Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

A Simple Planting Technique for Re-establishing Trees Where Frequent Inundation Occurs
Published on: January 26, 2018
Root growth potential, seedling morphology and bud dormancy correlate with survival of loblolly pine seedlings
H S Larsen1, D B South, J M Boyer
1School of Forestry and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
Abstract:
First-year survival of December-planted loblolly pine seedlings sampled from 20 nurseries ranged from 36 to 86%. Various characteristics of the seedlings including root growth potential (RGP), shoot/root ratio, root weight and stem length were correlated with survival. A regression model using the number of new roots >/= 0.5 cm and the shoot/root ratio accounted for 80% of the variation in first-year survival. Alone, the number of new roots >/= 0.5 cm accounted for 76% of the variation in survival. Foliar nutrients were not correlated with survival. Seedlings with a high proportion of quiescent buds at planting had a higher RGP and better survival than seedlings with dormant (endodormant) buds. The data suggest that seedlings with dormant buds should not be planted on sites where rapid new root growth is needed for survival.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Meristems and Plant Growth
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots

