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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #184186
Title: Abiotic Factors Influencing Root Growth of Woody Nursery Plants in Containers

Author
item MATHERS, HANNAH - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item LOWE, SARAH - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item Scagel, Carolyn
item STRUVE, D - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item CASE, L - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/29/2005
Publication Date: 4/1/2007
Citation: Mathers, H.M., Lowe, S.B., Scagel, C.F., Struve, D.K., Case, L.T. 2007. Abiotic factors influencing root growth of woody nursery plants in containers. HortTechnology. 17:151-162.

Interpretive Summary: Changes in consumer preference over the past ten to fifteen years have resulted in an increase in container production of woody nursery plants. Successful plant establishment after transplanting is often linked to the health and condition of its roots. Container production has many advantages over traditional in-ground (field) production; however, growing plants in containers, alters root growth and function and can change root morphology. Several important factors that influence root growth in containers are discussed in this review article, including effects of temperature and moisture extremes, media physical and chemical properties, pot characteristics, and the effects of sanitation practices on biota in the rhizosphere of container-grown woody nursery crops.

Technical Abstract: Changes in consumer preference over the past ten to fifteen years have resulted in an increase in container production of woody nursery plants. Container production has many advantages over traditional in-ground (field) production, including less damage occurring to the root system when transplanted, better establishment after transplanting, decreased labor and land costs for production, and increased product availability and longevity in the retail market. Growing plants in containers, however, alters root growth and function and can change root morphology. There are numerous factors that influence root growth in containers. Roots of container-grown plants are subjected to temperature and moisture extremes not normally found in field production. The effects of media aeration as well as water holding capacity interact with different pot characteristics resulting in changes to root morphology and periodicity. Use of soilless media and sanitation practices used in container production alters the biota in the rhizosphere and their effects on root growth. Successful plant establishment after transplanting is often linked to the health and condition of its roots. This review focuses on species variation in root growth and the roles of temperature, media physical and chemical properties, container characteristics and soil biota in altering root growth in container-grown woody nursery crops.