Effects of Sand Burial on the Survival, Growth, and Biomass Allocation in Semi-shrub Hedysarum laeve Seedlings

Hedysarum laeve Maxim. (Leguminosae) is one of the major species used frequently in revegetation of dune_field in the sandlands of the northern part of China by means of aerial sowing. Seedlings of the species after emergence above the sand surface may be buried in sand to various depths during its establishment in late spring and early summer. A study was made to examine the effects of sand burial at different levels of 0 (control), 33%, 67%, 100% and 133% of their shoot height, on the survivorship, growth, and biomass allocation pattern of H. laeve seedlings (one and two weeks old after emergence). When burial depth was up to 100% of their shoot height, about 70% seedlings died; and the burial at depth of 133% of their shoot height led to death of all seedlings. When seedlings was buried at depth of 33% and 67% of their shoot height, respectively, after six_week growth, their biomass of whole plant, blade, and root and relative growth rate were higher than the unburied counterparts. The seedlings in both 33% and 67% sand burial treatments did not significantly change their biomass allocation pattern comparing with the unburied ones. Furthermore, the number of leaves and shoot height of the seedlings in both 33% and 67% sand burial treatments were not significantly different from those of unburied individuals, respectively. The newly born leaves of the surviving seedlings, in 33%, 67%, and 100% burial treatments, during the period of experiment, were significantly more than those in control.

Effect of biological agents on survival rate and root growth of Scots Pine seedlings

Two-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvstris var.mongolica) seedlings were treated with Pt mycorrhiza powder, ABT root-growing powder, HRC water-absorbing agent and high-yield powder, and planted on the sandy land in Balinyouqi, Inner Mongolia (180°12′13″E and 43°13′05″N). The effect and function of these biological agents on survival rate of seedlings were tested and analyzed by measuring the fine root growth and gross root growth. The results showed that the survival rates of the seedlings treated with Pt3, ABT, and HRC biological agents increased by 29.3%, 23.6%, and 16%, respectively. The regression analysis revealed that the length of fine roots (<2 mm) was positively correlated with seedling survival rate, which means that the Pt3 powder, ABT foot-growing powder and HRC water-absorbing powder increased the survival rates of the seedlings by promoting the growth of fine roots. Keywords Biological agents - Pinus sylvstris var.mongolica - Sandy soil - Roots - Survival rate CLC number S723.1 - S791.253 Document code A Foundation item: This article was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 39970627).Biography: TANG Feng-de (1967-), male, Ph. Doctor in Institute of Applied Ecology. Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China.Responsible editor: Zhu Hong

Effects of Different Types of Pecan(Carya illinoensis) Seedlings on Forestation Survival Rate in Yunnan

In order to explore the forestation technique of pecan in Yunan, different types of pecan seedlings, bare-rooted seedlings and container seedlings were plant- ed in Yunnan, and their survival rates were investigated. This study will provide im- portant guidance for development of pecan industry in Yunnan Province.

Influence of mulching and tree shelters on 4-year survival and growth of zeen oak (Quercus canariensis) seedlings

We assessed the effect of mulching and tree shelters on the establishment and early growth of zeen oak(Quercus canariensis Willd.) during the first 4 years after planting in Northwestern Tunisia. Five mulch types(Italian Stone Pine(Pinus pinea L.), Lentisk(Pistacia lentiscus L.),and a combination of Italian Stone Pine and Lentisk(organic mulches), gravel(inorganic mulch) and control), and three tree shelter types(non-vented and vented tree shelters, and control) were tested. An increase in the number of internodes occurred under the gravel mulch, while a reduction in survival was found for the lentisk mulch. Tree shelters had no effect on survival, but increased mean height growth and reduced mean diameter growth during the 4 years(excepting a non-significant effect for vented tree shelter at year four). Comparison of the annual shoots and growth units(GU) between sheltered and unsheltered plants according to year of formation revealed two growth phases. In first phase, shoots were totally or partially inside the shelters; mean length of annual shoots and GU were greater for sheltered plants. The second phase was characterized by shoots emerging from shelters; mean length of annual shoots and GU were similar for all plants, with or without tree shelters. Results suggest that the use of tree shelters, particularly vented shelters, could contribute to the improvement of the artificial regeneration of zeen oak.The use of mulching alone or in combination with tree shelters did not improve zeen oak performance in the field.

