Planting site storage: effects on survival and growth of overwinter-stored Scots pine (Pinussylvestris) containerized seedlings

Abstract

Survival and growth of outdoor- and cold-stored (−5 °C) Pinussylvestris (L.) containerized seedlings were studied following field storage in wax-lined cardboard boxes at the planting site during three growing seasons. Planting dates varied from early May until late June. The negative effects on subsequent growth were more pronounced for outdoor-stored seedlings. Planting site storage during the period of shoot elongation especially limited subsequent growth of those seedlings. Shoot and needle growth, stem diameter, and dry weight of the shoot and foliage mass were successively depressed by later planting dates for both outdoor-and cold-stored seedlings. No significant differences could be found in survival or growth of outdoor- and cold-stored seedlings that had not been stored at the site before planting. For planting dates in June, dry weight of the shoot and needle growth were depressed compared with seedlings planted in May.