Sprouting ability of aerial and underground dormant basal buds of Betulapendula

The effect of ground level on the bursting and development of primary basal buds, formation of secondary basal buds, and survival of sprouts was studied with 2-year-old pot plants of silver birch (Betulapendula Roth) in an experiment in which the ground level was changed. Both intact and decapitated seedlings were manipulated. Raising the ground level reduced the bursting of dormant basal buds, while lowering it promoted both the bursting of buds and survival of the sprouts, especially in the decapitated plants. Many new basal buds developed regardless of the ground level. The intact plants also formed secondary basal buds, but these mostly remained dormant, like old, primary buds. In addition, the concentration of new bud clusters in the uncovered part of the stem suggested that although the plant's internal condition is important for the development and bursting of its basal buds, environmental factors are also involved. Ground-level changes on drained mires and at afforestation sites may significantly ...