted with a scanner and the WinRHIZO software. No influence due to the seedling density on either shoot height or thickness was observed, but instead the research showed that different seedling densities affected the development of root systems. The mean root thickness and dry mass of the European beech seedlings were significantly higher at the lower density. The influence of seedling density on the development of root mass deserves special attention as it is the most important factor affecting future growth of the seedlings during cultivation. This tendency also suggests that the amount of nutrients allocated to shoot development may be higher in order to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis. At both densities, differences in biomass accumulation affected the root-toshoot ratio. In seedlings cultivated at the lower density, the increased dry root matter of the seedlings resulted in a significant increase in the root-to-shoot ratio. This may cause a potential growth advantage of these seedlings after they are planted and may thus result in a more productive cultivation.

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Effect of soil bulk density on forest tree seedlings

International Agrophysics ◽

10.1515/intag-2015-0003 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 67-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Mariusz Kormanek ◽

Jacek Banach ◽

Paweł Sowa

Keyword(s):

Bulk Density ◽

Root System ◽

Scots Pine ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

European Beech ◽

Soil Bulk Density ◽

Dry Mass ◽

Tree Seedlings ◽

Forest Nursery ◽

Biometric Analysis

Abstract The paper presents the results of an analysis of the influence of soil bulk density in a forest nursery plot on the growth and quality parameters of Scots pine and European beech seedlings. Particular density variants were obtained using a tractor device exerting controlled pressure on the soil, while field examinations were performed on an area of ‘Kłaj’ forest nursery in Niepołomice Forest District. Three series of plots were prepared for each species, applying a unit pressure of the values of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 kPa, corresponding to the dry bulk density in the range of 1.03-1.19 g cm-3, and control plots without the pressure. Seeds of the examined species were sown on the prepared plots, and after 6 months of growth the seedlings were subjected to biometric analysis determining differentiation in root neck diameter, length of the above-ground part and root system, as well as dry mass of particular parts of the plant. The quality of the seedlings was also determined using the method of Schmidt-Vogt. The results obtained show that the change in dry bulk density soil significantly affected most of the growth parameters of the examined seedlings. Especially high negative correlations were obtained for the length and dry mass of the root system. A significant influence of dry bulk density variant on all growth parameters of Scots pine seedlings, and on some parameters of European beech was demonstrated. An increase in soil bulk density clearly caused also a deterioration of European beech seedlings quality

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The effect of low initial medium pH on in vitro white poplar growth

Glasnik Sumarskog fakulteta ◽

10.2298/gsf1308067k ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 67-80

Author(s):

Branislav Kovacevic ◽

Dragana Miladinovic ◽

Marina Katanic ◽

Zoran Tomovic ◽

Sasa Pekec

Keyword(s):

Biomass Accumulation ◽

Dry Mass ◽

White Poplar ◽

Medium Ph ◽

Shoot Height ◽

Initial Ph ◽

The Media ◽

Initial Medium ◽

Shoot Mass

The effect of low initial medium pH on shoot and root development of five white poplar (Populus alba L.) genotypes was tested. The shoot height, fresh mass of shoots per jar, dry mass of shoots per jar, number of roots, as well as the length of the longest root were measured and final pH of the media determined, after 35 days of culture in vitro. Three initial pH values of the medium were tested: 3.0, 4.0 and 5.5 as control. Agar solidification at pH 3.0 was not achieved after sterilization in autoclave, but it was successful after sterilizing in a microwave oven. The obtained results indicate that the tested genotypes are able to significantly influence the changes of media pH during culture. The effect of differences among the examined media was significant for biomass accumulation and final media pH. Generally, significantly higher values of fresh and dry shoot mass, shoot height and the longest root length were recorded on a medium with initial pH 3.0 then on a standard medium with pH 5.5.The implications of the obtained results for the improvement of in vitro propagation of white poplars are discussed.

