SUGAR FEEDING ENHANCES ROOT VIGOR OF YOUNG TREES FOLLOWING CONTAINERIZATION

SUGAR FEEDING ENHANCES ROOT VIGOR OF YOUNG TREES FOLLOWING CONTAINERIZATION

Percival, Glynn C

Abstract. The influence of sugar (sucrose) applied as a root drench at 25, 50, or 70 g (0.9, 1.8, or 2.7 oz) per liter of water on root and shoot vigor, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic rates, and chlorophyll content in silver birch (Betula pendula), red oak (Quercus rubra), cherry, (Prunus avium), and rowan, (Sorbus aucuparia) was investigated. In silver birch, cherry, and red oak, applications of sugar ≤ 50 g (1.8 oz) per liter of water significantly enhanced root vigor (root length, number of new roots formed, root dry weight) by week 12. Applications of sugar at 70 g (2.7 oz) per liter of water had no significant effect on root vigor except in silver birch where root dry weight at the cessation of the experiment was significantly improved. Irrespective of species, no significant effects on tree vitality as measured by leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic rates, and chlorophyll concentrations were recorded. Effects on shoot growth were variable with a significant enhancement recorded in some, but not all, of the test species. Results indicate application of sugars as a soil drench may be able to aid in the establishment of newly planted trees by improving root vigor post transplanting.

Key Words. Urban trees; carbohydrates; resource allocation; gene expression; transplant shock; Betula pendula; Quercus rubra; Prunus avium; Sorbus aucuparia.

It has long been accepted that drought-related problems are often responsible for poor growth and deaths of newly planted urban trees (Davies 1998). As little as 5% of a tree’s root system may be moved with a tree following lifting from the nursery bed, in turn significantly reducing the root: shoot ratio and consequently the tree’s ability to uptake sufficient water and nutrients for survival of the newly expanding leaf canopy in spring. This leads to water stress, resulting in “transplant shock” that may be characterized by reduced shoot growth, branch dieback, and, ultimately tree death. Although tree root systems can be manipulated to reduce the effects of transplant shock by increasing the amount of root to be transplanted by, for example, root pruning, pulling out of the ground (wrenching), or undercutting in the nursery, the effects of these techniques are inconsistent, and a high proportion of the root system may still be lost in the lifting process (Percival and Gerritsen 1998; Davies et al. 2002)

A number of factors have been associated with transplant shock; however, it is now widely believed that survival of newly planted trees is largely dependent on rapid extension of roots that absorb water to replenish transpirational water loss and reduce water stress (Gilberison and Bradshaw 1990; Watson and Himelick 1997). Ideally an inexpensive, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly compound that can be applied to a tree’s root system post-planting to stimulate root vigor and restore the root:shoot ratio is required.

Previous research has sludied alterations to plant growth and development in the presence of high and low concentrations of carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen (Hall and Rao 1999). Surprisingly, the influence of sugar feeding (the end product of photosynthesis) on plant physiological processes has received little scientific investigation. Of the limited literature available, supplementing root systems with sugar in the form of sucrose has been shown to affect root metabolism by significantly increasing lateral root branching and root formation in wheat and barley (Bingham and Stevenson 1993; Bingham et al. 1997; 1998). Work elsewhere (Fuchs 1986) also demonstrated that root regeneration of Rosa multiflora ‘Kanagawa’ was improved more by application of sucrose/auxin combinations compared to auxins alone. This finding indicates that the growth pattern of trees may be altered in favor of enhanced root formation by treating them during or immediately after transplanting with sugar, potentially offering a system for reducing tree mortalities due to transplant shock.

