scholarly journals Crabapple and Lilac Growth and Root-zone Temperatures in Northern Nursery Production Systems

HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Neal

Crabapple (Malus ‘Donald Wyman’) and common lilac (Syringa vulgaris ‘Monge’) were grown from liners to marketable size in five production systems: field-grown, plastic container, pot-in-pot (PiP), bag-in-pot (BiP), and above-ground system (AGS). The objectives were to compare growth in modified container systems, which could potentially eliminate overwintering requirements in northern production nurseries and to compare the effects on tree root growth during landscape establishment. There were no significant differences in crabapple root or shoot mass after two seasons except PiP dry root weights exceeded field-grown trees. For lilacs, there were significant differences in growth and shoot dry weight with field-grown and PiP plants being largest. PiP root-zone temperatures (RZTs) were similar to field-grown RZTs. Container, BiP, and AGS systems all exceeded lethal high and low RZT thresholds, resulting in root damage. Five trees from each treatment were transplanted into a low-maintenance landscape and dug up 3 years later. There were no significant differences in top growth, but the effects of the production systems were evident in the root architecture. BiP and field-grown trees had fewest root defects and the greatest number of roots extending into the landscape soil.

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 1704-1708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Alonso Valdez-Aguilar ◽  
David William Reed

Response to alkalinity was evaluated in two hibiscus cultivars, Bimini Breeze and Carolina Breeze, grown in a soilless growing medium and in hydroponic culture. For soilless growing medium, plants were potted in a sphagnum peat–perlite-based substrate and irrigated with solutions containing 0 to 10 mm NaHCO3 for 12 weeks. In hydroponic culture, bare-rooted plants were transferred to a 9-L tray containing a Hoagland's nutrient solution prepared with NaHCO3 at the concentrations previously indicated. In soilless growing medium, shoot dry weight was minimally affected by NaHCO3 concentration for `Bimini Breeze', but `Carolina Breeze' exhibited a significant decrease in shoot mass with increasing NaHCO3 concentration. In hydroponic culture, increasing concentration of NaHCO3 induced a decrease in shoot and root mass in both cultivars, but root mass decrease was more pronounced in `Bimini Breeze'. In soilless growing medium, increasing the concentration of NaHCO3 caused an increase in growing medium pH. The pH increase was less pronounced for `Bimini Breeze' than for `Carolina Breeze', indicating a higher capacity for root zone acidification by `Bimini Breeze'. Newly developed leaves of both cultivars showed increasing chlorosis with increasing NaHCO3 concentration. However, `Bimini Breeze' was more tolerant because, according to regression models, 5.7 mm NaHCO3 would be required to reduce chlorophyll levels by 10%, compared with 2.2 mm for `Carolina Breeze', when grown in soilless medium. Fe reductase activity decreased when `Carolina Breeze' plants were grown in 5 mm NaHCO3. However, in `Bimini Breeze', Fe reductase activity was enhanced. These observations indicate that the increased tolerance of `Bimini Breeze' to increasing alkalinity is the result of enhanced Fe reductase activity and increased acidification of the root zone.


HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 1318-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Ruter

The long-term effects of paclobutrazol applied to container-grown `Mojave' pyracantha (Pyracantha ×) and `San Jose' juniper (Juniperus chinensis L.) were investigated. Paclobutrazol was applied as a drench to container-grown (2.8 liter) plants at the rates of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg a.i./pot in June 1991, and plants were transplanted to the field in Feb. 1992. Pyracantha plant height, shoot and root dry weight, and total biomass (shoot dry weight + root dry weight) decreased quadratically as rate of paclobutrazol increased during nursery production. Paclobutrazol had no effect on plant height or shoot dry weight of Juniperus, although width indices were reduced. Ratings for root quality for Juniperus in containers increased as rate of paclobutrazol increased. After 9 months in the landscape, paclobutrazol still influenced plant height, width, and shoot dry weight for Pyracantha but had no effect on Juniperus. As rate of application increased, fruit retention on Pyracantha increased. Paclobutrazol applied as a container medium drench at 5 mg a.i./pot was excessive during nursery production of Pyracantha and Juniperus. Chemical name used: [(2RS, 3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-yl)penten-3-ol] (paclobutrazol).


