ISHS Acta Horticulturae 314: II International Symposium on Propagation of Ornamental Plants
TREE NURSERY TECHNIQUES TO DEVELOP A FLAT COMPACT ROOTMASS FOR RAPID SLIT PLANTING |
| Author: | J. Maurice |
| Abstract:
A propagation technique has been developed to produce lightweight ( 100 gr.) nursery trees rooted in narrow hessian wraps, replacing the usual 6–8 kg bags. Trials were conducted with clonal subtropical subjects, mainly grafted fruit & nut species; large forest and ornamental seedlings are under observation. Initial air root-pruning takes place in long shallow baskets. Subsequent production of the nursery trees is 70 cm above ground in a trough-like structure constructed of forestry products. The resulting multi-directional air root-pruning creates an extraordinary fibrous and compact rootmass, which is easily extracted. After extraction the rootmass is dipped in a gel-like medium and re-rooted in hessian wraps under controlled conditions for about two weeks. Cuttings are rooted under polyethylene in baskets on the north side of the structure, utilizing the sun as bottom heat, with the foliage in shade. Packing varies according to destination requirements. The compact root system will allow for insulated & re-wettable packing for airfreighting and harsh transportation. Storage is in wet sand; tag ends of the hessian wraps act as wicks for water absorbtion. Rapid planting within seconds is effected by using the tag ends to draw the root systems into wetted incisions in the soil, a specialized planting stick is used. Watering is reduced to a cupful for settling loose soil. | |
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