Seedling survival and growth of Aquilaria malaccensis in different microclimatic conditions of northeast India

We studied seedling survival and growth ofAquilaria malaccensis in three different environmental conditions （homegardens, green house and in different canopy conditions） of northeast India. Results show that mean seasonal survival was highest in green house （95.53%±2.33）, followed by homegardens （89.3%±1.89） and different canopy conditions （77.62%±6.73）; the highest values were found during February to April for both the homegardens （96%±1.68） and green house （98% ± 0.88） and lowest during November to January （78%±2.99） in homegardens and May to July （90%：t：4.53） in green house. In case of transplanted seedlings in different canopy conditions, mean seasonal survival was highest during May to July （98%±1.92） and lowest during August to October （66%±12.81）. However, mean seasonal growth of collar diameter was highest in different canopy conditions （23.99%±1.76） compared to green house （21.52%±2.70） and homegardens （12.44%±1.33） and it was highest during rainy season （May to July） and lowest during dry winter （November to January） in all the three experi- mental sites. These variations may be due to the different microclimatic conditions as well as nutrient status of the soil in all the three experimen- tal sites. Although, seedling quality plays a great role in their survival and growth, based on the result of green house experiment, it can be concluded that maintenance of seedlings in green house conditions during their early growth period may improve both the survival and growth for large scale plantation of the species. Thus, the species can be reintroduced in its natural forest range to compensate the loss of natural population of this precious species in northeast India.

Habitat heterogeneity and biotic interactions mediate climate influences on seedling survival in a temperate forest

Seedling stage has long been recognized as the bottleneck of forest regeneration,and the biotic and abiotic processes that dominate at seedling stage largely affect the dynamics of forest.Seedlings might be particularly vulnerable to climate stress,so elucidating the role of interannual climate variation in fostering community dynamics is crucial to understanding the response of forest to climate change.Using seedling survival data of 69 woody species collected for five consecutive years from a 25-ha permanent plot in a temperate deciduous forest,we identified the effects of biotic interactions and habitat factors on seedling survival,and examined how those effects changed over time.We found that interannual climate variations,followed by biotic interactions and habitat conditions,were the most significant predictors of seedling survival.Understory light showed a positive impact on seedling mortality,and seedling survival responded differently to soil and air temperature.Effects of conspecific neighbor density were significantly strengthened with the increase of maximum air temperature and vapor pressure deficits in the growing season,but were weakened by increased maximum soil temperature and precipitation in the non-growing season.Surprisingly,seedling survival was strongly correlated with interannual climate variability at all life stages,and the strength of the correlation increased with seedling age.In addition,the importance of biotic and abiotic factors on seedling survival differed significantly among species-trait groups.Thus,the neighborhood-mediated effects on mortality might be significantly contributing or even inverting the direct effects of varying abiotic conditions on seedling survival,and density-dependent effects could not be the only important factor influencing seedling survival at an early stage.

Effects of Methane Fermentation on Seed Survival of Broad-Leaved Dock （Rumexobtusifolius L.） with Dairy Manure

To clarify the effect of exposure to methane fermentation on the survival of seeds of Rumexobtusifolius L. contained in dairy slurry, the percentage of seed germination was observed after the mesophilic （35 ℃） and thermophilic （55 ℃） methane fermentation. The number of survival seed was 0% at 55 ℃, 81.6% at 35 ℃ from methane fermentation, and 0% at 55℃, 75.5% at 35 ℃ after heat treatment. The survival rate of the seeds in methane fermentation was similar to heat treatment at 35 ℃. However, in the investigation of seed status, the number of primary and secondary dormant seeds was higher than after heat treatment. This result suggests that since Rumexobtusifolius L. seeds survive in dormant state in mesophilic methane fermentation, the usage of manure as fertilizer need to be considered.

