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Leaf area reduction and transplant timing for the use of seedlings from understorey in forest restoration

The use of seedlings from natural regeneration has been recommended as an strategy for seedlings production aiming at forest restoration but many of its technical aspects still need to be scientifically investigated. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of leaf area reduction and immediate transplant on the survival and growth of seedlings of native tree species obtained from a naturally regenerating forest. Esenbeckia leiocarpa (Rutaceae), Eugenia ligustrina (Myrtaceae) and Maytenus salicifolia (Celastraceae) seedlings, obtained from a secondary remnant of semideciduous seasonal forest in Bofete-SP, Brazil, were extracted from the ground and submitted to one of the following treatments: I) 50% area reduction of each leaf and immediate transplant; II) no leaf area reduction and immediate transplant; III) 50% area reduction of each leaf, maintenance of the seedling in water and transplant 24h after harvest; IV) no leaf area reduction, maintenance of the seedling in water and transplant 24h after seedlings harvest. The seedlings were evaluated according to their survivorship and height over a eight month period. Results evidenced that neither leaf area reduction nor maintenance of seedling in container with water for 24 hours before transplant affected the evaluated parameters. Thus, leaf area reduction and immediate transplant to pots are unnecessary procedures for use in forest nurseries when seedlings are obtained from naturally regenerating forests.

Nursery; Seedling production and Seedling physiology


Sociedade de Investigações Florestais Universidade Federal de Viçosa, CEP: 36570-900 - Viçosa - Minas Gerais - Brazil, Tel: (55 31) 3612-3959 - Viçosa - MG - Brazil
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