Container Size and Initial Trunk Diameter Effects Growth of Acer rubrum L. During Production

Abstract

Abstract Two studies were conducted to determine container size and liner (young bare root trees) trunk diameter effects on growth of Acer rubrum L. ‘Franksred’, Red Sunset™ red maple. In experiment 1, maples liners with initial mean trunk diameters of 12.2 mm (0.5 in), 15.9 mm (0.6 in), and 22.3 mm (0.9 in) were potted in 26.5 liter (#7), 37.8 liter (#10), and 56.8 liter (#15) containers and grown for 18 months (2 growing seasons). Height and trunk diameter growth at the end of each growing season were affected by both the initial liner trunk diameter and container size. During year 1, liners with an initial trunk diameter of 12.2 mm (0.5 in) increased 28 and 70% more in height growth compared to liners initially 15.9 mm (0.6 in) and 22.3 mm (0.9) in trunk diameter, respectively. Twenty three percent more height growth occurred with maples in 37.8 liter (#10) and 56.8 liter (#15) containers compared to those in 26.5 liter (#7) containers. Trunk diameter growth increased 50% more with 12.2 mm (0.5 in) liners compared to 22.3 mm (0.9 in) liners. A 25% increase in trunk diameter growth occurred with liners potted in 56.8 liter (#15) compared to 26.5 liter (#7) containers. At the end of the second growing season, final tree size was similar with liners that were initially 12.2 mm (0.5 in) and 15.9 mm (0.6 in) liners in trunk diameter to those initially 22.3 mm (0.9 in) when potted into 37.8 liter (#10) and 56.8 liter (#15) containers. In experiment 2, maple liners with trunk diameters 17.5 mm (0.7 in), 20.5 mm (0.8 in), and 29.0 mm (1.1 in) were potted in container sizes 26.5 liter (#7), 37.8 liter (#10), and 56.8 liter (#15) and grown for 18 months (2 growing seasons). Liners grown in 56.8 liter (#15) containers had 92% more height growth and 48% more trunk diameter growth than with liners in 26.5 liter (#7) containers. At termination, the shoot dry weight was 41% larger with maples in 56.8 liter (#15) containers compared to those grown in 26.5 liter (#7) containers.