article id 1266,
category
Research article
Highlights:
Using cumulative germination data, thermal time models were developed for Betula pendula; Models indicated varying degrees of dormancy and pre-chill requirements among provenances; Thermal time parameters were used with climatic data to predict germination times under mild and cold winters in southern England; Predictions suggest that pre-chilled French seeds would germinate about six weeks later than the fastest germinating provenance.
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Climate predictions indicate that growing conditions may become unfavourable for certain tree species in parts of Britain. Guidelines suggest some planting of seed sources from regions between 2° and 5° south of those currently used as part of a climate change adaptation strategy. However, there has been little research on the benefits and risks associated with the use of planting stock from more southerly seed sources. Seeds of five provenances of the ‘relatively’ dormant Betula pendula were germinated over a range of temperatures both with and without a pre-chill. Subsequently, a thermal time model was used to predict the impact of migrating these provenances to southern England. Results identified geographical differences in germination response; those from higher latitude were more sensitive to pre-chill.
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Midmore,
Forest Research Agency, Alice Holt, Surrey. Current: Dolwyddelan, Llandre, Ceredigion, Wales, SY24 5BZ
E-mail:
emidmore@gmail.com
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McCartan,
Forest Research, Alice Holt, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH, UK
E-mail:
shelagh.mccartan@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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Jinks,
Forest Research, Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH, UK
E-mail:
richard.jinks@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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Cahalan,
Bangor University, School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, LL57 2UW
E-mail:
c.m.cahalan@bangor.ac.uk