Effects of site preparation methods on soil physical properties and outplanting success of coniferous seedlings in boreal forests

This study assessed the effect of patch scarification and mounding on the physical properties of the root layer and the success of tree planting in various types of forests.This study was conducted on 12 forest sites in taiga forests of the European part of Russia.A total of 54 plots were set up to assess seedling survival;root collar diameter,height,and heigh increment were measured for 240 seedlings to assess growth.In the rooting layer,240 soil samples were taken to determine physical properties.The study showed that soil treatment methods had no effect on bulk density and total porosity in Cladina sites.However,reduced soil moisture was noted,particularly in mounds,resulting in increased aeration.In Myrtillus sites,there were increased bulk density,reduced soil moisture,and total porosity in the mounds.Mounding treatment in Polytrichum sites resulted in reduced soil moisture and increased aeration porosity.In the Myrtillus and Polytrichum sites,patch scarification had no effects on physical properties.In Polytrichum sites,survival rates,heights,and heigh increments of bareroot Norway spruce seedlings in mounds were higher than in patches;however,the same did not apply to diameter.In Cladina and Myrtillus sites,there was no difference in growth for bareroot and containerised seedlings with different soil treatments.Growing conditions and soil types should be considered when applying different soil treatment methods to ensure high survival rates and successful seedling growth.

Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C,N,and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings

To study non-structural carbohydrate character-istics and nutrient utilization strategies of Pinus yunnanen-sis under continuous drought conditions,2-year-old seed-lings were planted in pots with appropriate water,light and moderate and severe drought treatments[(80±5),(65±5),(50±5),and(35±5)%of field water-holding capacity].Non-structural carbohydrates,carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)concentrations were measured in each plant component.The results show that:(1)With increasing drought,non-structural carbohydrates gradually increased in leaves,stems,and coarse roots,while gradually decreased in fine roots;(2)C concentrations of all were relatively stable under different stress levels.Phosphorous utilization of each component increased under light and moderate drought conditions,while N and P utilization efficiency of each plant component decreased under severe drought.Growth was mainly restricted by N,first decreasing and then increasing with increased drought;(3)There was a correlation between the levels of non-structural carbohydrates and C,N,and P in each component.Changes in N concentration affected the interconversion between soluble sugar and starch,which play a regulatory role in the fluctuation of the concentration of non-structural carbohydrates;and,(4)Plasticity analysis showed that P.yunnanensis seedlings responded to drought mainly by altering starch concentration,the ratio of soluble sugar to starch in leaves and stems,and further by alter-ing N and P utilization efficiencies.Overall,these results suggest that the physiological activities of all organs of P.yunnanensis seedlings are restricted under drought and that trade-offs exist between different physiological indicators and organs.Our findings are helpful in understanding non-structural carbohydrate and nutrient adaptation mechanisms under drought in P.yunnanensis seedlings.

Correlation Analysis between Well-cellar Early Transplanting of Robust Seedlings and Diseases in Shiyan Tobacco-growing Area

[Objectives]The paper was to investigate the relationship between the well-cellar early transplanting of robust seedlings and the prevalence of diseases in the Shiyan tobacco-growing area.[Methods]The relationship between disease occurrence and meteorological factors during the field growth period was examined by analyzing the prevalence of flue-cured tobacco virus diseases,brown spot,and total disease in the Shiyan tobacco-growing area before(2013-2017)and after(2018-2022)the well-cellar early transplanting of robust tobacco seedlings.[Results]The implementation of a well-cellar early transplanting technique of robust seedlings resulted in a reduction in the average incidence of tobacco virus disease,brown spot,and total disease by 0.83%,8.85%,and 7.91%,respectively,in comparison to the incidence observed prior to early transplanting.These findings suggest that early transplanting can significantly reduce the incidence of flue-cured tobacco diseases.Prior to the well-cellar early transplanting of robust tobacco seedlings,there was a significant(including highly significant)positive correlation between the incidence of brown spot and total disease and precipitation in August and September.The incidence of brown spot and total disease in tobacco plants was found to be significantly positively correlated with May precipitation and significantly negatively correlated with May sunshine hours following the well-cellar early transplanting of robust seedlings.The advancement of the transplanting period by 20 d resulted in a reduction in the growing period of tobacco plants in the field under autumn rains(late August to November)in western China.This effectively circumvented the suitable conditions for disease occurrence and can reduce the incidence of disease.[Conclusions]This study offers a framework for enhancing the quality and efficiency of flue-cured tobacco production in the northwest tobacco-growing area of Hubei.

