Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho, United States
This study investigated the effects of drought preconditioning on the cold hardiness of two Douglas-fir genotypes in the Idaho Rocky Mountains. Seedlings subjected to extreme drought for two months and moderate stress for three months exhibited increased cold hardiness. These findings have implications for forest health, regeneration, nursery production.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the factors that influence the drought and cold resistance of tree seedlings and determine ways to develop more resilient seedlings that can tolerate extreme climate conditions.
Evaluate the use of the freeze-induced electrolyte leakage test for detecting freeze-damage to plant tissue.
Apply research findings into forest management methods and seedling nursery production in support of reforestation projects.
