The effects of plant moisture stress on red pine (Pinusresinosa) seedling growth and establishment

Abstract

Red pine (Pinusresinosa Ait.) 2-0 and 3-0 bare-root and 1-0 containerized seedlings were subjected to five different watering regimes (drying cycles). Overall, moisture stress as measured with a pressure bomb was highly correlated with seedling growth and survival. While shoot elongation during the drought period was unaffected, stressed seedlings showed pronounced decreases in cambial activity, secondary needle elongation, subsequent bud formation, root length, and number of active mycorrhizal root tips per centimetre compared with control treatments. This resulted in reduced top and root dry-matter production. Watering treatments with average seasonal internal moisture stress values in the range of −8 to −11 bar (1 bar = 100 kPa) showed no measurable reductions in seedling growth. Consistently, less internal moisture stress in the containerized seedlings indicate they are better able to avoid drought. Overall, performance of the 2-0 bare-root seedlings was superior to that of the 3-0 and containerized stock.