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Department of Plant Sciences

UC Davis

Genotypic variation in foliar nutrient concentrations, carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions in relation to tree growth of Pinus radiata

Abstract

Two trials established at contrasting sites with different soil nutrient and water availability at Balmoral in Canterbury and Aniseed Valley in Nelson, New Zealand were examined to (1) quantify the genotypic variation in foliar nutrient concentrations, δ13C and δ15N of 45 Pinus radiata genotypes in relation to tree growth and (2) determine the genotype by environment interactions for these traits. Significant genotypic differences were found in foliar nutrient concentrations, δ13C and δ15N. There were significant differences among the genotypes in tree growth, with some genotypes performing consistently better and some poorer across sites. The interaction of site by genotype was also highly significant for all growth variables and significant for some foliar nutrients (Ca, Mg and Mn). Significant correlations were found between growth variables and foliar nutrient concentrations or δ15N of the 45 genotypes at both sites. Stepwise multiple regression analyses of tree growth variables against foliar nutrient concentrations showed P, Fe, Mg, K, S and N at Aniseed Valley and δ15N, N, Mn and S at Balmoral contributed significantly (P < 0.05) to the models, respectively. This study indicated that foliar nutrient concentration and δ13C could be used as the potential indicators for screening Pinus radiata genotypes with better growth under the nutrient and moisture limiting conditions in New Zealand.

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