Effects of Root Morphology on Nursery and First-Year Field Growth of Rooted Cuttings of Loblolly Pine

• DOI: 10.1093/sjaf/22.4.231
• Publication Date: 2019-08-22T18:17:46Z
• Authors: Barry Goldfarb; Scott E. Surles; Mack Thetford; Frank A. Blazich
• Keywords: Cutting; Root system; Vegetative reproduction

Abstract Stem cuttings of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were rooted in a greenhouse and then scored for the number roots per cutting, vertically oriented symmetry arrangement adventitious on lower stem. Rooted transplanted to nursery bed, grown 7 months, lifted rescored, field location, measured after 1 yr field. Shoot height rooting period was correlated weakly with but not vertical or root system symmetry. Nursery culture slightly reduced cutting Root orientation changed dramatically as elongated, 94% all growth. growth still number, roots. symmetrical systems taller than asymmetrical nursery. After field, shoot no longer number. On average, only 2 mm systems. These early data suggest it is beneficial impose culling criteria based architecture at time rooting. However, stability over must be assessed. South. J. Appl. For. 22(4): 231-234.