Effects of cold-storage and planting date on subsequent growth, starch and

The phenology of Pinus sylvestris (L.) and Picea abies (L.) Karst. seedlings. stored during winter in a cold-store ( -5ʻC) and outdoors. respectively. was studied after planting-out on different dates from May to end of July. Seasonal changes in nitrogen and starch content were followed during the summer of planting. In pine and spruce seedlings planted from midJune to end of July. negative effects on dry weight, shoot and needle growth. bud diameter. and frost hardiness were observed. These effects were most pronounced for cold-stored seedlings and still evident after three growing seasons. Needle starch levels showed equal variations for early plantings. independently of storage treatment. but differences increased successively for later planting dates.