Bud development in coastal Douglas-fir seedlings in response to different dormancy-induction treatments

Abstract

Bud development in response to different dormancy-induction treatments in coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) seedlings was investigated under commercial greenhouse conditions. There were three treatments: short day without moisture stress, short day with moisture stress, and long day with moisture stress. Within the first week in the short day treatments, neoformed-leaf initiation ended and bud-scale initiation began and ended. Rapid leaf initiation began in week 1 and was completed by week 5 for the short day with moisture stress treatment and week 6 for the short day without moisture stress treatment. Slow leaf initiation was completed by week 13. Crown cells became apparent within the pith during weeks 3–6; cell walls thickened between weeks 8 and 13. Within the first week of the long day with moisture stress treatment, neoformed-leaf initiation ended and bud-scale initiation began. Bud-scale initiation ended by week 3 or 4. Then slow leaf initiation began and continued until week 6. Rate of leaf initiation was rapid during weeks 8–10 and decreased slightly during weeks 10–13. By week 13, apical height had decreased markedly, indicating an imminent end to leaf initiation. Crown cells became apparent within the pith during weeks 5–13; cell walls thickened between weeks 10 and 13. Key words: bud development, dormancy induction, short days, moisture stress, Douglas-fir, seedlings.