ISHS Acta Horticulturae 136: Weeds and Herbicides, XXI IHC
THE EFFECT OF SOME PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS AND HERBICIDES ON ROOT SYSTEM MORPHOLOGY AND ACTIVITY |
| Authors: | D. Atkinson, C.M. Crisp |
| Abstract:
The root systems of fruit trees and orchard cover crops can be modified by soil applications of both herbicides and plant growth regulators (PGRs). Mecoprop at 6.7 kg ae ha-1 reduced the root growth of both newly-planted and mature apple trees and in young trees was associated with a reduction in shoot growth. Tree root systems are in many respects sub-optimal. They have insufficient root to give good anchorage or to supply water at a rate high enough to prevent stress under conditions of active transpiration. PGRs, especially paclobutrazol (PP333), can alter the extent and distribution of root growth and may be able to alleviate the above problems. Paclobutrazol reduced the rate of transpiration and increased the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus. It affected grass root growth and slightly reduced the water use of S50 timothy, often used as an orchard cover. | |
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