Effects Of Root Pruning Research Articles

Effects of Root Pruning on Organic Carbon Stock Levels in Oil Palm Plantation

Effects of Root Pruning on Organic Carbon Stock Levels in Oil Palm Plantation

Effects of Root Pruning and Size on Growth Traits of Hybrid Poplar Seedlings

Selecting seedlings of varying sizes and effectively managing root pruning are key challenges in transplantation. However, the effects of seedling size and root pruning on transplantation outcomes are not fully understood. This study classified one-year-old Populus ‘Beilinxiongzhu-01’ seedlings into three size categories based on height: large (308.75 ± 9.66 cm), medium (238.00 ± 7.71 cm), and small (138.92 ± 7.18 cm). In early March of the subsequent year, root pruning was applied with varying intensities based on root collar diameter: low (15 times), medium (7.5 times), and high (3.75 times). A control group without pruning was also included. Over the year, key phenological and morphological traits were monitored. The results showed that (1) root pruning significantly impacted the phenology of seedlings, accelerating root emergence, delaying early leaf phenology, increasing the dieback rate, and postponing end-of-season defoliation. Mortality and the rapid growth phase were not significantly affected. Larger seedlings exhibited earlier end-of-season defoliation and higher dieback rates early in the growing season, while smaller seedlings advanced in early leaf development. (2) Except under low or no pruning, root pruning reduced seedling height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH), and root collar diameter (RCD). However, across all treatments, these indicators remained higher in larger seedlings compared to smaller ones. Under medium- and high-intensity pruning, smaller seedlings exhibited higher relative growth rates and larger leaf areas than larger seedlings, with the reduction in these variables becoming more pronounced as seedlings increased in size. Notably, only larger seedlings demonstrated a reduction in maximum growth rate, suggesting greater vulnerability to root pruning. In summary, root pruning induced significant phenological and morphological differences across seedling sizes. While smaller seedlings showed some response to pruning, larger seedlings experienced more pronounced phenological disruptions and growth inhibition.

Effect of Root Pruning and Nitrogen Application on Growth Performance of Celtis australis L. Seedlings in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Effect of Root Pruning and Nitrogen Application on Growth Performance of Celtis australis L. Seedlings in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Effects of AMF inoculation on the growth, photosynthesis and root physiological morphology of root-pruned Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings.

Root pruning hinders the absorption and utilization of nutrients and water by seedlings in the short term. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are an important source of nutrient and water for seedlings except for the root system. However, the mechanism by which AMF affect the physiological growth of seedlings after root pruning has rarely been studied. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted through a three-compartment partition system to clarify the effects of Funneliformis mosseae (F. mosseae) strain BGC XJ07A on the physiological growth of root-pruned Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings. Five root pruning treatments (zero, one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third and one-half of the taproot length were removed) were applied to noninoculated seedlings and those inoculated with F. mosseae. The results showed that the presence of F. mosseae significantly increased the shoot and root biomasses, leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. The root projected area, root surface area, average root diameter, root density, root volume and number of root tips of the inoculated seedlings were higher than those without inoculation in all root pruning treatments. The root cytokinin, gibberellins and indole-3-acetic acid concentrations, but root abscisic acid concentration, were higher than those measured in the absence of inoculation in all root pruning treatments. Moreover, the changes in the root endogenous hormone concentrations of the seedlings were closely related to the root morphological development and seedling biomass. The AMF increased the soil available nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, soil available potassium and soil organic matter concentrations compared with the noninoculated treatment. These results indicate that AMF can alleviate the adverse effects of root pruning on the physiological growth of R. pseudoacacia and soil properties, and can provide a basis for AMF application to forest cultivation and the sustainable development of forest ecosystems.

Effects of root pruning on seedling growth and other parameters in Juniperus polycarpos under nursery condition

A nursery trial was conducted to study the effects of root pruning on the seedling growth and other parameters of Juniperus polycarpos. Roots of two-year-old seedlings of J. polycarpos were pruned at different levels and transplanted in polybags of size 9’’ × 5” filled with potting media comprising soil, sand, and farm yard manure (2:1:1). Maximum growth of various seedling parameters, viz., shoot length (42.90 cm), root length (38.40 cm), collar diameter (6.16 mm), number of roots (45.93) and biomass, viz., fresh shoot biomass (24.03 g), fresh root biomass (6.35 g), total fresh biomass (30.38 g), dry shoot biomass (10.21 g), dry root biomass (2.48 g), total dry biomass (12.69 g), weight of secondary + tertiary roots (0.61 g) were recorded in seedlings in which 5 cm roots were retained after pruning, whereas, minimum growth of seedling parameters and biomass was recorded in seedlings in which no root pruning was done. The maximum value of seedling quality parameters, viz., volume index (1627.86), Quality index (1.14), and ratio of secondary + tertiary roots to total root biomass (0.08) was also observed in seedlings in which 5 cm roots were retained after pruning. The study suggests that roots of J. polycarpos may be pruned up to 5 cm in length for production of quality nursery stock.

Root pruning improves maize water-use efficiency by root water absorption.