Growth,leaf anatomy,and photosynthesis of cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)seedlings in response to four light-emitting diodes and high pressure sodium lamp

Background Light is a critical factor in plant growth and development,particularly in controlled environments.Light-emitting diodes(LEDs)have become a reliable alternative to conventional high pressure sodium(HSP)lamps because they are more efficient and versatile in light sources.In contrast to well-known specialized LED light spectra for vegetables,the appropriate LED lights for crops such as cotton remain unknown.Results In this growth chamber study,we selected and compared four LED lights with varying percentages(26.44%–68.68%)of red light(R,600–700 nm),combined with other lights,for their effects on growth,leaf anatomy,and photosynthesis of cotton seedlings,using HSP lamp as a control.The total photosynthetic photon flux density(PPFD)was(215±2)μmol·m-2·s-1 for all LEDs and HSP lamp.The results showed significant differences in all tested parameters among lights,and the percentage of far red(FR,701–780 nm)within the range of 3.03%–11.86%was positively correlated with plant growth(characterized by leaf number and area,plant height,stem diameter,and total biomass),palisade layer thickness,photosynthesis rate(Pn),and stomatal conductance(Gs).The ratio of R/FR(4.445–11.497)negatively influenced the growth of cotton seedlings,and blue light(B)suppressed stem elongation but increased palisade cell length,chlorophyll content,and Pn.Conclusion The LED 2 was superior to other LED lights and HSP lamp.It had the highest ratio of FR within the total PPFD(11.86%)and the lowest ratio of R/FR(4.445).LED 2 may therefore be used to replace HPS lamp under controlled environments for the study of cotton at the seedling stage.

Assessment of Tolerance of Different Varieties of Hulless Barley Seedlings to Low-Temperature Stress

In this study,we analyzed the agronomic and physiological indicators of the leaves and roots of 60 hulless barley varieties under low-temperature treatment,identified the crucial indicators that can reflect the ability of hulless barley to tolerate low-temperature,and evaluated the ability of different hulless barley varieties to tolerate low-temperature.The results indicated significant differences in the agronomic and physiological indicators of 60 hul-less barley varieties subjected to low-temperature treatment.Most of the agronomic indicators significantly decreased,whereas most of the physiological indicators significantly increased.However,the magnitude of changes in each agronomic and physiological indicator differed among the varieties.A comprehensive analysis of the agronomic and physiological indicators revealed that the antioxidant enzyme activity,soluble sugar(SSC)and free proline(FPRO)could be used as a crucial indicator to evaluate the low-temperature tolerance of hulless barley.Compared with those of agronomic indicators,the physiological indicators of the hulless variety barley better reflected its resistance to low-temperature stress.Thefinal comprehensive evaluation showed that Himalaya 22 was the most tolerant to low-temperature,whereas Changmanglan qingke was the most sensitive to low-temperature.In this study,we assessed various agronomic and physiological indicators of hulless barley plants under low-temperature stress.We also identified essential agronomic and physiological indicators for screening low-temperature-tolerant varieties.The research results thus provide a reference for screening low-tem-perature-tolerant hulless barley resources.