As a prerequisite to larger tree studies, the objectives of this investigation, using small potted trees, were to (1) evaluate the influence of sugar (sucrose) on root and shoot vigor, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis, and leaf chlorophyll concentrations of four tree species following containerization to simulate transplant conditions; and (2) evaluate three application rates, 25, 50, or 70 g (0.9, 1.8, or 2.7 oz) sugar per liter of water, on those responses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment used 4-year-old, cell-grown stock of four commonly planted urban tree species, Betula pendula (silver birch), Quercus rub m (red oak), Prunus avium, (cherry), and Sarbus aucuparia, (rowan) approximately 45 cm (18 in.) high, ± 4.5 cm (1.8 in.), obtained from a commercial supplier. Six months prior to experiments (early November), trees were potted into 4.5 L (1 gal.) plastic pots filled with soil [loamy texture, 24% clay, 45% silt, 31% sand, 3.1% organic carbon, pH 6.6, supplemented with the controlled release nitrogen-based (N:P:K 20:8:8) fertilizer ‘Enmag’ (Salisbury House, Weyside Park, Goldmar, Surrey, UK) at a rate of 1 g/kg (0.04 oz/36 oz) soil]. Following potting, trees remained outdoors subject to natural environmental conditions and watered as required. In early March, trees were moved to a polythene tunnel to protect against possible spring frosts. As soon as the initial symptoms of budburst were observed (i.e., leaf emergence, mid-April), trees were placed under glasshouse conditions [22°C ± 2°C (72°F ± 3.6°F)] and supplemented with 400W, high-pressure sodium lamps (SON/T) providing a photoperiod of 16 h light/8 h dark and minimum 250 µmol m^sup -2^s^sup -1^ photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at the tree crown. Sugar feeding commenced in early May when all species were in full leaf. Root drenches of sucrose, obtained from a local supermarket, at a concentration of either 25, 50, or 70 g (0.9, 1.8, or 2.7 oz) sugar per liter ofwater were applied. Each tree received 0.5 L (17 oz) of sugar solution at day 7 and 21 following leaf expansion. A sugar solution of 0.5 L was deemed sufficient to fully saturate the soil because, at that amount, solution was observed emerging from drainage holes. During the period between days 7 and 21 under glass, trees were watered as required (day 11 and 17). Watering with water only served as the control. After day 21 (late May), trees were returned outdoors and subject to natural weather conditions until the cessation of the experiment at week 12. Climatic conditions from day 21 to week 12 were recorded. Mean minimum and maximum air temperatures were 7.4°C (44.5°F) and 28.4°C (83°F), respectively. Daily relative humidity, sunshine hours, and rainfall were 79.7%, 9.45 h, and 2.56 cm (1.02 in.), respectively. The soil surface temperature was 2.4°C (37°F), and soil temperatures at 20 cm (8 in.) depth averaged 8.8°C (48°F) (Reading University Meteorological Department, Whiteknights, Reading, UK). Experiments were undertaken in 2001 and repeated in 2002 using six trees per treatment. Climatic data represents mean of both 2001 and 2002 trials. Under both glasshouse and outdoor conditions, the experimental design used was completely randomized, and trees were re-randomized on a weekly basis.

At weeks 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after sugar treatments, leaves were adapted to darkness for 30 min by attaching light-exclusion clips to the leaf surface, and chlorophyll fluorescence was measured using a HandyPEA portable fluorescence spectrometer (Hansatech Instruments Ltd., King’s Lynn, UK). Measurements were recorded up to 1 s with a data acquisition rate of 10 µs for the first 2 ms and of 1 ms thereafter. The fluorescence responses were induced by a red (peak at 650 nm) light of 1500 µmol m^sup -2^s^sup -1^ photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity provided by an array of six light-emitting diodes. The ratio of variable (Fv = Fm-Fo) to maximal (Fm) fluorescence (i.e., Fv/Fm where Fo = minimal fluorescence) of dark-adapted leaves were used to quantify any effects on leaf tissue. Fv/Fm is considered a quantitative measure of the maximal or potential photochemical efficiency or optimal quantum yield of photosystem 11 (Willits and Peet 2001). Likewise, Fv/Fm values are the most popular index used as a measure of plant vitality and early diagnostic of stress (Meinander et al. 1996).

Leaf chlorophyll content was measured at the midpoint of the leaf next to the main leaf vein using a Minolta chlorophyll meter SPAD-502. Calibration was obtained by measurement of absorbance at 663 and 645 nm in a spectrophotometer (PU8800 Pye Unicam) after extraction with 80% v/v aqueous acetone (regression equation = 5.80 + 0.057x; r^sup 2^adj = 0.82, P =

At the first sampling date, five leaves per tree were used for chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content measurements randomly selected throughout the crown. Leaves were then tagged to ensure only the same leaf was measured repeatedly throughout the experimental period.

