Evaluation of Electrical Techniques to Determine Lifting Time for Hardwood Planting Stock
Abstract. A convenient, fast, non-destructive methodis needed for evaluating seedling fitness for lifting and storage. Measuring certain electrical charcteristics of plant tissue appears to have these attributes. However, our research with the oscilloscope technique, dormancy meter, and resistance to pulsed direct current has shown that all three methods in their present form have serious problems and limitations. None of the methods were substantiated by experimental verification of dormancy status of seedlings. Several factors were identified and quantified that substantially influence instrument readings. Excessive variability from these factors and from attempts to measure changes in seedling physiology over time greatly reduce the accuracy of predictions. We conclude that the three methods tested are not presently suitable for quantifying the dormancy status or predicting the physiological fitness of nursery stock for lifting.
Download this file:
Download this file
—
PDF document,
2272Kb
Details
Author(s): W. J. Rietveld, R. B. Williams, D. J. Polak
Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 1982
Event:
Northeastern Area Nurserymen's Conference
1982 - Halifax, NS