Effects of Silicon Formulations on Cold Tolerance of Rice Seedlings

To investigate the effects of silicon formulations on the cold tolerance of rice seedlings,Song Japonica 16(not cold tolerant)and Dongnong 427(cold tolerant)rice varieties were used as test materials and four different types of silicon formulations,Si-50-G,Si-60-G,Si-T-G,and Si-E-G,were applied as foliar sprays at the seedling stage,and a control group CK(equal amount of distilled water)was set up.One week after the first silicon spray,two types of rice were subjected to low-temperature stress treatments at day/night temperatures of 12℃/10℃for 2,4,6,and 8 days.The effects of different silicon formulations on the chlorophyll,proline(Pro)and soluble sugar contents as well as superoxide dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD)and catalase(CAT)activities of rice seedlings under low-temperature stress were compared to find out the effects of silicon formulations on the cold tolerance of rice seedlings.The results showed that silicon formulations could significantly increase the chlorophyll content of rice seedling leaves,with Si-50-G being the most effective,with a significant increment of 40.17%compared to the CK at 2 days of low temperature.Four silicon formulations significantly increased the proline content and soluble sugar content of rice leaves at low temperature for 4-8 days.For Song Japonica 16,the most significant increment in leaf POD activity was observed in Si-E-G treatment at 2,4 and 8 days of temperature stress,with 73.58%,20.95%and 217.24%increases compared to the CK,respectively.For 4 and 6 days of temperature stress,the most significant increase in CAT activity was observed in Si-E-G treatment,with 25.70%and 75.78%increases compared to the CK,respectively.For Dongnong 427,the Si-60-G treatment showed the highest increase in leaf SOD activity for 4 and 8 days of temperature stress,with significant increases of 58.15%and 82.76%compared to the CK,respectively,and the Si-E-G treatment showed the highest increase in leaf POD activity for 2 and 8 days of temperature stress,with significant increases of 97.75%and 245.10%compared to the CK,respectively.It showed that the spraying of silicon formulations could significantly enhance the cold tolerance of rice.This study provided a scientific basis for the rational use of silicon formulations to enhance cold tolerance in rice and had important theoretical and practical significance for ensuring sustainable high and stable rice yields in Heilongjiang Province,as well as for the development of silicon fertilizers.

Ornithine Pathway in Proline Biosynthesis Activated by Salt Stress in Barley Seedlings

C-14-glutamate and C-14-arginine were spreaded on leaves of six-day old barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings that were treated with NaCl 200 mmol/L. The result showed that the pathway of arginine-->ornithine-->proline existed in the six-day old barley seedlings and was provoked remarkably by NaCl treatment. After seven days, proline accumulation contributed via the arginine-->ornithine-->proline pathway was 1.0 - 1.5 folds of that via the glutamate-->proline pathway. The activation of arginine-->ornithine-->proline pathway by salt stress in the salt-tolerant cultivar 'Jian 4' was 1.7 - 2.0 folds of that in the salt-sensitive cultivar 'KP 7', which suggested that the activation of arginine-->ornithine-->proline pathway in barley seedlings played an important role in improving salt tolerance of plants.

Effects of Biostimulant NEAU10 on Growth of Rice Seedlings and Soil Physicochemical Parameters

The process of rice(Oryza sativa L.)seedling cultivation is often subjected to adverse environmental stress.Biostimulants regulate the robust growth of rice seedlings and play a crucial role in promoting the green and ecological development of agriculture.In this study,1.0 and 2.0 g•m^(-2) of the biostimulant were applied to soil in rice seedbeds.Growth indicators of rice,antioxidant enzyme activities and soil physicochemical characteristics were assessed at the 2.5-leaf and 4-leaf stages of rice.The results indicated that applying 2.0 g•m^(-2) of the biostimulant at both the 2.5-leaf and 4-leaf stages had the most significant promoting effect on rice growth.At the 2.5-leaf and 4-leaf stages,the number of fibrous roots increased by 23.43%and 22.25%,stem base width increased by 19.05%and 19.58%,above ground dry weight increased by 18.09%and 16.47%,root dry weight increased by 19.67%and 18.28%,leaf peroxidase(POD)activity increased by 34.44%and 42.94%,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity increased by 37.24%and 56.79%,malondialdehyde(MDA)content decreased by 18.60%and 27.67%,and chlorophyll content increased significantly by 28.31%and 34.24%,respectively.At the 4-leaf stage of rice,urease,phosphatase and cellulase activities in the seedbed soil increased by 42.13%,25.96%and 33.59%,respectively,while soil alkaline nitrogen,available phosphorus and available potassium content decreased by 19.76%,19.02%and 17.88%,respectively.The application of biostimulants played a crucial role in promoting the growth of rice seedlings and enhancing soil nutrient absorption.

