Effects of cold storage and water stress on water relations and gas exchange of white spruce (Picea glauca) seedlings

Abstract

To determine the effects of lifting time and storage on water-stress resistance of nursery-grown white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings, we compared gas exchange, water relations and mortality of 3-year-old seedlings lifted in October 1991 and stored at -2 degrees C for 3 months with seedlings lifted in January 1992. The seedlings were placed in nutrient solution and subjected to -1.1 or -2.7 MPa water stress induced by polyethylene glycol 3350 for 9 days. Water stress, but not lifting time, had a significant effect on seedling net assimilation, symplastic volume and turgor loss point. In a second experiment, seedlings lifted in October 1991 were stored at -2 degrees C for 7 months and compared with seedlings lifted in May 1992. The seedlings were planted in pots, and their gas exchange and water relation parameters measured in response to gradual water stress. The results suggest that prolonged cold storage retards photosynthetic recovery of seedlings after planting. Higher rates of net assimilation in seedlings lifted in May were not directly related to their water status. Nonstomatal limitations were the primary factor influencing photosynthetic rate. We conclude that the inferior ability of cold-stored seedlings to tolerate water stress was due to poor osmotic adjustment and a lag in recovery of photosynthesis.

Effect of storage conditions on post planting water status and performance of Pinus radiata D. Don stock-types

“…It has been demonstrated that sugars and starch can be reduced during storage [7], and this reduction jeopardizes stress resistance and consequently post-planting survival [17]. McCracken [22] found evidence that this depletion was particularly noticeable in radiata pine seedlings during cold storage.…”

Physiological and morphological responses of dormant and growing Norway spruce container seedlings to drought after planting

“…Since the frozen storage of spring planted seedlings is usually initiated in October, prolongation would account for a storage period of over 30 weeks. Long storage periods may, however, affect the postplanting performance, especially if seedlings are exposed to water stress after planting [12,16,17]. In addition, dormant seedlings initiating new growth after planting allocate preferentially more photosynthates to shoot growth compared to root growth [8], which may reduce the ability to maintain balanced seedling water relations when exposed to drought.…”

The effects of lifting on mobilisation and new assimilation of C and N during regrowth of transplanted Corsican pine seedlings. A dual 13C and 15N labelling approach

“…In contrast with seedlings of deciduous tree species, coniferous seedlings are able to photosynthesise in mild late winter and early spring conditions [17,19]. Consequently, coniferous seedlings may use both currently produced or stored C sources.…”

“…Consequently, coniferous seedlings may use both currently produced or stored C sources. The importance of these two sources for new growth can vary by species [24], but several studies have reported that transplanted seedlings are often water-stressed, leading to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity [15,19]. A decrease in C assimilation induces increased mobilization of C reserves to satisfy growth and maintenance metabolism.…”