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Abstract

Low capsule set is a major factor limiting the productivity of Eucalyptus
globulus seed orchards. This study tested the effect of flower density, as well as two
common irrigation techniques on capsule and seed set. Ramets with high flower density
had significantly lower capsule set (69.7%) than those with low flower density (81.7%). In
a regulated deficit irrigation trial, the non-irrigated ramets set a higher proportion of
capsules (63.6%) than the ramets that received conventional irrigation (CI) (51.4%). In a
partial root zone drying (PRD) trial, capsule set was highest in the absence of irrigation
(74.7%) followed by the PRD treatment (67.8%) and then CI (53.7%). The CI treatment
tended to produce the highest number of seed per capsule. Increased water availability
resulted in increased vegetative growth, which was associated with higher levels of
abortion in developing capsules but those surviving tended to have higher seed set. It is
argued that the observed effects of irrigation and flower density can be explained by
resource competition between vegetative and reproductive growth as well as competition
among reproductive structures themselves.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Suitor, S and Potts, BM and Brown, PH and Gracie, AJ and Rix, KD and Gore, PL
Keywords:	Eucalyptus globulus, Capsule set, Seed set, Reproductive success, Partial root zone drying (PRD) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI)
Journal or Publication Title:	New Forests
ISSN:	0169-4286
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-009-9159-2
Additional Information:	The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com
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