Responses of Membrane Lipid Peroxidation and Endogenous Hormones of Soybean Seedlings to UV-B Radiation and Rare Earth

[ Objective] The aim was to provide strategies for development of rare earth and control of environmental pollution. [ Method] Responses of membrane lipid peroxidation and endogenous hormones of soybean seedlings to UV-B radiation and rare earth were studied through hydroponics in laboratory. [ Result] The results showed that under irradiation of UV-B（ T1-0.15 W/m^2 and T2-0.45 W/m^2）, chlorophyll and indole-3-acetic acid（IAA） contents firstly decreased during the stress phase （1 -5 d） and then increased during the restoration phase （6 -9 d） while contents of malonadialdehyde（MDA） and abscisic acid（ABA） gradually increased during the imposition of UV-B radiation （1 -5 d） and subsequently decreased during recovery from UV-B stress （6 -9 d） . With adding of La （III） with the concentration of 20 mg · L^-1 , the decline/dse trend of chlorophyll, IAA, MDA and ABA contents was slowed down during the stress period while the rise/decline speed was accelerated during the recovery period. [ Conclusion] It suggests that the regulation of La （ III ） on membrane lipid peroxidation and endogenous hormones could increase chlorophyll and IAA contents, improve the metabolism of reactive oxygen species （ ROS）, inhibit membrane lipid peroxidation, decrease the accumulation amount of ABA and alleviate injury of UV-B radiation to soybean seedlings. Further, the protective potential of La （ III ） was better under low UV-B radiation than under high one.

Photosynthetic induction responses of Pinus koraiensis seedlings grown in different light environments

The time processes of photosynthetic induction responses to various irradiances in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) seedlings grown in open-light environments and in understory of forest were studied in an area near the Research Station of Changbai Mountain Forest Ecosystems, Jilin Province, China from July 15 to August 5, 1997. The results showed that at 200 靘olm-2s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and 500 靘olm-2s-1 PPFD, the induction time for the photosynthetic rates of understory-grown seedlings to reach 50% and 90% steady-state net photosynthetic rates was longer than that of the open-grown seedlings. The induction responses of open-growth seedlings at 500 靘olm-2s-1 PPFD were slower than those at 200 靘olm-2s-1 PPFD, but it was the very reverse for understory-growth seedlings, which indicates that the photosynthetic induction times of Korean pine seedlings grown in the understory depended on the sunfleck intensity.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza on the growth of Camptotheca acuminata seedlings

Camptotheca acuminata seeds were sown in sterilized sands in the greenhouse in February of 2005. After 90-day growth, seedlings were inoculated with three species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi （AMF）, Acaulospora mellea, Glomus diaphanum and Sclerocystis sinuosa.. The height, biomass, and absorptions of nitrogen and phosphorus of C. acuminata seedlings inoculated with AMF were investigated. The results showed that the formation of AM promoted the height growth and biomass accumulation of seedlings significantly and improved the absorption of phosphorus in seedlings. The height and biomass of mycorrhizal seedlings were 1.2 and 1.6 times higher than those of the non-mycorrhizal seedlings. The absorption of nitrogen was less influenced by the formation of AM. The nitrogen content in mycorrhizal seedling was equal to that of non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Compared with non-mycorrhizal seedlings, the nitrogen content of mycorrhizal seedlings inoculated with A. mellea changed considerably in the root, stem and leaves. The difference in nitrogen content was not significant between mycorrhizal seedlings inoculated with G. diaphanum and S. sinuosa. The AM formation stimulated the absorption of phosphorus, especially in roots, and also changed the allocation of nitrogen and phosphorus in different organs of seedlings. Compared with non-mycorrhizal seedlings, the ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus in mycorrhizal roots increased, but reduced in stem and leaves.

