Use of unhardened seedlings has, in the past, led to large-scale plantation failures and a backlog of unregenerated areas. More than a million conifer seedlings are planted each year in Canada. Survival rates vary but an average of one-third of outplanted seedlings may not survive the establishment phase. Seedling performance depends on the inherent potential of a species and highly plastic, thrifty seedlings that can adjust to the extreme stresses found on exposed planting sites in the boreal forest region.
Ecophysiological research considers the mutual relationships between plants and their environment.
The following provides examples of recent research projects conducted by the physiology group. The use of antioxidant, hardening and other treatments can improve hydraulic conductivity and decrease membrane leakage when plants are exposed to environmental stress. Modelling plant responses to a changing environment - families and genotypes are stressed to determine which plant factors most limit growth. Use of seed treatment with antioxidants - oxidative stress arises from free radicle formation, which is initiated by environment stress. We are testing the hypothesis that conifer seedlings can be 'immunized' to enhance their tolerance of stress through the use of synthetic and natural antioxidants.