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Seed germination, seedling inoculation and establishment ofAlnus spp. in containers in greenhouse trials

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Abstract

Methods for production of containerized seedlings ofAlnus species were developed which permit nitrogen-fixing nodules to form on the root systems prior to outplanting, in order to provide an early nitrogen input during seedling establishment. The methods are based on procedures for inoculating root systems with suspensions ofFrankia (Actinomycetales), applied either directly in the container cell as a soil drench at the time of seeding, or as a root dip for seedlings transplanted into the containers. Germination of dried, stored seed was enhanced by light and by presoaking for 16 h in water. Pretreatments to overcome seed dormancy or to eliminate fungal pathogens did not further enhance germination. Some loss of seedlings was recorded in the early stages of growth shortly after germination, which is a factor in calculating projected seedling yield. Nodulation and seedling growth were evaluated in terms of growth media characteristics. Seedlings performed well in peat-vermiculite, at soil pH between 5.5 and 8.0.

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Author notes

  1. Alison M. Berry

    Present address: Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of California, 95616, Davis, CA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Massachusetts, 01003, Amherst, MA, USA

    Alison M. Berry & John G. Torrey

  2. Cabot Foundation, Harvard University, 01366, Petersham, MA, USA

    Alison M. Berry & John G. Torrey

Authors
  1. Alison M. Berry
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  2. John G. Torrey
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Berry, A.M., Torrey, J.G. Seed germination, seedling inoculation and establishment ofAlnus spp. in containers in greenhouse trials. Plant Soil 87, 161–173 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02277657

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