Effects of Root Pruning Containers and Traditional Containers on Growth of Roots and Shoots of Selected Landscape Plants
Abstract
Objectives of this research were to compare the effects of container root pruning technology, RootMaker® containers, traditional containers, and a combination of both production systems on plant growth using a diverse range of plant species (from liners to saleable plants). Catalpa speciosa, Quercus coccinea, Quercus rubra, Quercus alba, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’, Ilex cornuta ‘Ponderi’ and Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ were transplanted through a combination of container sizes and the two root pruning systems to reach a prescribed saleable plant size. Only hydrangea’s showed differences in height and growth indices when plants grown in RootMaker® containers, traditional containers and a combination of both were compared. Root growth showed differences depending on species, container shifting sequence and method of root measurement. No differences were observed among pure traditional and RootMaker® systems when the roots were scanned and analyzed using WinRHIZO software, but some differences were seen among the hybrid (combination of both systems) systems. Work continues to determine reliable root measurement technique as a predictor for transplant and establishment success and if either system provides any growth advantages.