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The influence of foliar fertilization of maiden pear trees and soaking the root system of the rootstocks in hydrogel with the addition of Trifender WP preparation on the growth of maiden quince trees in a nursery

Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Hortorum Cultus ◽

10.24326/asphc.2021.5.7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 73-83

Author(s):

Sławomir Świerczyński ◽

Krzysztof Rutkowski ◽

Ilona Świerczyńska

Keyword(s):

Root System ◽

Intercellular Space ◽

Photosynthetic Activity ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Dry Mass ◽

Stem Diameter ◽

Fresh Mass ◽

Area Index ◽

Foliar Fertilization ◽

Pear Trees

The comparison of the influence of foliar fertilization with four preparations on the growth of ‘Conference’ maiden pear trees growing on MA quince rootstock was conducted in a nursery in a three-year period. The evaluation was conducted on the basis of maidens growth parameters and the state of their leaf minerals content as well as on photosynthetic activity of the maiden trees. The preparations used in the experiment affected the improvement of some growth parameters studied, especially the stem diameter and fresh mass of the maidens. Biopuls Original turned out to be the best preparation as it improved significantly three out of five studied growth parameters. A varied impact of the preparations used on the content of micro and macro-elements in leaves was detected. All tested preparations positively influenced the leaves area index of maiden trees except for Blackjak preparation. Photosynthetic intensity of maiden pear trees nourished through leaves was significantly smaller in comparison with the control. Only plants treated with Biopulus Original were characterized by a higher concentration of CO2 and its level in intercellular space. The aim of the second experiment was to check the influence of the application of Trifender WP preparation with hydrogel on the growth of ‘Champion’ maiden quince trees at the stage of planting the rootstocks into a nursery. A better branching of the rootstocks was obtained after the use of the preparation with hydrogel and the hydrogel alone. The trees in these combinations were also characterized by bigger fresh and dry mass of the leaves. The influence of Trifinder WP applied in connection with hydrogel was the best.

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Optimizing spectral quality with quantum dots to enhance crop yield in controlled environments

10.1101/2020.06.17.157487 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Charles H. Parrish ◽

Damon Hebert ◽

Aaron Jackson ◽

Karthik Ramasamy ◽

Hunter McDaniel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Photosynthetic Efficiency ◽

Life Support ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Solar Spectrum ◽

Biomass Accumulation ◽

Crop Productivity ◽

Dry Mass ◽

Spectral Quality ◽

Control Film ◽

Ultraviolet Photons

AbstractBioregenerative life-support systems (BLSS) involving plants will be required to realize self-sustaining human settlements beyond Earth. To improve plant photosynthetic efficiency in BLSS, the quality of the solar spectrum can be modified by lightweight, luminescent films. CuInS2/ZnS quantum dot (QD) films with peak emissions at 600 and 660 nm were used to redshift ultraviolet and blue photons to increase biomass accumulation in red romaine lettuce. Plant growth parameters, except spectral quality, were held constant among three equivalent production environments. Lettuce grown under the 600 and 660 nm-emitting QD films respectively increased edible dry mass (13% and 9%), edible fresh mass (11% each), and total leaf area (8% and 13%) compared to under a control film that contained no QDs. Spectral modifications by the luminescent QD films improved photosynthetic efficiency in lettuce and could enhance crop productivity in greenhouses on Earth or in space, where further improvements are expected from greater availability of ultraviolet photons for conversion.

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Salinity stress and plant growth regulator in basil: effects on plant and soil

DYNA ◽

10.15446/dyna.v88n217.87633 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 88 (217) ◽

pp. 75-83

Author(s):

Leonardo Vieira de Sousa ◽

Toshik Iarley da Silva ◽

Maria de Fátima de Queiroz Lopes ◽

Márcia Paloma da Silva Leal ◽

Ana Gabriela Sousa Basilio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Growth Regulator ◽

Plant Growth Regulator ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Saline Water ◽

Block Design ◽

Dry Mass ◽

Shoot Height ◽

Randomized Block Design ◽

The Matrix

The water in semiarid regions contains salts in excess. When good quality water is not available it is necessary to use strategies that can make feasible the use of saline water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of the plant growth regulator on the culture of basil stressed with salt. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design by the matrix “Central Box Compound”. Shoot height, stem diameter, leaf area, dry masses and soil chemical characteristics were evaluated. The salinity of the irrigation water causes reduction of the basil growth parameters, with the exception of the inflorescence dry mass. Plant growth regulator applications have effect on basil growth when plants are irrigated with saline water.