STUDY ON RELATIONSHIPS AMONG SEEDLING QUALITY AND SURVIVAL RATE, STOCKING PERCENTAGE AND GROWTH

Effects of various seedling classes and root cutting treatments on the survival rate, stocking Percentage and the growth of height and collar diameter in young stands of korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), mongolian scots pine (Pin us sylvestris var.mangolica),Dahurian larch (Larix gmelini), korean spruce (Picea koraiensis), anur cork tree(Phellodendron amurensis). manchurian ash (Fradinus mandshurica) and anur linden (Tilia amurensis) were studied in this paper. The results show that the survival rate, stocking Percentage and the growth of height and collar diameter of the I class seedlings are better than that of the n and III classes seedlings. so it is very important to select I class seedlings for increasing the quality of afforestation.

The influence of hydrogel soil amendment on the survival and growth of newly transplanted Pinus patula seedlings

Hydrogel amendments have been used to improve seedling survival and establishment particularly in dry environments. However, their effect on survival and growth of newly transplanted seedlings under varying water stress conditions is poorly known. In this regard, we examined the effects of Aqua Matrix Forestry~？, a potassium-based water-absorbent polymer, on the survival and early growth of Pinus patula seedlings planted in early-,mid-and late-dry season in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe. The late-dry season was hotter and received more rainfall than the early-and mid-dry season. Hydrogel increased seedling survival by 34 and 22% in the mid-and late-dry season, respectively. Also, hydrogel-treated seedlings were significantly taller than untreated seedlings（P ／ 0.001）. The height to root collar diameter ratio of hydrogel-treated seedlings was greater than that of untreated seedlings only in the mid-dry season. In conclusion, increase in survival and early growth of hydrogel-treated seedlings suggests that hydrogels can be used to extend planting beyond the rainy season to include the dry months, a feat previously unattainable due to high seedling mortality. Further, these findings reflect similar findings with other hydrogels, suggesting that improved seedling survival and plant performance may be a general consequence of hydrogel amendments.

Outdoor Domestication Cultivation and Survival Mechanism for Tissue Culture Seedlings of Paeonia suffruticosa

In order to reveal the differences between different peony varieties and facilities,thousands of tissue culture seedlings of 21 Itoh peony varieties imported from abroad were used as test materials,and the peony domestication cultivation method used in the past was used as a control. The technical measures and mechanisms for the outdoor domestication of seedlings and the survival of field transplantation were studied. The results indicate that the main factors and measures for effectively protecting the outdoor transplanting of tissue culture seedlings include cultivating sound and strong seedlings,transplanting in proper period of spring,and providing good ventilating places and facilities,removing leaves,keeping buds and releasing dormancy before transplantation,planting depth should meet the requirement of exposing to the root neck,changing the pots according to the size of seedlings,the substrate should be loose and permeable,seriously disinfected and sterilized,scientific management,and prevention and control of diseases and insect pests. In addition,the survival mechanism was also analyzed,and the reasons and countermeasures for the successful application of peony tissue culture in China were found. Finally,the differences in survival rates between different varieties and facilities were summarized.

Assessment of early survival and growth of planted Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris) seedlings under extreme continental climate conditions of northern Mongolia

Environmental factors play vital roles in successful plantation and cultivation of tree seedlings.This study focuses on problems associated with reforestation under extreme continental climatic conditions.The objectives were to assess relative seedling performance(survival and growth)with respect to plantation age,and to analyze the influence of specific climatic factors during the early stages of Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)plantations.The study was carried out in reforested areas of the Tujyin Nars region of northern Mongolia on six Scots pine plantations ranging from 5 to 10 years.In each of the six plantations,five 900 m^2 permanent sample plots were established and survival rates and growth performance measured annually over 7 years.Results show high variation in survival among the plantations(p<0.001,F=29.7).Seedling survival in the first year corresponded directly to the number of dry days in May.However,survival rate appeared to stabilize after the second year.The insignificant variation of height categories throughout the observation period indicated low competition among individuals.Two linear mixed-effect models show that height and radial growth were best explained by relative air humidity,which we consider to be a reliable indicator of site-specific water availability.Insufficient amounts and uneven distribution of rainfall pose a major threat during the first year of plantation establishment.Humidity and water availability are decisive factors for a successful seedling plantation.This highlights the impact of drought on forest plantations in northern Mongolia and the importance of developing climate resilient reforestation strategies.

