Variation in performance of beech saplings of 7 European provenances under shade and full light conditions

Abstract

The use of beech seedlings from South-East European and North-West (NW) provenances for underplanting in coniferous forests in North-West Europe was investigated by means of experimental shading. The effects of this treatment on survival, morphology, phenology, physiology and growth were analysed by applying an individual plant growth model integrating these aspects. It was concluded that plant performance under full-light conditions are representative of shaded conditions, so good performing provenances can be selected in a field situation. It was further concluded that good performing South-East European seedlings can be used in North-West European conditions. The modelling results indicated an interesting trade-off between height growth and biomass increase and different provenances show different strategies. This allows selection of suitable provenances for specific situations, e.g. when beech seedlings need to compete with other plant species in the understorey