Seasonal changes in balsam fir needle abscission patterns and links to environmental factors

ABSTRACT

Several studies have suggested that postharvest needle retention increases in autumn, likely due to cold acclimation. But some of the dynamics of the phenomenon have yet to be studied. The objectives of this study are to (1) describe seasonal changes in postharvest abscission, water uptake, fluorescence, and moisture content of balsam fir, (2) determine the relationship of needle abscission with water uptake, fluorescence, and moisture content, and (3) link the postharvest changes to certain environmental factors. Branches were collected from 18 trees each month and needle abscission, fluorescence, water uptake, and water content were monitored for 12 weeks. Fluorescence, water uptake, and water content were all correlated with needle abscission. Further, all the above factors improved in autumn months compared to spring or summer months and significantly related to changes in photoperiod and temperature. In addition, fluorescence and moisture content are valuable indicators of postharvest quality.

KEYWORDS:

• Abies balsamea
• fluorescence
• needle retention
• photoperiod
• postharvest
• water content
• water uptake

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding provided by Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, Atlantic Innovation Fund, ACOA, Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia, and NS Department of Natural Resources.