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Shoot: Root ratio is of limited use in evaluating the quality of container conifer stock

Summary:

Published in Tree Planters' Note 46(3): 102-106

The ratio of shoot dry mass to root dry mass, or shoot:root ratio, is sometimes used to evaluate the drought avoidance potential of container conifer stock. A review of published data from plantation trials reveals, however, that this relationship does not hold for container conifer seedlings. It is argued that the particular cultural conditions of container production favor root proliferation beyond strict physiological needs and that, once outplanted, the root plug-soil interface imposes a stronger limit on water and nutrient absorption by the seedlings than the roots themselves.

Sector(s): 

Forests

Catégorie(s): 

Scientific Article

Theme(s): 

Forestry Research, Forests, Seeds and Forest Seedlings Production

Departmental author(s): 

Lamhamedi, Mohammed

Author(s):

BERNIER, Pierre Y., Mohammed S. LAMHAMEDI et D.G. SIMPSON

Year of publication:

1995

Format:

Paper

Keyword(s):

shoot/root ratio, container, forest nursery, seedling quality, seeds and forest seedlings production, production de semences et de plants, production de plants, rapport partie aérienne/racines, conteneur, pépinière forestière, qualité des plants