The light-induced CO2 fixation (Pn) was measured in pre-darkened (20 min), fully expanded leaves from near the top of the canopy (generally about number four counting down from the apex) using an infrared gas analyzer (LCA-2 ADC). The irradiance on the leaves was 700 to 800 mol m^sup -2^ photosynthetically active radiation saturating with respect to Pn; the velocity of the airflow was 1 mL s^sup -1^ cm^sup -2^ (0.4 in^sup -2^) of leaf area. Calculation of the photosynthetic rates was carried out according to von Caemmerer and Farquhar (1981). Readings were taken at weeks 3, 6, and 12. Two leaves per tree were selected for measurements.

Although new leaf formation was observed in all species between weeks 6 and 7 post sugar application, no measurements of newly formed leaf tissue were made.

At the conclusion of the experiment (week 12), trees were destructively harvested. Leaf, shoot, and root dry weight were recorded after oven drying at 85°C (185°F) for 48 h. Leaf areas were quantified using a Delta-T area meter. Compost was gently removed from the root system by washing with water through a 4 mm (0.2 in.) screen. The number of new white roots larger than 1 cm (0.4 in.) was counted as a measure of the root growth potential (RGP), and the root length (the straight line distance from the trunk to the furthest root tip) was measured.

Effects of sugar feeding on chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll concentrations as measures of tree vitality, growth, and any significant interactions between sugar and species were determined by both two- and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) following checks for normality and equal variance distributions. Differences between treatment means were separated by the least significance difference (LSD) at the 95% confidence level (P > 0.05) using the Genstat V program. Based on Students t-test, treatment effects on tree vitality and growth of each species did not significantly differ between years; consequently, values represent pooled data for both 2001 and 2002 experiments.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Tree Vitality

Irrespective of species and concentration of sugar applied, no significant improvements in tree vitality as assessed by leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic rates, and chlorophyll content were recorded (Figures 1, 2, and 3*). Fluorescence values for all four species ranged from 0.6 to 0.8, photosynthetic rates from 5 to 8 CO2 µmol m^sup -2^ s^sup -1^, and leaf chlorophyll content from 40 to 80 mg/g fresh weight. Significant improvements in tree growth (P

In three of the four test species (cherry, red oak, rowan), lowest fluorescence values, photosynthetic rates, and leaf chlorophyll content were recorded following application of sugar at 70 g (2.7 oz) per liter of water (Figure 1). No significant improvements in virtually all growth parameters at this concentration also indicate that sugars applied at 70 g per liter have little benefit in reducing transplant shock (Table 1). Application of sugars at high concentrations can result in osmotic stress that can prove detrimental to tree growth (Salisbury and Ross 1985). Initiation of osmotic stress at a sugar concentration of 70 g per liter of water may account for the nonsignificant effects recorded in this investigation in three of the four test species.

Effect of Sugars on Root and Leaf Growth

Root vigor was significantly affected by sugar feeding (Table 2). Applications of sugar as a root drench at 25 and 50 g (0.9 and 1.8 oz) per liter of water significantly increased (P

Alterations in gene expression to influence carbon remobilization in favor of root over leaf growth would account for no significant increases in leaf area recorded in this investigation and the majority of nonsignificant effects on leaf dry weight in all test species (Table 1). Differences in carbon remobilization between root and leaf tissue would also enhance the root:shoot ratio-a response recorded in birch and red oak (P

Effect of Sugars on Shoot Growth

The effects of sugars on shoot dry weight are variable and inconsistent. Applications of sugars had no significant effect on shoot dry weight of rowan, irrespective of concentration. In the case of birch and cherry, only applications of sugar at 25 and 50 g (0.9 and 1.8 oz) per liter of water significantly enhanced (P

In conclusion, applications of sugars at 25 and 50 g (0.9 and 1.8 oz) per liter of water improved root vigor of the majority of trees tested and may be useful in reducing transplant shock in landscape plantings. Although further studies are required to understand the mechanistic basis by which improvements in root vigor occurred, sugar feeding may be an area worthy of further research given the fact that sugars are water soluble, nontoxic, environmentally safe, and inexpensive to purchase.

