Effects of Seed Weight and Seed Type on Early Seedling Growth of Pinus sylvestris under Harsh and Optimal Conditions

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of forest research 2002, Vol.17 (2), p.118-130
• Main Authors: Wennstrom, Ulfstand, Bergsten, Urban, Nilsson, Jan-Erik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allocation; Biomass; Competition; Direct; direct seeding; field experimentation; Growth; growth traits; Orchard; Pine; Pinus sylvestris; Scots; Seed; seed orchards; Seeding; seedling growth; seedlings; Stand
• ISSN: 0282-7581; 1651-1891
• DOI: 10.1080/028275802753626764

The effects of seed weight and seed type on seedling growth of Pinus sylvestris (L.) were studied by seeding individually weighed orchard and stand seed in different mixtures under harsh (direct seeding in field) and optimal (seeding in nursery) conditions. In the nursery experiment an increase in the seed weight from 3 to 7 mg increased the seedling height by 10-27% and total weight by 27-113%, and decreased the height/diameter ratio by 5-6% after 2 yrs. With elimination of seed weight effects, orchard seedlings were 2% taller than stand seedlings in year 2. Without elimination of seed weight effects, orchard seedlings were 7-13% taller. In the field experiment an increase in the seed weight from 3 to 7 mg increased seedling height by 18-65%, stem volume by 81-274% and the number of top-buds by 23-34% in year 5. After elimination of seed weight effects, orchard seedlings were 7-13% taller than stand seedlings and without elimination of seed weight effects 20-21% taller after 5 yrs. Even after elimination of both seed weight and genetic effects orchard seedlings were 3-9% larger than stand seedlings in the field experiment. In conclusion, the influence of seed weight and seed type on growth traits and slenderness is highly significant and the influence seems to be greater in harsh conditions.