Root systems are an important component of plants that impact crop water-use efficiency (WUE) and yield. This study examined the effects of root pruning on maize yield, WUE, and water uptake under pot and hydroponic conditions. The pot experiment showed that root pruning significantly decreased root/shoot ratio. Both small root pruning (cut off about 1/5 of the root system, RP1) and large root pruning (cut off about 1/3 of the root system, RP2) improved WUE and root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) in the residual root system. Compared with that in the un-cut control, at the jointing stage, RP1 and RP2 increased Lpr by 43.9% and 31.5% under well-watered conditions and 27.4% and 19.8% under drought stress, respectively. RP1 increased grain yield by 12.9% compared with that in the control under well-watered conditions, whereas both pruning treatments did not exhibit a significant effect on yield under drought stress. The hydroponic experiment demonstrated that root pruning did not reduce leaf water potential but increased residual root hydraulic conductivity by 26.2% at 48 h after root pruning under well-watered conditions. The foregoing responses may be explained by the upregulation of plasma membrane intrinsic protein gene and increases in abscisic acid and jasmonic acid in roots. Increased auxin and salicylic acid contributed to the compensated lateral root growth. In conclusion, root pruning improved WUE in maize by root water uptake.

Root growth potential and seedling growth of kamagong (Diospyros blancoi A. DC.) influenced by root pruning

Abstract Quality seedlings are vital to the success of any reforestation project. This can be attained and improved by employing nursery management practices like root pruning. This study was carried out to determine the effect of root pruning on root growth potential and growth of kamagong seedlings. Three-month-old seedlings were obtained from the Learning Laboratory for Forestry and Agroforestry, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines – Los Baños, where treatments non-root pruned and root pruned were applied to seedlings repotted in larger polybags. After 80 days, root pruning did not significantly affect height and root collar diameter growth. Shoot dry mass, root collar diameter, root length, total tree dry mass, sturdiness quotient, seedling mortality were consistent in between treatments. Non-root pruned seedlings yielded significantly higher root volume and root dry mass while root pruned seedlings have significantly higher shoot height, root: shoot ratio, and seedling quality index. Attainment of moderate Root Growth Potential (RGP) based on root length and root volume was influenced by root pruning. Expressions of RGP were positively and significantly correlated to root dry mass, sturdiness quotient and seedling quality index. In conclusion, root pruning of this critically endangered species increases its quality as planting stock.

Effect of Root Pruning on the Root Growth Potential (RGP) of Three Philippine Native Tree Species

Root growth potential (RGP) is the plant’s capacity to grow new roots, an important trait for seedlings to be used on any reforestation program. In the Philippines, these kinds of programs often end up in failure, as low-quality seedlings are usually chosen due to unfamiliarity with attributes that indicate good outplanting performance, narrow sources of high-quality seeds, and the lack of a reliable quality assessment method. This study aimed to determine the RGP of three native species – namely, bignai (Antidesma bunius), kamagong (Diospyros blancoi), and molave (Vitex parviflora) – and find its correlation with other morphological parameters. The experiment was done in a completely randomized design (CRD) with taproot pruning lengths (1-cm pruning, 2-cm pruning, and no root pruning) applied as treatments for each species. The morphological parameters measured included the relative growth rate (height and diameter), number of leaves, root collar diameter (RCD), biomass (root, shoot, and total) and length of taproot while root-shoot ratio, sturdiness quotient, and seedling quality index (SQI) were calculated. In general, taproot pruning had no significant effects on the seedling morphological attributes of all species. Excluding molave, the two other species had mostly responded well to root pruning and can be recommended as a treatment to induce root growth development. RGP had generally complemented the results from the other parameters, indicating how root development was associated with the morphological growth of the species. The study shows how RGP can also be relied on for testing seedling health and the status of native species. For a more comprehensive result, future research could increase experiment duration or use younger seedlings. A field performance assessment could also be performed to supplement the RGP study

Effects of Root Pruning on Adventitious Root Formation, Enzyme Activities, and Hormone Levels in Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Fengdanbai’ Seedlings

Effects of Root Pruning on Adventitious Root Formation, Enzyme Activities, and Hormone Levels in Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Fengdanbai’ Seedlings

EFEK PEMANGKASAN AKAR DAN PEMANGKASAN PELEPAH TERHADAP KUALITAS HASIL MINYAK KELAPA SAWIT (ELAEIS GUINEENSIS JACQ) PADA UMUR YANG BERBEDA

Efforts to intensify oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) are needed to increase productivity close to the actual production potential of oil palm crops. The productivity and growth of oil palm is partly controlled by the relationship between the top of the plant (the leaf) and the bottom of the plant (root). This study aims to find out the effect of root pruning and the number of fronds on the growth, production and quality of oil palm products. The research was conducted for 12 months from February 2018 to January 2019 in gardens owned by the community of Petapahan Village, Tapung District of Kampar Regency, Riau. The research was conducted experimentally using split plot design which is grouped based on different plant age (5 years, 10 years and 15 years). The main plot is the pruning of oil palm, Normal, Light, and Heavy fronds. The plot is trimming the roots of oil palm 75%, 50% and 25%. The results showed that root pruning and the number of fronds did not affect the interaction of observational premeters. Pruning the roots independently gives a noticeable influence on the content of mesocarp oil. Self-trimming of the fronds has a real effect on the total increase in oil. Plant life has a noticeable effect on enhancement, total oil, mesocarp oil and free fatty acids.

