Effect of Interspecific Competition on Water Stress in Conifer Seedlings

Thursday, September 19, 2024

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM MST

Location: McKee Hall

Poster Presenter(s)

David Akowuah, n/a

Student
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho, United States

Co-Author(s)

Andrew Nelson, Ph.D (he/him/his)

Tom A. Alberg and Judith Beck Endowed Chair of Native Plant Regeneration
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho, United States

This study investigates how invasive forb species affect water stress responses and growth of Douglas-fir and western larch seedlings in Idaho's forests. It employs a target-neighbor design with varying forb densities. Results aim to inform management strategies for enhancing seedling establishment and forest resilience under water stress.

Learning Objectives:

To measure the effect of competitor species and abundance on the physiology and morphology of Douglas-fir and western larch.
To compare the competitive effect of four forb species on growth response of tree seedlings.
To measure tree seedling water-use as a mechanism of competition.