622 (PS 3) STUDY ON THE PRODUCTION OF TREES GROWN IN CONTAINERS

Abstract

The growth potential was observed for young trees of Tilia cordata `Glenleven', of Malus floribunda `Red Splendor' and of Fraxinus pensylvanica `Patmore' when produced in field or in containers. The three species were submitted to five treatments: field planting, above or sunk below ground containers with or without a copper coated fabric container. The 15 “species-treatments” combinations were randomly distributed in a block and repeated 4 times. Results demonstrate that the mean trunk diameter is greater by 18% for apple trees and by 6% for ash trees grown in containers compared to the other trees grown in field. Moreover, the trunk diameter of linden is 9% greater for trees in sunk below ground containers; the root dry mass is also more important in above ground containers. It is our opinion that the superior yields obtained with containers are due mainly to the better care given to the trees in terms of fertilization and irrigation. The greater quantity of due mass obtained with trees produced in fabric containers could on the one hand be dye to root ramification caused by copper and on the other hand to an increased to apical tissus volume also caused by copper. Visual observations have permitted to detect the effect of temperature on root development in the zone adgacent to the side of the container, it may have a regulator effect on the development of the root system and seems to be combined to the effect of copper.