The Comparative Effects of Waterlogging on Two Populations of Eucalyptus viminalis Labill. And One Population of E.ovata Labill

Abstract

Both populations of Eucalyptus viminalis grew faster than E. ovata on a non-saturated soil but showed a greater reduction in seedling height when subjected to waterlogging. Under such conditions, both the species developed adventitious roots and stem hypertrophy and exhibited leaf abscission. The levels of iron in leaves increased with waterlogging, and phosphorus and manganese decreased. E. ovata had a smaller change in internal levels of iron and manganese than E. viminalis.

Intraspecific variation was also noted in E. viminalis. A population which occurs in association with E. ovata on a heavy clay soil grew faster on topsoil from this site than did a population of E. viminalis which occurs naturally on deep sands. The latter population showed a high mortality rate in a field trial.