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Title: INFLUENCE OF SHOOT PRUNING ON NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF THYRALLIS (GALPHIMIA GLAUCA CAV.)

Author
item Albano, Joseph
item YEAGER, TOM - UNIV OF FLORIDA
item Evens, Terence

Submitted to: Southern Nursery Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/11/2004
Publication Date: 10/1/2004
Citation: Albano, J.P., Yeager, T., Evens, T.J. 2004. Influence of shoot pruning on nutrient uptake of thyrallis (galphimia glauca cav.). Southern Nursery Association Proceedings.v.49.p.81-83.

Interpretive Summary: Thyrallis is an ornamental evergreen shrub suitable for landscapes in USDA hardiness zones 9B through 11. Thyrallis is a moderately-vigorous plant that forms a dense mass of stems. These growth characteristics often require that Thryallis be pruned in the nursery and landscape to maintain a compact and full canopy. Pruning influences plant growth and physiology, and nutrient uptake. The consequence of altering nutrient uptake is an increased potential for nutrient leaching/nutrient runoff. In the nursery setting, nutrient leaching from the container relates to a loss of production inputs (i.e., an economic concern), and the possibility of contaminating water resources with nutrients (i.e., an environmental concern). Therefore, the objectives of the pilot study were to assess the affects pruning on plant growth and nutrient uptake in Thryallis. Nutrient uptake in response to pruning decreased for calcium(57 percent), potassium (40 percent), phosphorous (35 percent), magnesium (23 percent), and iron (19 percent).

Technical Abstract: Intentional (e.g., pruning) or non-intentional (e.g., defoliation due to pest damage) manipulation of the plant canopy can alter nutrient uptake. Environmental concerns of reduced nutrient uptake due to pruning include a greater potential for phosphorous and other nutrient leaching/runoff. Economically, significant amounts of nutrients (production inputs) can be removed in the pruned biomass. Thyrallis is a moderately-vigorous plant that forms a dense mass of stems. These growth characteristics often require that Thryallis be pruned in the nursery and landscape to maintain a compact and full canopy. Therefore, the objectives of the pilot study were to assess the affects pruning on plant growth and nutrient uptake in Thryallis. Nutrient uptake in response to pruning decreased for calcium(57 percent), potassium (40 percent), phosphorous (35 percent), magnesium (23 percent), and iron (19 percent).