Effects of peat and weathered coal on the growth of Pinus sylvestrisvar. mongolica seedlings on aeolian sandy soil

The experiment was conducted at the Ganqika Sandy Land Ecological Station in Ke抏rqinzuoyihouqi County, Inner Mongolia, in a growing season from April 28 to October 28, 2001. Peat and weathered coal were added to the aeolian sandy soil in different ratios. Two-year-old Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings and plastic pots were used in the experiment. The experimental results indicated that: 1) the peat and weathered coal could significantly improve the physical and chemical prop-erties of aeolian sandy soil, and thus promoted the growth of seedlings; 2) the effect of peat on seedling growth, including height, base diameter, root length and biomass, presented an order of 8%>10%>5%>2%>0 in terms of peat contents, and the effect of weathered coal on seedling growth presented an order of 5%>8%>10%>2%>0 in terms of weathered coal contents for height and basal diameter, 5%>8%>2% >10%>0 for root length, and 5%>2%>8% >10%>0 for biomass; 3) the effects of peat were generally greater than that of weathered coal. Meanwhile, 8% peat was the best treatment to promote the growth of P. sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings.

Impact of Salt Stress on Growth and Ion Uptake of Different Parts of Oil Sunflower Seedlings

[Objective] The purpose was to discuss the effects of different NaCl concentrations on fresh weight and dry weight,ion absorption and distribution in oil sunflower seedlings. [Method] Under the simulated salt environment by using NaCl solutions at different concentrations,the dry weight,fresh weight and ion content of oil sunflower seedlings were determined. [Result] With the increase of NaCl concentration,the growth rate of oil sunflower seedling was inhibited. In addition,its fresh weight and dry weight also decreased; the fresh weight of leaf decreased most significantly by 60%,and that of cotyledon decreased most slightly by 13% at 200 mmol/L NaCl concentration. The dry weight of root,stem,leaf and cotyledon decreased by 35%,39%,55% and 8% respectively,showing a similar decreasing trend with fresh weight. Under NaCl stress,Na＋ content in root and stem of oil sunflower seedling increased while K＋ decreased. Na＋ content was mainly concentrated in roots and stems much more than in leaves; K＋ content in roots decreased most significantly by 21% compared with control,and it was relatively high in leaf. Ca2＋ and Mg2＋ content was decreased slightly in roots and stems; Ca2＋ content in leaves and cotyledons was stable; Mg2＋ content was slightly increased. [Conclusion] Oil sunflower maintained high mineral ion absorptionunder salt stress,that maybe the part reason for high salt tolerance of oil sunflower seedlings.

Effects of High Temperature Stress on Growth of Stress-Tolerant Rice Seedlings with Resistibility

Two heat-tolerant rice varieties, N5 and TQ, were chosen as test materi- als. Specifically, rice seedlings （leaf age at 2.1）, cultivated in room, were treated at 40 ℃ for 7 d and some indices were measured, including plant height, dry weight, leaf color, proline, malondialdehyde and conductivity. The results showed that high temperature advanced the growth of N5 seedlings, for example, plant height, root length and dry weight of ground parts all increased. However, high temperature prevented TQ seedlings growth, plant height in particular. Furthermore, high temper- ature treatment increased the content of chlorophyll of N5 and had none effects on PSII of N5, with little damages on membrane system. On the other hand, high temperature actually reduced PSII activity of TQ, and seriously damaged TQ mem- brane system. It is speculated that the differences of the two varieties lie on pro- duction or removing capacity of reactive oxide species.

Studies of Glycine Betaine on Physiology of Two Varieties of Pumpkin Seedlings under NaCl Stress

[Objective] The research aimed to discuss the relationship between Glycine betaine and the salt-tolerance mechanism of different pumpkins and confirm the mechanism of betaine in salt-tolerance physiology.[Method] Taking the seedlings of C.ficifolia and Qingli pumpkin as test materials,the effects of glycine betaine on the cell membrane permeability,MDA and root activity of two varieties of pumpkin seedlings under 300 mmol/L NaCl stress were studied.[Result] At suitable concentrations,glycine betaine could d...

Effects of Exogenous Hormones on Subculture Multiplication and Root Induction of Tissuecultured Seedlings of Mulberry

Objective The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of exogenous hormone factors on subculture multiplication and root induction of tis-suecultured seedlings in mulberry. [Method] The aseptic seedlings of Guisangyou 12 were used as the materials and the comparative experiment on subculture multi-plication and root induction used different kinds,concentrations and combinations of exogenous hormones. [Result] The hormone combination of 0.1 mg/L IBA＋1.5 mg/L 6-BA＋0.03 mg/L TDZ showed the best effects to bud multiplication, and the multiple of bud multiplication was 5.28. The effects of NAA was better than IBA and IAA on root induction. The hormone combination of 2.0 mg/L NAA＋1.0 mg/L PP333 was most suitable to the root induction, in which the rooting rate arrived to 100%, the root number was 7.01 and the root length was 1.38 cm on average. [Conclusion] The results wil provide some technical reference for large-scale propagation of mul-berry seedlings in vitro.

