Propagation Container and Timing of Propagation Affects Growth of Oak Seedlings

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the container effect and the timeline of seed propagation on germination and subsequent shoot and root development for container-grown oaks. Quercus nigra and Q. texana had equal or better growth and better root ratings when acorns were sown in Anderson tree bands compared to five other traditional propagation containers that had at least half the root volume. Germination percentage of Q. bicolor, Q. phellos and Q. shumardii was similar at 10 weeks after sowing whether acorns were sown in March, April, May or June. Q. bicolor and Q. phellos acorns sown in March had similar height and trunk diameter during the 30 week growing period in year 1 compared to acorns sown in April, May, or June that had a 25, 20, or 15 week growing period, respectively. Q. shumardii seedlings had greater shoot growth when acorns were sown in April or May compared to March or June. However, there was no difference in trunk diameter. By the end of the second year, Q. shumardii repotted into #3 nursery containers had similar growth among all sowing dates. Though some statistical differences occurred with shoot and root growth during the second year for Q. bicolor and Q. phellos, these differences did not appear to be the result of propagation time but probably a result of genetic variability.