Water relations, root growth potential and plant survival of cold stored Pinus radiata D. Don seedlings

We have investigated the effect of storage conditions (duration: 1, 8 or 15 days; temperature: 4 degreesC or 10 degreesC; and root characteristics: bareroot (BR) or soil-plugged root (PR) on the water status, electrolyte leakage and root growth potential (number of new roots and new root length) of radiata pine seedlings. We have also examined its effects on plant quality and field performance and their usefulness for detect physiological damage to seedlings affecting plant quality and vitality. Our data show that storage conditions influence the ability of radiata pine seedlings to initiate and elongate new roots. The effect was more pronounced in bareroot seedlings than in seedlings with soil around roots, pointing out that the rooting-plug medium provides protection against the desiccation. The water potential at the time of transplanting is a reliable predictor of the ability to generate new roots.