Spring changes in water relations, gas exchange, and carbohydrates of white spruce (Picea glauca) seedlings

Shoot water relations, gas exchange, and carbohydrate content and composition were studied from March 30 to May 11, 1995, in white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings growing in nursery beds. The seedlings exhibited reduced shoot osmotic potentials at turgor loss point and at full hydration from March 30 to April 27 followed by an increase until May 11. Shoot relative water contents also showed a marked increase after April 27. Bulk modulus of elasticity of shoots gradually increased from early to late April indicating a decrease in cell wall elasticity. Net photosynthesis of seedlings recovered rapidly in mid-April. Both net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance showed a significant linear relationship with minimum air and soil temperatures, and there was a significant linear relationship between net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. Needle starch content increased, but total sugar content was relatively constant. The composition of soluble carbohydrates changed in early spring with an increase in sucrose accompanied by a decrease in raffinose and other soluble carbohydrates. The results suggest that white spruce seedlings develop characteristics associated with the optimum drought stress resistance in early spring.