• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.110 no.3
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• pp.406-418
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• 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate optimal storage techniques for bare root plants and container seedlings of Quercus variabilis and Zelkova serrata in order to maintain high quality of seedlings until planting. Refrigerated storage treatments were given at two temperatures (-2℃ [freezing] and 2℃ [cooling]) for nine different durations (0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days after storage). We analyzed total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) content and measured shoot moisture content (SMC) during the storage stage and survival rate (SR) and dry weight during the planting stage of seedlings. The TNC content and SMC of the seedlings of the two species decreased with an increase in storage duration. The TNC content of seedlings rapidly decreased after 180~240 days of storage. The TNC reduction rate in the freezing treatment was lower than that in the cooling treatment. Also, with an increase in the storage duration of the two species, the SMC reduction rate in the cooling treatment increased in comparison with that in the freezing treatment. In both the species, the SR after planting decreased rapidly after 60 days of cooling storage and 180 days of freezing storage, respectively. The SR after planting was less than 60% when the TNC content for both the species dropped below 20 mg g^-1. In addition, the SR was lower than 80% when SMC measured before storage decreased by approximately 30% and 20% for Q. variabilis and Z. serrata, respectively. Our results suggest that cooling (1~2℃) storage is recommended for a short-term period (2 months or less), whereas freezing (-2~-4℃) storage is suitable for longer periods (2~6 months). These optimal storage techniques, allied with seedling harvesting and handling systems, will improve the quality of seedling production in nursery stages and increase seedling growth performances in plantations.