Effects of Shading Treatment on the Growth of Bischofia javanica Seedlings

With annual Bischofia javanica seedlings as experimental material, the plasticity and comprehensive evaluation methods were employed to investigate the effects of different shading degrees （100% NS （natural sunshine）, 41.3% NS, 14.6% NS and 3.6% NS） on B. javanica seedlings growth, so as to obtain the shade toler- ance in B. javanica. The results showed that with the shading degree increasing, the seedling height increment, diameter increment, leaf area, fresh weights （above- ground part, underground part and whole plant） and dry weights （aboveground part, underground part and whole plant） of B. javanica seedlings all increased first and then decreased, and reached peak values under 41.3% NS, while the total root length, average root diameter, total surface area, total root volume and total root number all presented a decreasing trend. Also the comprehensive evaluation by subordinate function value method and plasticity analysis were carried out on these growth indexes. It was concluded that B. javanica seedlings have medium shade tol- erance from the comDrehensive analysis of growth indexes.

Influence of CO_2 Doubling on Water Transport Process at Root/Soil Interface of Pinus sylvestris var. sylvestriformis Seedlings

Water transport at the root/soil interface of 1 year old Pinus sylvestris Linn. var. sylvestriformis (Takenouchi) Cheng et C. D. Chu seedlings under CO 2 doubling was studied by measuring soil electric conductance to survey soil water profiles and comparing it with root distribution surveyed by soil coring and root harvesting in Changbai Mountain in 1999. The results were: (1) The profiles of soil water content were adjusted by root activity. The water content of the soil layer with abundant roots was higher. (2) When CO 2 concentration was doubled, water transport was more active at the root/soil interface and the roots were distributed into deeper layer. It was shown in this work that the method of measuring electric conductance is an inexpensive, non_destructive and relatively sensitive way for underground water transport process.

Review on the proceeding of automatic seedlings classification by computer vision

The classification of seedlings is important to ensure the viability of seedlings after transplantation and is acknowledged as a key factor in forestation and environmental improvement. Based on numerous papers on automatic seedling classification (ASC), the seedling grading theory, traditional grading methods, the background and the proceeding of ASC techniques are described. The automation of the measurement of seedling morphological characteristics by photoelectric meters and computer vision is studied, and the automatic methods of the current grading systems are described respectively. And the further researches on ASC by computer vision are proposed.

Physiological Responses of Brazil Banana Seedlings to Drought Stress Simulated by PEG-6000

[Objective] The aim was to explore physiological responses of Brazil banana seedlings to drought stress simulated by PEG-6000.[Method] Brazil banana （Musa AAA Cavendish subgroup cv.Brazil） was taken as test materials to explore changes of physiological indices of banana seedlings under drought stresses simulated by PEG-6000,including three stress levels （5％,10％ and 15％） and time periods （24,48 and 72 h）.[Result] Relative water content and chlorophyll content both declined under different stress levels and in different times.The content of proline （Pro） in seedling leaves from high to low was PEG15％,PEG10％ and PEG5％; the content of treatment of 5％ stress in 24 h was of insignificant differences with that of the control and the contents in rest treatments were all remarkably higher compared with the control.POD activities of seedling leaves from high to low were as follows：PEG15％＞PEG10％＞PEG5％,and POD activity was of significant differences among treatments; POD activity achieved the peak in treatment group with 5％ of stress,and POD activities of different groups were all higher compared with the control.The activity of root system in treatment groups with PEG at different concentrations was as follows：PEG10％＞PEG15％＞PEG5％ and the activity increased remarkably in the group with PEG at 5％ within 24,48 and 72 h,though the activity dropped significantly within 72 h and slowly in 24 and 48 h.[Conclusion] It can be concluded that relative water content,chlorophyll content,Pro content and activity and root activity can be references of banana resistance to drought.