The structure-directing role of heterologous seeds in the synthesis of zeolite

Zeolites have been widely used as catalysts,ion-exchangers,and adsorbents in chemical industries,detergent industry,steel industry,glass industry,ceramic industry,medical and healthfield,and environmentalfield,and recently applied in energy storage.Seed-assisted synthesis is a very effective approach in promoting the crystallization of zeolites.In some cases,the target zeolite cannot be formed in the absence of seed zeolite.In homologous seed-assisted synthesis,the structure of the seed zeolite is the same to that of the target zeolite,while the structure of the seed zeolite is different to that of the target zeolite in the heterologous seed-assisted synthesis.In this review,we briefly summarized the heterologous seed-assisted syntheses of zeolites and analyzed the structure-directing effect of heterologous seeds and surveyed the“common composite building units(CBUs)hypothesis”and the“common secondary building units(SBUs)hypothesis”.However,both hypotheses cannot explain all observations on the heterologous seed-assisted syntheses.Finally,we proposed that the formation of the target zeolite does need nuclei with the structure of target zeolite and the formation of the nuclei of the target zeolite can be promoted by either the undissolved seed crystals with the same CBUs or SBUs to the target zeolite or by the facilitated appropriate distribution of the specific building units due to the presence of the heterologous seed that does not have any common CBUs and SBUs with the target zeolite.

Pectin methylesterase inhibitors GhPMEI53 and AtPMEI19 improve seed germination by modulating cell wall plasticity in cotton and Arabidopsis

The germination process of seeds is influenced by the interplay between two opposing factors,pectin methylesterase(PME)and pectin methylesterase inhibitor(PMEI),which collectively regulate patterns of pectin methylesterification.Despite the recognized importance of pectin methylesterification in seed germination,the specific mechanisms that govern this process remain unclear.In this study,we demonstrated that the overexpression of GhPMEI53is associated with a decrease in PME activity and an increase in pectin methylesterification.This leads to seed cell wall softening,which positively regulates cotton seed germination.AtPMEI19,the homologue in Arabidopsis thaliana,plays a similar role in seed germination to GhPMEI53,indicating a conserved function and mechanism of PMEI in seed germination regulation.Further studies revealed that GhPMEI53 and AtPMEI19 directly contribute to promoting radicle protrusion and seed germination by inducing cell wall softening and reducing mechanical strength.Additionally,the pathways of abscicic acid(ABA)and gibberellin(GA)in the transgenic materials showed significant changes,suggesting that GhPMEI53/AtPMEI19-mediated pectin methylesterification serves as a regulatory signal for the related phytohormones involved in seed germination.In summary,GhPMEI53 and its homologs alter the mechanical properties of cell walls,which influence the mechanical resistance of the endosperm or testa.Moreover,they impact cellular phytohormone pathways(e.g.,ABA and GA)to regulate seed germination.These findings enhance our understanding of pectin methylesterification in cellular morphological dynamics and signaling transduction,and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the PME/PMEI gene superfamily in plants.

Explaining First-Year Seedling Survival from Quality Distributions of Bare-Root Seedlings and Microsites in Industrial Plantations

First-year seedling survival impacts all subsequent management planning in plantation forestry. Descriptive statistics of first-year seedling survival data from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) indicated that survival success reaches a plateau at between 79% - 85% under normal weather conditions. We provide an explanation for this plateau based on an analysis of seedling and microsite qualities involved in operational pine plantations by: 1) using a conceptual model demonstrating how variation in seedling quality and microsite quality interact to determine plantation survival, 2) presenting an example to characterize quality distributions of seedling and microsite qualities, and 3) comparing model outcomes based on measured distributions to realistic values of first-year survival. Simulation results indicated that consistent survival could result from random pairings of initial seedling and site quality distributions. LDAF data analysis indicated that 72% of seedlings were associated with the most frequent quality class that comprised seedlings with stem caliper between 3.2 to 4.7 mm and average stem height and volume of 25.75 cm and 3.43 cm3, respectively. Similarly, assessment of microsites at planting sites in Southeast Louisiana indicated that 48% of planted seedlings were associated with the most frequent microsite quality class which supported first-year height increment between 9 to 29 cm. Modelling of current operational practice indicated that using seedlings with larger caliper size would increase first year survival, but would result in higher establishment costs. The conceptual model could be modified to for use in other regions regardless of species types involved.

