Effects of Water Supply on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Quercus franchetii

Abstract:

The effects of water supply on seed germination, seedling morphology, and biomass allocation of Quercus franchetii were studied. The results showed that water supply affected significantly the seed germination of Q. franchetii. With increment of water supply, the germination rate, germination index, germination time, and germination duration of seeds increased, but germination time lag and coefficient of germination rate decreased. All of seedlings could survive under water supply of 4-12 mm per times. However, the accruements of seedling growth and biomass accumulation rate of Q. franchetii reduced with decreasing water supply. Meantime, water supply level had significant effects on biomass allocation of seedlings. The ratio of root-to-shoot of seedlings declined substantially with increment of water supply. Under low water supply, seedlings could transport photosynthates from leaves to belowground for increasing root-to-shoot ratio.

Key words:Dry-hot valley; Quercus franchetii; Water supply; Seed germination; Seedling growth