Multi-site trial of woody plants: 2006 planting and evaluation of differences in drought tolerance of three Amelanchier species
Date
2012
Authors
Hammond, Eric, author
Klett, James, advisor
Jacobi, William, committee member
Hughes, Harrison, committee member
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Abstract
CHAPTER 1: MULTI-SITE WOODY PLANT EVALUATION IN COLORADO A multi-site trial of several woody plants plant species and cultivars was conducted to determine their potential for landscape use in the state of Colorado. The trial was conducted with the input and cooperation for the Colorado Nursery Research and Education Foundation and Plant Select®. Data was collected from 2006-2010 at five sites with different soils, climates and cultural practices. Plants were evaluated based on size, growth, survival, aesthetics and heath. The taxa evaluated were: Acer monspessulanum, Juniperus scopulorum 'Woodward', Larix decidua, Prunus serotina (of central Texas providence), Pyrus ussuriensis 'Burgundy', Quercus polymorpha and, Quercus × pauciloba. Researchers recommend Juniperus scopulorum 'Woodward', Prunus serotina and, Quercus × pauciloba for widespread use in the state. Quercus polymorpha did not prove adapted to any of the sites and is not recommended. Larix decidua and Pyrus ussuriensis 'Burgundy' did not perform well at all sites and are only recommended for use in the state in some situations. CHAPTER 2: EVALUATION OF DIFFERENCES IN DROUGHT TOLERANCE OF THREE AMELANCHIER SPECIES In the summer and fall of 2010, research was conducted to evaluate the drought tolerance of Amelanchier alnifolia, Amelanchier canadensis, and Amelanchier utahensis. Potted plants of each species were subjected to three increasingly long periods without watering (dry downs) in a greenhouse. Predawn leaf water potential and soil volumetric water content (measured by time domain reflectometry) were measured for each plant and compared. The third dry down was allowed to continue until plants went dormant or died. Results show that in a greenhouse, potted, Amelanchier utahensis is more tolerant of low water conditions than the other species. The differences in drought tolerance between the Amelanchier canadensis and Amelanchier alnifolia are not as clear and may require more research to understand.
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Subject
woody plant evaluation