Zusammenfassung. Der Einfluß von Zucker, appliziert als Wurzeldirektgabe mit 25 (0.9), 50 (1.8) und 70 g (2.7 oz) pro Liter Wasser auf die Wurzel- und Triebenergie, Blattchlorophyllfluoreszenz, Photosyntheserate und Chlorophyllgehalt in (Betula pendula (Quercus rubra, (Prunus avium) und, (Sorbus aucuparia) untersucht. In Silberbirke, Kirsche und Roteiche verstärkte die Applikation von Zucker mit ≤ 50 g (1.8 oz) pro Liter Wasser nach 12 Wochen deutlich die Energie der Wurzeln (Länge, Anzahl neugeformter Wurzeln, Wurzeltrockengewicht). Die Applikationen von 70 g (2.7 oz) Zucker/Liter Wasser hatten keinen signifikanten Effekt auf die Wurzeln, mit Ausnahme der Silberbirke, wo sich das Wurzeltrockengewicht am Ende des Experiments deutlich gesteigert hatte. Unabhängig von der Art wurden keine signifikanten Effekte auf die Baumvitalität aufgezeichnet. Die Einflüsse auf das Triebwachstum variierten mit einer deutlichen Verbesserung in einigen, aber nicht allen getesteten Arten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß eine Applikation von Zucker auf die Wurzeln möglicherweise eine Hilfe sein kann, neue Gehölze am Standort zu etablieren und Wurzelwachstum nach der Verpflanzung anzuregen.

Resumen. Se investigó la influenda del azúcar (sucrosa) aplicada en las raíces a 25, 50 y 70 g por litro de agua para mejorar el vigor de raíces y brotes, fluorescencia de clorofila, tasa fotosintética y contenido de clorofila, en abedul (Betula pendula), encino rojo (Quercus rubra), cerezo (Prunus avium) y rowan (Sorbus aucupana). Aplicaciones de ≤ 50 g (1.8 oz) de azúcarcar por litro de agua en abedul, cerezo y encino elevaron significativamente el vigor de las raíces (expresado en longitud, cantidad de nuevas raíces y peso seco) por doce semanas. Aplicaciones de azúcarcar a 70 g (2.7 oz) por litro de agua no tuvieron efecto significativo en el vigor de las raíces, excepto en abedul donde el peso seco de las raíces al cesar el experimento fue significativamente mejorado. Independientemente de las especies, ningún efecto significativo sobre la vitalidad de los árboles fue medido para fluorescencia de clorofila, tasas fotosintéticas y concentraciones de clorofila. Los efectos sobre el crecimiento de los brotes fueron variables con una elevación significativa en algunas, pero no en todas las especies de prueba. Los resultados indican que la aplicación de azúcares como mejoradores de raices puede ser capaz de ayudar al establecimiento de nuevos árboles plantados para mejorar el vigor de las raices después del trasplante.

Résumé, L’influence de sucres (sucrose) appliqués par trempage des racines à des taux de 25, 50 et 70 g/litre d’eau a été étudiée en regard de la vigueur sur les racines et les pousses, de la fluorescence de la chlorophylle foliaire, des taux de photosynthèse et du contenu en chlorophylle chez le bouleau pleureur (Betula pendula), le chêne rouge (Quercus rubra), le cerisier (Prunus avium) et le sorbier des oiseaux (Sorbus aucuparia). Chez le bouleau pleureur, le cerisier et le chêne rouge, les applications de sucres de d” 50 g/L d’eau ont significativement améliorées la vigueur des racines (longueur des racines, nombre de nouvelles racines, masse racinaire sèche) à la 12^sup e^ semaine. Les applications de sucres de 70 g/L d’eau n’ont eu aucun effet significatif sur la vigueur des racines, à l’exception du bouleau pleureur où la masse racinaire sèche à la fin de l’expérience était significativement améliorée. Peu importe l’espèce, aucun effet significatif n’a été observé sur la vitalité de l’arbre lorsque mesuré au moyen de la fluorescence de la chlorophylle foliaire, des taux de photosynthèse et des concentrations chlorophylliennes. Les effets sur la croissance des pousses étaient variables, avec une amélioration significative observée sur certains tests d’espèces. Les résultats indiquent que l’application de sucres par trempage des racines peut être utile pour favoriser le rétablissement d’espèces d’arbres nouvellement plantés en améliorant la vigueur des racines post-transplantation.

* Figures for this article appear on pp. 362-363.

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Acknowledgments. The author is grateful for funding from the TREE Fund (Hyland Johns Grant).

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