Salt Tolerance of <i>Xylocarpus mekongensis</i>Pierre: Survival and Growth of Seedlings, Nutrients and Carbon Distribution in Seedling Parts

Xylocarpus mekongensis Pierre is the important tree species of the Sundarbans. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salinity on the survival and growth of X. mekongensis seedlings. The distributional patterns of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and carbon in seedling parts were also examined in relation to salinity. Comparatively higher survival (95%) of seedlings was observed at non-saline to slightly saline conditions (0-5 PSU) and it was decreased to 78% at 35 PSU salinity. The relative growth rate (RGR) was higher at non-saline to slightly saline (0 to 5 PSU) conditions compared to higher salinity. Nutrients, sodium, and carbon concentration are found to vary significantly (p < 0.05) among the parts of seedlings. Comparatively (p < 0.05) highest concentration of nitrogen (20 to 34 mg/g), phosphorus (0.50 to 0.75 mg/g), potassium (9 to 27 mg/g) and sodium (7 to 36 mg/g) were found in leaves, while the highest concentration of carbon (42% to 45%) was detected in the stem. However, nitrogen, potassium, and carbon concentration in different parts of seedlings showed significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations with salinity levels. It can be concluded that X. mekongensis has the capacity to tolerate higher saline condition but they grow well in non-saline to less saline conditions.

Effect of Mulching and/or Watering on Soil Moisture for Growth and Survival of the Transplanted Tree Seedlings in Dry Period

Dry mulch, as soil moisture conservation techniques, is seldom practiced for growth and survival of transplanted tree seedlings in dry period in Eritrea. Field experiment was conducted at Halhale, Eritrea with Dry Hyparrhenia rufa, as a mulch, on a flat basin for growth and survival of seedlings of Grevillea robusta and Acacia polyacantha subspecies Campylacantha by involving four management practices: 1) mulching and watering basins (MW);2) no-mulching but watering basins (NMW);3) mulching but no-watering basins (MNW);4) no-mulching and no-watering basins (NMNW). The experimental design was CRD with three replications. MW and NMW were watered 180 litters (20 litters/month) but MNW and NMNW were not watered at all. Parameters such as soil moisture content of the basin, early growth performance of seedling and survival rate of the seedlings were studied. The result indicated that there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the treatment for soil moisture content and early growth performance of the seedlings. The average volumetric water content (VWC%) on 0 - 20 cm soil depth at the end of dry period of MW, NMW, MNW, and NMNW were 10.08%, 7.7%, 6.3% and 3.9% respectively. Mean height increment of seedlings of G. robusta of MW (100 cm), NMW (83.3 cm), MNW (31.5 cm) and NMNW (9 cm) were recorded, while the mean height increments of seedlings of A. polyacantha subsp. Campylacantha of MW (48 cm), NMW (25 cm), MNW (4.5 cm) and NMNW (3 cm) were recorded. The mean survival rate of G. robusta was 91.8% of which the highest (100%) survival rate was recorded under MW, NMW and MNW, but the lowest (66.7%) was recorded by NMNW. All seedlings of A. polyacanth subsp. Campylacantha were survived, irrespective of the treatments. The study concluded that soil moisture content, early growth performance of seedlings, and survival rate of transplanted tree seedling was improved by application of mulch.

