Resprouting ability of Quercus crispula seedlings depends on the vegetation cover of their microhabitats

Abstract

To examine the effects of vegetation cover on the resprouting abilities of Quercus crispula seedlings, in each of three consecutive years, we artificially clipped seedlings growing in microhabitats with differing degrees of vegetation cover. We also investigated the relationship between the level of total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) and resprouting ability. Seedlings with clipped shoots in gaps produced larger resprouting shoots than those in the understory. Moreover, both the percentage of resprouting seedlings and the survival ratio in seedlings with clipped shoots were negatively correlated with the degree of vegetation cover. Seedlings stored high levels of TNC, especially in their roots, and their TNC levels were negatively correlated with the degree of vegetation cover. There were also positive relationships between the TNC levels in their roots and the degree of resprouting. Hence, we conclude that release from vegetation cover enhanced the resprouting ability of Q. crispula seedlings by increasing their levels of stored carbohydrate. The key variables affected were the resprouting ratio (the proportion of seedlings capable of producing new shoots) and the size of the resprouted shoots.

Resprouting ability and mobile carbohydrate reserves in an oak shrubland decline with increasing elevation on the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

“…The importance of large root systems for resprouting ability, rapid regrowth, and for the survival of stools has been emphasized (Daniel et al, 1979;Auclair, 1988). In line with our results, Kabeya et al (2003) found that the resprouting ratio in Q. crispula seedlings after coppicing increased with increases in initial root NSC pool size. Differences in initial NSC pools may, therefore, provide the basis for differences in resprouting ability, and affect the early growth of resprouts and the resprouting success (Chesney and Vasquez, 2007;O'Hara and Berrill, 2010).…”

Photosynthetic parameters and carbon reserves of a resurrection plant Reaumuria soongorica during dehydration and rehydration

“…A reduction in carbon reserves has also been reported for species as they produce new growth after defoliation, fire or loss of aboveground parts (Wyka 1999;Kabeya et al 2003;McPherson and Williamsá 1998;Fang et al 2008). Reduced levels of reserve carbon during regrowth have been reported for Cedrela odorata under shoot damage (Rodgers et al 1995).…”

Phytotoxicity induced by Phragmites australis: an assessment of phenotypic and physiological parameters involved in germination process and growth of receptor plant

“…The total amount of all sugars [total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC)] was measured using a phenol sulphuric acid method modified from Kabeya et al (2003). Sulfuric acid (0.4 N) and water extractions were made for TNC and WSC determination, respectively.…”