1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
4-42B Earth Sciences Building (ESB), University of Alberta, Edmonton AB
Event details: A graduate exam seminar is a presentation of the student’s final research project for their degree.
This is an ALES MSc Final Exam Seminar by Sarun Khadka. This seminar is open to the general public to attend.
MSc with Dr. Scott Nielsen.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83948749031?pwd=M5qQckB7fjVyyJ1W84owTSYxbNLEOu.1
Thesis Topic: Measuring Phenotypes and Growth Performance of Improved and Unimproved Seedlings of Pinus contorta under Commercial Greenhouse Conditions (A Study Using High-Throughput Phenotyping Technology)
Abstract:
Twenty-percent of interior lodgepole pine seedlings come from improved seedlots in Alberta. This study assessed the reliability of GoPro technology for monitoring germination and measuring seedling height in a commercial greenhouse. Image-based germination counts, at week 3 had a significantly low germination percentage compared to visual measurements, while week 7 measurements were not significantly different at the end of the growing season (week 24), demonstrating the technology’s accuracy. Similarly, GoPro height measurements showed no significant differences from manual measurements. Growth traits, (eg: height, root collar diameter (RCD), biomass), were measured at week 24. Seedlings from improved seedlots exhibited significantly greater height and RCD compared to unimproved seedlings but had a higher culling rate due to rigid lifting standards. GoPro is effective for large-scale germination and growth measurements in a low-tech nursery. Tailoring culling practices to seedlot type could improve the retention of improved seedlings, optimizing their deployment.
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