Initial survival of three pine species after antitranspirant application

Abstract

In Mexico, water stress and poor plant quality are some of the main mortality factors in plantations. The use of antitranspirant products in plant species has been an alternative to reduce water loss under conditions of limiting water availability. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of three antitranspirant products (Vapor Gard^®, Fitoglass^® and Ecofilm^®) and two application methods (spraying and immersion) on survival of Pinus cooperi, P. durangensis and P. engelmannii seedlings, based on known morphological indicators of initial seedling quality. Four morphological indicators of seedling quality were assessed for each tree before establishing the test; then, antitranspirants were applied to seedlings and field survival was evaluated after one month. Results showed that initial seedling quality was high, and application of antitranspirants had significant effects on the survival percentage: P. engelmannii recorded 94 % with Fitoglass^® by immersion, P. cooperi 61 % with Ecofilm^® by immersion, and P. durangensis 58 % with Ecofilm^® by aspersion. We concluded that antitranspirant application and application method increase initial survival in these species.