Moisture Stress Affects Root Regeneration and Early Growth of Red Oak Seedlings

Abstract

Abstract Dormant 1-0 northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) seedlings were planted in vermiculite and watered with graded polyethylene glycol 400 solutions of various osmotic potentials to simulate soil stress conditions. Seedlings did not regenerate new roots at -6 bars although some new shoots appeared on the lower part of the stems. Shoot growth, root growth, and number and diameter of vessels in the stem decreased as the osmotic potential of the soil solution decreased. Bud break was also delayed at low osmotic potentials. Forest Sci. 16:495-498.