MORPHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF NORWAY SPRUCE (Picea abies L., H. Karst.) IN DIFFERENT PH SOLUTIONS

The paper presents the results of morphological properties of Norway spruce (Picea abies L., H. Karst.) seedlings in various pH solutions. The seed was treated with 10 different pH solutions with pH ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 (increase at every 0.5). Water solutions were prepared by sequential dilution of the original concentrated sumporic acid (H2SO4) and the ultrapure water (<18 M Omega cm). The ultrapure water was used for the control. The testing was carried out in the laboratory in line with the ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) prescribed conditions. The evaluation of seedlings was performed on three occasions (days 7, 14 and 21) according to the ISTA rules. A digital camera was used to photograph all abnormal seedlings. A catalogue was made containing photographs and decriptions of abnormal seedlings with respect to pH solutions. The results of this research help understand the seedling morphology present during natural regeneration of Norway spruce forests in altered ecological conditions (acid rains, soil acidification). Besides a good yield, the prerequisite for a successful natural regeneration of Norway spruce forests are normal seedlings.