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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #198104
Title: RESPONSE OF CONIFER SEEDLINGS TO MEADOWFOAM (LIMNANTHES ALBA L.) SEED MEAL

Author
item Linderman, Robert
item Davis, Elizabeth
item MASTERS, C - WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY

Submitted to: Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2006
Publication Date: 10/15/2006
Citation: Linderman, R.G., Davis, E.A., Masters, C.J. 2006. Response of conifer seedlings to meadowfoam (limnanthes alba l.) seed meal. Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba L.) is grown in Oregon because of its high quality seed oil used in cosmetics and lubricants. The seed meal (MSM) remaining after oil extraction has been shown to have plant growth-stimulating properties as well as glucosinolates that can release biocidal breakdown products. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of different rates of MSM on seedlings of several conifer species grown in containers in soilless medium, and to determine the potential fertilizer savings on Douglas-fir by using MSM amendment. MSM was added to a peat-based potting medium (with minimal starter fertilizer) at 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% by volume, and the mixtures seeded with five conifer species (Douglas-fir, Eastern White Pine, Noble Fir, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar). Seedlings were grown for 12 weeks under greenhouse conditions with no further fertilization, after which dry biomass of roots and shoots was determined. In further experiments, fertilizer was applied at different frequencies to determine the equivalent to MSM amendment. Growth stimulation was maximum for all species at 1% MSM amendment, with stimulation up to the 3% rate on some species. MSM was toxic at 4%, and seed germination was inhibited and mortality occurred with all species at the 5% rate. Growth of the unamended control seedlings was obviously retarded from nutrient deficiency. Tissue analysis revealed higher element concentration in MSM-treated than control seedlings. Further experiments with Douglas-fir indicated that 1% MSM amendment increased seedling biomass equivalent to bi-weekly fertilizer application over 12 weeks.