Effects of Seedling Grade on Biomass Accumulation and Allometric Growth Across Developmental Stages in Pinus yunnanensis Franch. Seedlings.
- 1The Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China.
- 2The Construction Program of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of In-Forest Resource, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China.
- 3State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
Abstract
Pinus yunnanensis Franch. holds significant ecological value as a native conifer endemic to the southwestern uplands of China. The annual P. yunnanensis seedlings were categorized into three quality classes: Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III in accordance with the national specifications for seedling quality. We measured root, stem, needle, aboveground, and individual biomass at six stages from 240 to 690 days. We used the standardized major axis method to analyze allometric relationships among organs and with total biomass. Our results showed that Grade I seedlings had more stable allometric coordination over time. The lower grades showed more fluctuations and weaker coordination. Needles dominated biomass throughout the development period, roots grew faster in later stages, and stems grew slower but increased their share. This showed seedlings invest first in needles for carbon gain and then gradually build support and uptake structures. The biomass allocation and growth modes matured between 510 and 690 days. Biomass differed among seedling grades. Grade I seedlings show better growth stability and resource-use efficiency. They are suitable for nursery cultivation and afforestation. This study lays the groundwork for upgrading quality standards and perfecting silvicultural techniques. It also helps design precise tending measures to raise survival rates and early productivity. This work has practical value for plantation establishment, ecological restoration, and timber development in Southwest China.
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BibTeX
@article{wang2026effects,
title = {{Effects of Seedling Grade on Biomass Accumulation and Allometric Growth Across Developmental Stages in Pinus yunnanensis Franch. Seedlings.}},
author = {Pengrui Wang and Honglin Wang and Zhuangyue Lu and Xiangyang Kang and Yulan Xu and Nianhui Cai and Boning Yang},
journal = {Biology},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3390/biology15191692},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42883365},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effects of Seedling Grade on Biomass Accumulation and Allometric Growth Across Developmental Stages in Pinus yunnanensis Franch. Seedlings.
AU - Pengrui Wang
AU - Honglin Wang
AU - Zhuangyue Lu
AU - Xiangyang Kang
AU - Yulan Xu
AU - Nianhui Cai
AU - Boning Yang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/23
JO - Biology
DO - 10.3390/biology15191692
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42883365
AB - Pinus yunnanensis Franch. holds significant ecological value as a native conifer endemic to the southwestern uplands of China. The annual P. yunnanensis seedlings were categorized into three quality classes: Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III in accordance with the national specifications for seedling quality. We measured root, stem, needle, aboveground, and individual biomass at six stages from 240 to 690 days. We used the standardized major axis method to analyze allometric relationships among organs and with total biomass. Our results showed that Grade I seedlings had more stable allometric coordination over time. The lower grades showed more fluctuations and weaker coordination. Needles dominated biomass throughout the development period, roots grew faster in later stages, and stems grew slower but increased their share. This showed seedlings invest first in needles for carbon gain and then gradually build support and uptake structures. The biomass allocation and growth modes matured between 510 and 690 days. Biomass differed among seedling grades. Grade I seedlings show better growth stability and resource-use efficiency. They are suitable for nursery cultivation and afforestation. This study lays the groundwork for upgrading quality standards and perfecting silvicultural techniques. It also helps design precise tending measures to raise survival rates and early productivity. This work has practical value for plantation establishment, ecological restoration, and timber development in Southwest China.
SN - 2079-7737
ER -