Growth, biomass allocation, and adventitious roots of balsam fir seedlings growing in closed-canopy stands

Abstract Well-documented shade adaptations include physiological and morphological traits of shoots and leaves. Belowground shade adaptations (roots or other buried structures) are rarely mentioned in the literature and have never been studied in tree seedlings. This study evaluates the functional role of adventitious roots developed by most balsam fir (Abies balsamea) seedlings under a closed canopy. Our goal was to describe the relationships between growth, biomass allocation, and adventitious root development in balsam fir seedlings (5–26 cm tall, 9 to 33 y old) excavated under a closed canopy (< 8% full sunlight). Seedling height, branch number and crown width increased linearly with stem diameter measured at ground level. The dry mass of stems and roots increased exponentially and tree vigour (photosynthetic/non-photosynthetic biomass ratio) decreased exponentially as stem diameter increased. Results indicate that shade tolerance is limited by size and concurrent radial increment at the stem base. Re...