Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Environmental Horticulture

Volume

12

Issue

2

Publisher

Horticultural Research Institute

Publication Date

6-1-1994

First Page

96

Last Page

99

Abstract

Following transplanting we monitored growth and water relations over two years in Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioica (L.) C. Koch) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.). Field-grown, well-established tress transplanted in place were compared to non-transplanted control trees. Predawn water potential was measured twice each month for two growing seasons, as well as midday stomatal conductance and water potential. Shoot elongation, leaf size, diameter growth, and total leaf area were determined both years. Less total leaf area as a result of transplanting apparently moderated total tree transpiration in both species. Reduced tree transpiration allowed stomatal conductance and predawn water potential to reach levels equal to non-transplanted tress in both species during peridos of high rainfall. During low-rainfall periods water relations of transplanted Kentucky coffee tree (KCT) declined more than silver maple (MAP) relative to the control trees. Compared to non-transplanted trees, transplanting reduced growth of KCT more than that of MAP the first year. In the second year, when growing season rainfall was less than half of the first year, the relative effect of transplanting on growth of the two species was reversed, indicating that KCT was more drought tolerant. These results suggested that deciduous balled-and-burlapped trees transplanted while dormant self-regulated water loss by reducing transpiring leaf area the following growing season

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