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Optimizing spectral quality with quantum dots to enhance crop yield in controlled environments

Communications Biology ◽

10.1038/s42003-020-01646-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Charles H. Parrish ◽

Damon Hebert ◽

Aaron Jackson ◽

Karthik Ramasamy ◽

Hunter McDaniel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Support ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Solar Spectrum ◽

Biomass Accumulation ◽

Dry Mass ◽

Spectral Quality ◽

Control Film ◽

Luminescent Films ◽

Controlled Environments ◽

Ultraviolet Photons

AbstractBioregenerative life-support systems (BLSS) involving plants will be required to realize self-sustaining human settlements beyond Earth. To improve plant productivity in BLSS, the quality of the solar spectrum can be modified by lightweight, luminescent films. CuInS2/ZnS quantum dot (QD) films were used to down-convert ultraviolet/blue photons to red emissions centered at 600 and 660 nm, resulting in increased biomass accumulation in red romaine lettuce. All plant growth parameters, except for spectral quality, were uniform across three production environments. Lettuce grown under the 600 and 660 nm-emitting QD films respectively increased edible dry mass (13 and 9%), edible fresh mass (11% each), and total leaf area (8 and 13%) compared with under a control film containing no QDs. Spectral modifications by the luminescent QD films improved photosynthetic efficiency in lettuce and could enhance productivity in greenhouses on Earth, or in space where, further conversion is expected from greater availability of ultraviolet photons.

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Growth and nitrogen accumulation assessment of banana (Musa acuminata) after exposure to hydroquinone in a charcoal-ultisol mix

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1104888/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Beckley Ikhajiagbe ◽

Marychoice N. Ebinum

Keyword(s):

Growth Parameters ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Ammonia Nitrogen ◽

Musa Acuminata ◽

Test Plant ◽

Nitrogen Accumulation ◽

Banana Plant ◽

Soil Charcoal ◽

Below Ground ◽

The University

Abstract The present study investigates plant growth and nitrogen accumulation assessment of young banana plant (Musa acuminata) after exposure to hydroquinone (a mutagen) in a charcoal-ultisol mix. Charcoal was obtained from the wood of Pentaclethra macrophylla aerobically, and was crushed into a smooth powdered form. This was mixed with an ultisol obtained from the University of Benin Botanic garden. Different levels of the soil-charcoal mix were prepared as follows; 100% charcoal, 75% charcoal-25% soil, 50% charcoal-50% soil, 25% charcoal- 75% soil, and 100% sand. The charcoal-ultisol mix was then amended with 5ppm hydroquinone one week before propagating young banana suckers. Results showed that sprouting began fifteen days after propagation. There were also different changes in plant height in the various soil treatments; the lowest was reported in the 75-25 charcoal ultisol mix (10.50cm), compared to 45.83cm in plants sown in 100% charcoals. Foliar yield was lowest in the 75-25 charcoal-ultisol mix (8.55 grams per plant), compared to 29.15 grams per plant in the 100% charcoal. The below ground morphological characteristics test plant revealed that there were significant differences between the growth parameters. Nitrate nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen and total nitrogen were significantly accumulated on the leaves of plant. However, higher nitrogen accumulation in the leaves was found in treatment with high charcoal percentage.

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Effect of Nitrogen Nutritional Stress on Some Growth Parameters of Zea mays L. and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Notulae Scientia Biologicae ◽

10.15835/nsb518362 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 79-85 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Akinbode Foluso OLOGUNDUDU ◽

Adekunle ADELUSI

Keyword(s):

Zea Mays ◽

Nutrient Solution ◽

Vigna Unguiculata ◽

Zea Mays L ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Biomass Accumulation ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Nutritional Stress ◽

Optimal Concentration ◽

Shoot Height

This study investigated the responses of maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) seedlings growth parameters to nitrogen nutritional stress. This was with a view to determining whether nitrogen nutritional stress would retard or enhance maize and cowpea growth, partly, wholly or not at all through its effect on biomass accumulation and some morphological parameters. Germination of seeds was done using treated sand in sixty plastic pots. A group of the seedlings was nutrient stressed by administering 200 ml of complete nutrient solution minus nitrogen (-N) while the other groups were fed with five times (X5N) and ten times (X10N) the optimal concentration of nitrogen and the last regime was fed with full nutrient solution (FN). The effects of optimal concentration and nitrogen stress on the growth rates (as measured by their fresh and dry weight) were studied. The result of the growth analysis showed that there was increase in shoot height with supraoptimal concentrations of nitrogen treatments (X10N and X5N) while there was a decrease in shoot height with minus nitrogen (-N) regimes. The observed higher biomass (dry matter yield) under the FN regimes in both Zea mays and Vigna unguiculata were attributed to optimal nutrient assimilation rate.

