title: Effects of "short" photoperiods on seedling growth of Pinus brutia.
abstract: This study investigated how nurseries could benefit by inducing "short" photoperiods as low as 4 hr to produce "better" seedlings characterized by more vigorous roots; a substantial feature to overcome transplanting stress. The carryover effect of the photoperiod was also investigated on seedlings that grew for 30 days more underthe consistent 14 hr photoperiod. Seedlings of Pinus brutia were subjected to 4, 6, 8 and 14 hr photoperiod for 3 week. Fifteen seedlings were used to evaluate the leaf area, the root and shoot dry weight and their ratio. Six and sixteen seedlings were used to evaluate the shoot electrolyte leakage and the root growth potential, respectively. Based on the results, the 6 and 8 hr photoperiod indicated greater root allocation (4.8 and 4.9 mg, respectively) and chlorophyll content (3.7 and 4.4, respectively). They also indicated greater leaf area values (3.3 and 3.5 cm2, respectively) along with the 14 hr (3.4 cm2). The photoperiod effect continued even after seedlings were subjected at consistent photoperiod. Overall, "short" photoperiods could provide "better" P. brutia seedlings to accommodate immediate massive reforestation and afforestation needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forestry and Management of the Natural Environment, TEI Kabalas, Drama 66100, Greece.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Iakovoglou
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Radoglou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kostopoulou
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Dini-Papanastasi
mesh_terms: D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000378:metabolism; D008027:Light; D017440:Photoperiod; D028223:Pinus / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D036226:Seedlings / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002734:Chlorophyll