ROOT AND SHOOT GROWTH PERIODICITY OF GREEN ASH, SCARLET OAK, TURKISH HAZELNUT, AND TREE LILAC IN NEW YORK STATE

Abstract

Four each of landscape-sized Fraxinus Pennsylvania Marsh. (green ash), Quercus coccinea Muenchh. (scarlet oak), Corylus colurna L. (Turkish hazelnut) and Syringa reticulata Hara `Ivory Silk' (tree lilac) were established on a rhizotron in Ithaca, New York, and root and shoot growth characteristics were observed throughout 1992. Root growth did not begin on any species before bud break. Green ash, scarlet oak and Turkish hazelnut exhibited recurrent shoot growth. Most root growth occurred during periods of bud rest, although no marked antagonism between shoot and root growth was evident. Green ash root growth was synchronous with shoot growth. The root harvest zone of green ash and tree lilac contained higher root length densities, and roots contained within appeared less suberized than that of Turkish hazelnut or scarlet oak. Root spread: crown spread ratio was greatest for Turkish hazelnut. Little root growth occurred on any species after fall leaf drop or when soil temperatures were below 5C. Implications for transplanting are discussed.