Growth and biomass allocation of Eusideroxylon Zwageri T and B (belian) seedlings to different light regimes
1995
Hamsawi Sani | Dayang Awa Abang Lingkeu | Siti Rubiah Zainudin
A preliminary study on growth of potted Eusideroxylon zwageri T and B (belian) seedlings to different light regimes, showed that shading significantly influenced the seedling growth, biomass production and allocation compared to the controls (100% RLI). There was however, no significant differences among the different relative light intensities (except for height growth in 20% RLI). The best growth after the 54th week was attained at 20% RLI with 8.9 +-0.2 mm mean collar diameter, 68.6 +- 2.6 cm mean height and producing 25.5 +- 1.4 number of leaves and 6.5 +- 0.2 branches. Seedlings grown under direct sunlight (100%RLI) showed poor growth with smaller diameter, lesser and smaller leaves. Moreover 20% pf these seedlings were dead after one year. The maximum biomass production was attained at 60% RLI with 31.6 +- 2.1 root biomass and 38.4 +- 1.2 top biomass. Seedlings grown under sheds produced a more balanced growth, while those grown under direct sun showed poor shoot growth as indicated by high root-shoot ratio (1.2). The study indicated that the amount of light received by belian seedlings during the initial growth is one of the limiting factors. This has a great bearing on the amount light reaching the forest floor after canopy opening created by the present silvicultural treatment in Malaysia forest. The study could also suggest the appropriate plantation establishment technique if belian is to be considered for plantation species in the future.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Universiti Putra Malaysia