PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Kunec, Joseph L.
TI  - Development Of A Research Trust
AID  - 10.48044/jauf.1978.028
DP  - 1978 May 01
TA  - Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF)
PG  - 117--120
VI  - 4
IP  - 5
4099  - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/4/5/117.short
4100  - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/4/5/117.full
SO  - JOA1978 May 01; 4
AB  - Weidensaul, T.C. and J.R. McClenahen. 1977. Influences of rooting media on containerized tree growth. Ohio Report 62(6): 83-86.Tree seedlings have been produced traditionally in outdoor beds and require 1 to 3 years to reach a size suitable for outplanting. Most seedlings undergo a shock period of 1 to 3 years after outplanting, resulting in initial slow growth. A relatively recent innovation in nursery practices involves containerized production of tree seedlings in greenhouses. Researchers found that containerized seedlings grown 4 to 6 months in greenhouses under nearly continuous light and near-optimum fertility and temperature usually perform well when outplanted. In a recent study at OARDC, five tree species (three confiers and two hardwoods) were grown in containers to evaluate different container media for tree growth and prevention or enhancement of damping-off. Tubes contained various media including sand, peat, composted bark, and vermiculite. Observations on general survival, damping-off mortality, height growth, and root and shoot weights were made. There was no apparent relationship between disease incidence and various media tested. Height growth varied considerably with the media used. The most favorable medium for growth was the mixture of peat and vermiculite, followed by vermiculite. Vermiculite alone or in combination with peat or bark generally produced significantly greater rates of shoot elongation. One of the strong points in favor of producing container-grown seedlings is that root systems can be developed that are superior to outdoor-grown seedlings.