Predictability of Shoot Length from Bud Size in <i>Pinus</i><i>resinosa</i> Ait.

Abstract

Bud diameter, bud length, and shoot length varied widely in different shoot locations of 8-year-old Pinusresinosa trees. Over all locations and shoots within each tree, bud diameter and bud length, bud diameter and shoot length, and bud length and shoot length were highly correlated. Bud length was a better index than bud diameter of final shoot length. Over all trees and shoots within each location, the correlations between (1) bud diameter and bud length, (2) bud diameter and shoot length, or (3) bud length and shoot length were higher in upper whorl branches than in the terminal leader. Bud diameter and bud length were better indicators of shoot growth for upper whorl branches than for lower whorl branches or the terminal leader.