Differentiation in some populations of Eucalyptus viminalis Labill. In Relation to Factors Affecting Seedling Establishment

Abstract

Genetic variation was observed among a series of Eucalyptus viminalis populations whose habitats range from wet to dry climates and from relatively fertile to infertile soils.. In comparison with populations from low-rainfall areas, two high-rainfall populations showed rapid germination and fast early seedling growth, the latter being correlated with large seed weight. Older seedlings were capable of continuing fast growth in response to high nutrient levels, and the root/shoot ratios of 6-month-old seedlings were significantly lower than those of seedlings from low-rainfall areas. Populations from within the low-rainfall areas showed some differences in germination, root lengths and growth ..