Journal of Environmental Biology

Effects of ?short? photoperiods on seedling growth of Pinus brutia

Author Details

V. Iakovoglou

Department of Forestry and Management of the Natural Environment, TEI Kabalas, Drama 66100,

Greece

K. Radoglou

(Corresponding author)

Forest Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Foundation, Vassilika 57006, Thessaloniki,?

Greece

e-mail: radoglou@fri.gr

P. Kostopoulou

Forest Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Foundation, Vassilika 57006, Thessaloniki,

Greece

O. Dini-Papanastasi

Forest Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Foundation, Vassilika 57006, Thessaloniki,

Greece

Publication Data

Paper received:

13 August 2010

Revised received:

08 February 2011

Accepted:

16 February 2011

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? under the 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.

Key words

Afforestation, Pinus brutia, Reforestation, Short photoperiod ?

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