Needle-clipping of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) can increase seedling survival while reducing transpiration and root growth potential

Abstract

Clipping needles of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) prior to transplanting has been shown to increase seedling
survival but the mechanism for this effect is not well documented. A greenhouse trial was conducted to examine the
effect of clipping needles on transpiration, root-growth potential (RGP) and seedling survival. Clipping longleaf pine
needles to a length of 5 cm reduced transpiration and reduced RGP but it increased seedling survival by 34% points.
Clipping to a length of 15 cm had an intermediate effect on these variables. The results support the common
practice of clipping needles in the nursery.