1993 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 124-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Ruter

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the growth of Ilex × attenuata Ashe ‘Savannah’, Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Natchez’, and Magnolia × Soulangiana Soul.-Bod. grown in a conventional above-ground container production system in #7 containers compared to an in-ground “pot-in-pot” (PIP) production system. Container production system had little or no effect on the shoot growth of the species used in this study after seven months. For the container phase of the study, root dry weight and total root dry weight increased for Lagerstroemia and Magnolia grown in the PIP system and the root: shoot ratio of Lagerstroemia increased 87%. Between 4 to 5 PM EST (July 1, 1991), root-zone temperatures in the western quadrant of plants in the PIP system were 13°C (23°F) cooler than aboveground containers in the conventional production system. Root ratings were higher for all three species in the PIP system. After being transplanted in the field for several months, few differences in landscape establishment between production systems could be seen for Ilex and Lagerstroemia. Results of these studies indicate that for Lagerstroemia, production advantages seen during the container-phase of the PIP system may not be evident after one season in the field.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 472-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Flax ◽  
Christopher J. Currey ◽  
James A. Schrader ◽  
David Grewell ◽  
William R. Graves

Our objectives were to quantify the growth and quality of herbaceous annuals grown in different types of bioplastic-based biocontainers in commercial greenhouses and quantify producer interest in using these types of biocontainers in their production systems. Seedlings of ‘Serena White’ angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) and ‘Maverick Red’ zonal geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum) that had been transplanted into nine different (4.5-inch diameter) container types [eight bioplastic-based biocontainers and a petroleum-based plastic (PP) (control)] were grown at six commercial greenhouses in the upper midwestern United States. Plants were grown alongside other bedding annuals in each commercial greenhouse, and producers employed their standard crop culture practices. Data were collected to characterize growth when most plants were flowering. Questionnaires to quantify producer perceptions and interest in using bioplastic-based biocontainers, interest in different container attributes, and satisfaction were administered at select times during the experiment. Container type interacted with greenhouse to affect angelonia growth index (GI) and shoot dry weight (SDW), as well as shoot, root, and container ratings. Container type or greenhouse affected geranium GI and shoot rating, and their interaction affected SDW, and root and container ratings. These results indicate that commercial producers can grow herbaceous annuals in a range of bioplastic-based biocontainers with few or no changes to their crop culture practices.


2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-88
Author(s):  
Ursula K. Schuch ◽  
Dennis R. Pittenger ◽  
Philip A. Barker

Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of container volume, container shape, and copper-coating containers on root and shoot growth during nursery production and after establishment in the field. Liners of ficus (Ficus retusa L. ‘Nitida’), a fibrous-rooted species, and Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi.), a coarse-rooted species, were grown in regular or tall #1 containers in a glasshouse and were subsequently transplanted to the field or into #3 or #5 regular or tall containers. During the nursery phase, copper-coated containers improved rootball quality of ficus and pepper, but biomass production was not affected consistenly by copper coating. Tall, narrow versus regular containers restricted pepper growth throughout the nursery phase and field establishment, but had little effect on ficus. Biomass production of pepper trees was greatest in regular-shaped containers, and tall containers reduced growth consistently. Container shape did not affect shoot growth of ficus. The larger container volume of the #5 yielded greater total biomass of pepper and root dry weight of ficus during nursery production than did #3 pots. In the field, shoot dry weight of ficus was greatest when previously grown in #5 containers, and total biomass of pepper was greatest in both regular #3 or #5 containers.


HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 481d-481
Author(s):  
John M. Ruter

A study was conducted with Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei `Acom a' to evaluate methods for reducing rooting-out problems in a PIP production system. The products tested were Biobarrier™, a geotextile fabric impregnated with trifluralin; Root Control'” fabric bag material; and Spin Out™, a commercial formulation of copper hydroxide (7.1%) in latex paint. Biobarrier™ reduced plant height, shoot dry weight, percent root dry weight outside of the planted container and total biomass compared to the non-treated control. For the control, 7.1% of the total root dry weight was found between the holder pot and planted container compared to 0.2% for the Biobarrier™ treatment. When the holder pot and planted container or the planted container and Root Control™ fabric were both treated with Spin Out™, plant height and shoot dry weight were reduced. Spin Out™ reduced root circling on the sidewalls of the planted containers but not on the bottom of the containers. All treatments except the control reduced rooting-out to a degree that allowed for the manual harvesting of the planted container from the holder pot after seven months in the field.


