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TitleTolerance mechanisms of black spruce (Picea mariana) seedlings exposed to saline oil sands tailings
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication2000
AuthorsRedfield, E. B.
Pagination89 pages
PublisherUniversity of Alberta Department of Renewable Resources
Place PublishedEdmonton, AB
Publication Languageeng
Keywordsacidity, alkalinity, native species, pH, trees, UofA
Abstract

Petroleum extraction from oil sands in Alberta produces tailings with high ion concentrations (Na+, Cl−, and SO42−). Composite tailings retain water, leaving portions of deposits waterlogged. A potential species for revegetation of tailings is black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.). It is flood tolerant, so identification of salt tolerance characteristics could allow screening of planting stock. Salt affects plants by inducing water deficit, and ion toxicity. This study used controlled environment and field experiments to examine relationships between drought tolerance and salt tolerance in black spruce. Plant responses to water deficit were examined by measuring water relations parameters derived from Pressure-Volume curves. Parameters indicating drought tolerance were predictors of injury caused by salt stress. These included: lower relative water content at the turgor loss point; higher relative water content of the symplast; lower osmotic potential at the turgor loss point; lower maximum bulk modulus of elasticity; and higher osmotic amplitude for turgor maintenance.

URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/10402/era.24141
Locational Keywords

Alberta oil sands

Active Link

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/47705081

Group

OSEMB

Citation Key54103

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