Early frost damage on Sitka spruce seedlings and the influence of phosphorus nutrition

A frost on 8 September 1972 caused widespread damage to young Sitka spruce ( Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) plantations. In an experiment designed to examine the interaction of climate and P nutrition on the growth of young transplants in south Scotland damage was greater on plants growing at low elevation and with high P content. This effect was attributed to their extended growth period compared to those with low P supply. The lack of low temperatures prior to the frost resulted in insufficient hardening of tissues to avoid damage from relatively high temperatures. Damage and recovery were assessed by the reduction in height and dry weight increase compared to undamaged plants.