HortScience ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 344-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Scheiber ◽  
E.F. Gilman ◽  
M. Paz ◽  
K.A. Moore

Ilex cornuta Lindl. & Paxt. ‘Burfordii Nana’ (dwarf burford holly), Pittosporum tobira [Dryand]. ‘Variegata’ (pittosporum), and Viburnum odorotissimum Ker Gawl. (sweet viburnum) were transplanted into field plots in an open-sided, clear polyethylene-covered shelter to evaluate growth, aesthetic quality, and establishment rates in response to 2-, 4-, or 7-d irrigation frequencies. Establishment was delayed 1 to 2 months for I. cornuta ‘Burrford Nana’ irrigated every 7 d compared with 2- and 4-d frequencies; however, growth and aesthetic quality were similar among treatments. Plants irrigated every 7 d also had higher cumulative water stress levels. Leaf area, shoot dry weight, and total biomass increased among P. tobira ‘Variegata’ and V. odorotissimum irrigated every 2 d. Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegata’ and V. odorotissimum irrigated every 2 d also had greater canopy size and root dry weight, respectively. Neither cumulative water stress nor establishment was affected by irrigation frequency for either species.


HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1160b-1160
Author(s):  
Khin San Wai ◽  
S.E. Newman

The response of Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon) cultivars (`Tampicoi' and `Rainier White') to night air temperatures (10C and 20C) and elevated root-zone temperature (26C and ambient) was studied. Height of plants grown with a heated root-zone were greater, compared to unheated at both night temperatures for both cultivars. Shoot dry weight of `Tampico' plants was reduced by heated root-zone temperature at 20C night air temperature. Raceme length was greater with heated root-zone temperature compared to unheated at 10C night air temperature. Days to flower were shorter with heated compared to unheated root-zone at both night air temperatures for both cultivars. Stomatal diffusive resistance was greater on plants with unheated compared to heated root-zone temperature at 10C night air temperature for `Rainier White'.


HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 546B-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Ruter

A study was conducted with Prunus × incamp `Okame' to evaluate the effects of a pot-in-pot production system compared to a conventional above-ground system and cyclic irrigation on plant growth and water loss. Plants were grown in #7 (26-L) containers with a 8:1 pinebark:sand (v/v) substrate. Cyclic irrigation provided the same total volume of water, but was applied one, three, or four times per day. Final plant height and stem diameter, shoot and root dry weight, total biomass, and root:shoot ratio were all increased for plants grown pot-in-pot compared to above-ground. Multiple irrigation cycles increased stem diameter, shoot dry weight, and total biomass, compared to a single irrigation application. Multiple irrigation cycles decreased the root:shoot ratio. Evapotranspiration was influenced by production system, irrigation, and date. Amount of water lost as leachate was influenced by irrigation and date. Cyclic irrigation resulted in a two-fold decrease in leachate volume. Soluble salts and nitrate-nitrogen in the leachate were influenced by an interaction between production system, irrigation, and date.


HortScience ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 603-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. Altland ◽  
James C. Locke ◽  
Wendy L. Zellner ◽  
Jennifer K. Boldt

Dolomitic lime (DL) is the primary liming agent used for increasing pH in peatmoss-based substrates. Steel slag (SS) is a byproduct of the steel manufacturing industry that has been used to elevate field soil pH. The objective of this research was to determine the pH response of a peatmoss-based greenhouse substrate to varying rates of DL or SS. Two experiments were conducted with an 85 peatmoss : 15 perlite substrate. In the first experiment, the substrate was amended with 0, 2.4, 4.8, or 7.1 kg·m−3 of either DL or SS. Half of the containers remained fallow and the other half were potted with a single sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. ‘Pacino Gold’). In the second experiment, fallow containers were only used with the substrate amended with 0, 2.4, 4.8, 9.5, or 14.2 kg·m−3 DL or SS. Sunflower were measured for relative foliar chlorophyll content, shoot mass, root ratings, and foliar nutrient concentrations. Substrate electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were measured weekly using the pour-through procedure. All sunflower plants grew vigorously, although nonamended controls had less shoot dry weight than those amended with DL or SS. There were minor differences in foliar concentration of N, Ca, Mg, and Mn; however, these differences did not adversely affect plant growth. Summarizing across both experiments, EC was affected by treatment and time, although all substrates had EC readings within the range recommended for floriculture crop production (1.0–4.6 mS⋅cm−1). Substrate pH differed slightly in Expt. 1 between fallow and planted containers. Substrate pH increased exponentially with increasing rates of either DL or SS. Maximum pH in fallow DL and SS amended substrates was 6.57 and 6.93, respectively, in Expt. 1 and 6.85 and 7.67, respectively, in Expt. 2. The SS used in this experiment resulted in a greater pH response than DL with higher application rates. SS is a viable material for raising pH of soilless substrates.


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