Dynamic response of stress resistance physiological and anatomical characteristics of Korean pine seedlings in the death process under different stressors

Abstract

In temperate forests, seedlings of Pinus koraiensis face multiple stressors such as drought, waterlogging and excessive fertilization, yet the physiological pathways leading to mortality remain poorly understood. Here, we subjected 7-year-old seedlings to three independent stress treatments and continuously monitored water relations, photosynthetic performance, anatomical traits and oxidative indicators over a 3-month period. Drought caused the most severe damage, characterized by rapid water loss, chlorophyll degradation and elevated oxidative stress, while waterlogging triggered hypoxia adaptations and xylem remodeling. Excessive fertilization induced moderate but persistent oxidative imbalance. Principal component analysis identified root water content, needle Malonaldehyde (MDA), and root proline as key variables that best represented stress intensity and injury progression. These findings reveal distinct stress-specific physiological trajectories and structural adjustments. Monitoring these core indicators offers an efficient diagnostic approach to assess seedling stress status and identify potential causes of mortality. The proposed physiological framework provides practical guidance for irrigation, drainage and genotype selection, contributing to improved resilience of conifer regeneration under climate change.

Keywords

Pinus koraiensis / Drought / Waterlogging / High fertilizer / Dynamic physiological responses

References

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