Root growth of containerized lodgepole pine seedlings in response to Ascophyllum nodosum extract application during nursery culture

Abstract

MacDonald, J. E., Hacking, J., Weng, Y. and Norrie, J. 2012. Root growth of containerized lodgepole pine seedlings in response to Ascophyllum nodosum extract application during nursery culture. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1207-1212. Vigorous root growth immediately after spring planting is crucial to ensure a well-developed root system before the occurrence of drought events associated with climate change. The objective of this study was to enhance spring root growth of containerized lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) seedlings. Seedling culture began in April. In September, seedlings were root drenched with an extract of the brown marine alga Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis in finisher fertilizer at rates of 1:750, 1:500, and 1:250. Finisher fertilizer alone served as control. Applications were made three or six times. Seedling culture continued until lifting in December, and then seedlings were freezer stored. Frequency of application had no effect on root growth, whereas rate of...