Effect of trace elements on growth ofPinus tabulaeformis seedling

Abstract

The stimulative effect of trace elements on seed germination and seedling growth ofPinus tabulaeformis was tested. The experiments were carried out on seed soak and topdressing with different trace elements and varied concentrations at the nursery of Gardens Research Institute, Harbin, in 2000–2001. The experimental results showed that soaking seed with 1% and 0.2% concentrations of Mn element produced best result for seed germination, and the germination rate was increased by 9%–19% for the seeds treated with 1% concentration and 12%–14% for the seeds treated with 0.2% concentration compared with the control group. The seeds treated with boron element had lowest germination rate. For trace element topdressing, Mn and Mo elements presented good result for seedling growth and the treatment with low concentration was even better. The height or chlorophyll content of the seedlings with spray of low-concentration Mn and Mo element was much higher than that of untreated ones. In the contrast to the treating method of seed soak, topdressing (application of spraying on foliage) had evident effect on seedling growth.

Keywords

Pinus tabulaeformis / Trace element / Seed soaking / Topdressing / Seed germination / Seedling growth / S791.254.05 / A