ISSN 2756-343X
Global Journal of Food and Agribusiness Management Vol. 4 (2), pp. 001-004, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Needle-clipping of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) can increase seedling survival while reducing transpiration and root growth potential
David B. South*, Tom E. Starkey and D. Paul Jackson
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Alabama 36830, USA.
Accepted 11 November, 2019
Abstract
Clipping needles of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) prior to transplanting has been shown to increase seedling survival but the mechanism for this effect is not well documented. A greenhouse trial was conducted to examine the effect of clipping needles on transpiration, root-growth potential (RGP) and seedling survival. Clipping longleaf pine needles to a length of 5 cm reduced transpiration and reduced RGP but it increased seedling survival by 34% points. Clipping to a length of 15 cm had an intermediate effect on these variables. The results support the common practice of clipping needles in the nursery.
Key words: Nursery, container, reforestation, seedling quality.