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Competitive attributes ofA. sativa, T. aestivum, andH. vulgareare conserved in no-till cropping systems

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/s0043174500091384 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 47 (6) ◽

pp. 712-719 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anne Légère ◽

Yuguang Bai

Keyword(s):

Hordeum Vulgare ◽

Avena Sativa ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Biomass Accumulation ◽

Tillage Systems ◽

Area Index ◽

No Till ◽

Lower Test

The robustness of competitive attributes of cereals such as rapid and uniform seedling emergence, tillering, early biomass accumulation and canopy closure, and height advantage over weeds have not yet been tested under environmental conditions typical of no-till (NT) cropping systems. Our objective was to evaluate the effects or NT practices on growth and productivity ofAvena sativa, Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, and associated weeds. The experiment was conducted on a Kamouraska clay at La Pocatière, QC, in 1994, 1995, and 1996.Avena sativa, T. aestivum, andH. vulgarewere grown under tilled and NT practices. Cereal growth parameters were measured six (1994) or seven (1995) times between planting and the 11th week after planting but only once in 1996. Grain yields and yield components were determined at crop maturity.Avena sativaandH. vulgarepopulations were little affected by tillage, whereasT. aestivumpopulations were reduced by 16 to 20% in NT systems. Growth in height in NT systems was either similar or greater than in tilled systems in all three cereals. Cereal leaf area index (LAI) and biomass accumulation was also comparable between tillage systems, except forT. aestivumLAI in 1994, which was greater in tilled plots on two sampling dates. Response of annual dicots to tillage was inconsistent in all crops. Annual monocots dominated in some but not all NT systems. Perennial dicots dominated in NT systems, whereas perennial monocots were more abundant in tilled systems in all three cereals.Avena sativaandT. aestivumyields in NT plots were comparable or greater than in tilled plots, in spite of having either lower test weights (A. sativa) or lower 1,000-grain weights (T. aestivum). NTT. aestivumproductivity was maintained in spite of reduced plant establishment.Hordeum vulgareyields were also similar across tillage systems, except in 1995, when yields in tilled plots were greater than in NT plots. The height advantage observed for NTH. vulgaredid not result in improved yields. All three cereals, and particularlyA. sativa, appeared well suited to NT systems, despite the pressure provided by different weed groups, compared to tilled systems. However, results suggest that NT production of cereals could benefit from improved attention to perennial dicot control and crop seedling establishment, particularly forT. aestivum.

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Application of Exogenous Protectants Mitigates Salt-Induced Na+ Toxicity and Sustains Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Seedling Growth: Comparison of Glycine Betaine and Salicylic Acid

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10020380 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 380

Author(s):

Abdoul Kader Mounkaila Hamani ◽

Jinsai Chen ◽

Mukesh Kumar Soothar ◽

Guangshuai Wang ◽

Xiaojun Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Salicylic Acid ◽

Glycine Betaine ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Biomass Accumulation ◽

Nacl Stress ◽

Soil Salinization ◽

Sodium Toxicity ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Effective Conditions ◽

A Current

Soil salinization adversely affects agricultural productivity. Mitigating the adverse effects of salinity represents a current major challenge for agricultural researchers worldwide. The effects of exogenously applied glycine betaine (GB) and salicylic acid (SA) on mitigating sodium toxicity and improving the growth of cotton seedlings subjected to salt stress remain unclear. The treatments in a phytotron included a control (CK, exogenously untreated, non-saline), two NaCl conditions (0 and 150 mM), four exogenous GB concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mM), and four exogenous SA concentrations (0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM). The shoot and roots exposed to 150 mM NaCl without supplementation had significantly higher Na+ and reduced K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ contents, along with lowered biomass, compared with those of CK. Under NaCl stress, exogenous GB and SA at all concentrations substantially inversed these trends by improving ion uptake regulation and biomass accumulation compared with NaCl stress alone. Supplementation with 5.0 mM GB and with 1.0 mM SA under NaCl stress were the most effective conditions for mitigating Na+ toxicity and enhancing biomass accumulation. NaCl stress had a negative effect on plant growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, leaf water potential, and total nitrogen (N) in the shoot and roots, which were improved by supplementation with 5.0 mM GB or 1.0 mM SA. Supplementation with 5.0 mM exogenous GB was more effective in controlling the percentage loss of conductivity (PLC) under NaCl stress.

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