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Variations in response to induced stem bending in seedlings of Pinus radiata

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Summary

The occurrence of stem deformation in Pinus radiata plantations has been examined previously in terms of the factors leading to the onset of bending symptoms. In this study the influence of seedling family and nitrogen availability on the ability of seedlings to recover from deformation was investigated under glasshouse conditions. Seedlings from four families ranging from resistant to susceptible to stem deformation were used. Stem deformation was induced by loading stems with a known weight and comparing bending moments and rates of recovery. Significant differences between families were found with more susceptible families exhibiting greater initial magnitudes of stem lean. Similarly these families also exhibited greater rates of apical elongation following bending despite the larger stem leans. This resulted in more exaggerated stem bends as a consequence of the recovery of the lower stem pushing the upper stem away from the vertical. The strength characteristics of the stems could not explain differences between families. Susceptibility to stem deformation was explained more by stem slenderness expressed as stem height to root collar diameter.

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Author notes

  1. G. M. Downes

    Present address: CSIRO Division of Forest Products, Bayview Avenue, 3168, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

  2. N. D. Turvey

    Present address: Fortech, Anutech Crt., GPO Box 4, 2601, Canberra, ACT, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forestry Section, University of Melbourne, 3363, Creswick, Victoria, Australia

    G. M. Downes & N. D. Turvey

  2. Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Melbourne, 3052, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    G. A. Moore

Authors
  1. G. M. Downes
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  2. G. A. Moore
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  3. N. D. Turvey
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Downes, G.M., Moore, G.A. & Turvey, N.D. Variations in response to induced stem bending in seedlings of Pinus radiata . Trees 8, 151–159 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00196639

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00196639

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