Growth and phosphorus productivity of non-mycorrhizal Pinus pinaster seedlings: Comparison of three populations and seven full-sib families within a population

Growth and nutrition of hydroponically cultivated pine seedlings (Pinus pinaster Ait.) were investigated at various phosphorus (P) availabilities. P was added either with free access or at a relative addition rate of 0.02 and 0.04 day−1. Laboratory observations were compared with adult growth performances in the field in two sets of experiments: the first with three contrasting populations, the second with seven full-sib families within a population. Significant differences in P productivity (growth rate per unit P in the plant) and in maximal relative growth rate were observed in both experiments, but correlation with adult performances was restricted to populations. Selection for nutrient-related traits would thus be possible, but understanding of the relationship between growth and nutrition needs further evaluation. The minimum P concentration in the seedlings supporting maximum growth ([P]optimum) varied from 2.2 to 3.8 mg g−1 DM, which is in agreement with values obtained in other species. The root/...