Litter cover of the invasive tree <i>Melaleuca quinquenervia</i>influences seedling emergence and survival

Exotic tree Melaleuca quinquenervia (melaleuca) deposits large quantities of slowly decomposing litter biomass that accumulates over time and covers forest floors in its adventive habitats in Florida (USA). Herein, we assessed the influence of melaleuca litter cover, seed addition, and seeding date on seedling emergence and survival. The assessment was conducted by ma-nipulating litter cover and seed inputs of melaleuca and two native species at different dates in two soil types. Litter cover was either removed or left in place in organic and arenaceous soils within melaleuca stands. Each of the three treatment plots were seeded with melaleuca, wax myrtle or sawgrass, while the fourth plot was not seeded and served as the control. Seedlings were counted at 2-wk intervals to determine cumulative seedling emergence and survival during the experimental period. The experiment was repeated four times within a year. Soil type did not influence seedling emergence of all three species but influenced survival of wax myrtle. Litter removal increased the emergence of melaleuca, sawgrass, and wax myrtle and increased the survival of melaleuca. Seed addition increased the emergence and survival of sawgrass and wax myrtle but made no difference for melaleuca. Seeding during the periods of high soil moisture content had positive effects on the emergence and survival of melaleuca, wax myrtle, and sawgrass seedlings. These findings are deemed useful in planning active restoration for melaleuca invaded sites.

Targeted mutations of BnPAP2 lead to a yellow seed coat in Brassica napus L.

The yellow seed trait is preferred by breeders for its potential to improve the seed quality and commercial value of Brassica napus.In the present study,we produced yellow seed mutants using a CRISPR/Cas9 system when the two BnPAP2 homologs were knocked out.Histochemical staining of the seed coat demonstrated that proanthocyanidin accumulation was significantly reduced in the pap2 double mutants and decreased specifically in the endothelial and palisade layer cells of the seed coat.Transcriptomic and metabolite profiling analysis suggested that disruption of the BnPAP2 genes could reduce the expression of structural and regulated genes in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways.The broad suppression of these genes might hinder proanthocyanidin accumulation during seed development,and thereby causing the yellow seed trait in B.napus.These results indicate that BnPAP2 might play a vital role in the regulatory network controlling proanthocyanidin accumulation.

Influence of Nostoc entophytum and Tetracystis sp. on Winter Survival of Rapeseed

Bioassay results proved that several microalgae strains of the Mosonmagyaróvár Algal Culture Collection (MACC) enhanced plant growth, due to their hormone content and other secondary metabolites. The aim of the current research was to improve autumn growth and winter survival of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by treatment with two microalgae strains selected by bioassay results. Experimental plots were set up in Mosonmagyaróvár in 2010 and 2013. Winter rapeseed hybrid (B. napus L. cv. Orlando) plants were treated in 4-6 leaves stage with 0.3 g/L and 1 g/L suspensions of MACC-612 Nostoc entophytum Bornet & Flahault and MACC-430 Tetracystis sp. in middle of October. After the treatments, the following parameters were recorded: chlorophyll-a and b, carotenoid, dry matter content of leaves, average amount of autumn foliage, diameter of root collar, length of shoot tips, fresh and dry weight of root, and number of plants in autumn and spring. Both microalgae treatments significantly increased pigment concentration and dry matter content of leaves, number of fully grown leaves (13%-46%) and dry root weight (16%-36%). Treatments with 0.3 g/L and 1 g/L MACC-612 suspensions increased the length of shoot apices by 14%-18% and 25%-35%, respectively. Number of overwintered control plants decreased significantly in both years (31%), but there was no decrease in parcels treated with 1 g/L of MACC-612 and MACC-430. Microalgae treatments could increase plant growth and survival, which contributed to the significant increase of thousand seed weight (18%-25%) and total yield (by 10%-24%).

The Experiment Study of the Influence on Plant Seeds and Aquatic Biological Survival in High Altitude Environment

There is A certain foundation in this experiment. It was the second time we did this experiment. The purposes are three parts, first, explore the 30000~40000 meters high sky with two cameras recording the scene. The Second, find out whether the high sky condition(temperature, air pressure, cosmic ray) make influence on plants seeds. The third, text whether normal aquatic animal is able to survive in high sky. The conclusions are also three parts. It is important to set a deadline for my group member to finish the assignment, and also check their process, or they might delay their own part of work or they are not in charge of the work. As the leader, I should be thoughtful. Not only about members’ assignment, but also the details of their work, previously. Discuss about each task with group to ensure the correctness. Last but not least, every part of the experiment needs to be tested carefully. Only if we try our best to prevent accidents that might happen, then the experiment is able to success.