Target Seedling Concepts: Height and Diameter.
The target seedling concept involves morphological and physiological seedling attributes which affect outplanting performance. Both morphological and physiological attributes are directly influenced by nursery cultural prac- tices. Among the cultural practices which influence target seedling attributes are transplanting, growing density, and both root and shoot pruning. Morphological features, specifically height and stem diameter, currently provide the best estimate of seedling performance after outplanting. Diameter is the best pre- dictor of survival, while height seems to predict height growth. Parameters such as root mass or number of later- als are also useful in assessing potential performance, but their utility diminishes as stem diameter increases above 5 mm. Seedling morphology does not always predict perfor- mance because the morphology does not indicate vitality or vigor of the seedling, in the future, nursery cultural practices will target specific morphological attributes as well as acceptable ranges of other important variables. One such approach is discussed.
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Author(s): John G. Mexal, Thomas D. Landis
Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 1990
Event:
Combined Meeting of the Western Forest Nursery Associations
1990 - Roseburg, OR