Crecimiento en campo de Pinus patula Schltdl. & Cham. como efecto de la poda radicular y los contenedores utilizados en vivero

Introduction: The production of seedlings in containers implies the risk of deforming the root. This damage persists and increases after outplanting causing negative effects on the plants. Objective: To evaluate outplanting performance of Pinus patula Schltdl. & Cham. as an effect of root pruning and containers used in the nursery. Materials and methods: Nine-month-old seedlings were grown in three 170 cc containers: plastic tray, polystyrene tray and grid with containers with 54, 77 and 42 cavities, respectively. The cavities were impregnated with copper hydroxide to encourage chemical root pruning; additionally, an aerial root pruning treatment was included (containers with lateral openings). Survival and growth of P. patula were evaluated under field conditions during two years in 72 plants per treatment, randomly distributed in six blocks or replications. Results and discussion: Pruned and unpruned plants showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in survival (89 vs. 79 %), height (154.0 vs. 147.1 cm) and relative annual growth rates of diameter (0.97 vs. 0.93 cm·cm-1·year-1) and height (0.97 vs. 0.92 cm·cm-1·year-1). Plants in plastic containers and polystyrene trays had the best growth and survival rates. The interaction container*pruning was not significant. In spite of starting with the lowest sizes, the plants in containers designed for aerial root pruning had similar characteristics to those grown in the same containers with and without chemical root pruning. Conclusion: Root pruning favored survival and growth of P. patula after outplanting and had a greater effect than the type of container used.

Chemical root pruning improves quality and nutrient uptake of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) seedlings

Cape gooseberry is an annual crop in temperate regions, and it is yearly planted in seed trays for initial development, and outplanted to the field for fruit production. Although, a matted and spiraled root morphology, as a consequence of seed trays/containers, may negatively interfere the outplanted seedling performance due to such impaired attributes. Thus, the objective of this study was: (1) to determine the effect of chemical root pruning on quality of cape gooseberry seedlings (2) to determine whether copper hydroxide or copper oxide, and the appropriate rates that are the most effective to enhance seedling quality. To do so, the cells of seed trays were painted internally with a mix of latex ink and copper hydroxide or copper oxide at the rates of 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 g.L−1 of Cu (equivalent of metallic copper), for the seedlings of cape gooseberry to grow throughout 87 and 105 days after sowing (DAS). Both copper compounds promoted root pruning accordingly to the rate. For the seedlings grown throughout 87 days in the seed trays, the effect of root pruning intensity caused by copper hydroxide induced the seedlings to have a balanced shoot growth, an improved root system morphology, and a better nutritional status that was achieved with the concentration of 24 g.L-1 of Cu. The same was found for the seedlings grown throughout 105 days in the seed trays, with copper hydroxide at the concentration of 48 g.L-1 of Cu. These results suggest that chemical root pruning of seedlings using copper hydroxide improves root morphology and increases the nutrient uptake capacity.

Root Pruning and Auxin Alter Root Morphology of Hickories

A reputation for coarse root systems with dominant taproots, and for slow shoot development among seedlings, limits use of hickory species (Carya Nutt.) that could increase diversity in managed landscapes. We examined effects of root pruning and application of auxin on root and shoot development of seedlings of several species of hickory. Our hypothesis was that pruning the radicle shortly after seed germination and subsequent treatment with auxin would increase root branching without curtailing development of the shoot. Germinated seeds of Carya aquatica (F. Michx.) Nutt., Carya cordiformis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, Carya laciniosa (F. Michx.) Loudon, Carya ovata (Mill.) K. Koch, and Carya tomentosa (Lam.) Nutt. were treated by removing two-thirds of the length of the radicle with and without immediate application of 3000 mg·L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) via Hormex rooting powder #3 to the remaining one-third of radicle. Neither treatment altered stem height, stem caliper, or root dry weight. After 75 days, root-pruned seedlings of Carya ovata without auxin had 42% fewer fibrous first-order lateral roots than did unpruned controls. Root pruning plus auxin led to a 79% increase in the number of fibrous first-order lateral roots of C. laciniosa and an ≈50% increase in the shoot dry weight of C. aquatica. Both root pruning and root pruning plus auxin evoked formation of taproot branches for all species. Because species differed in responses of root and shoot systems to root pruning with and without auxin, the practice should be implemented cautiously based on the species.

Effects of Root Pruning on Cucumber Seedling Growth

Plant growth regulator as chemical stopper application which is the most common practice in nurseries is practical in order to regulate height control and development on seedlings. However, the problems experienced after application of chemicals and the fact that the application is not organic brought up alternative control methods. This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of different types of root pruning and chemical regulator application on cucumber (cv. Murat F1) seedling quality. Cucumber seeds were sown on 25.07.2017 in peat (vermiculite was used as only the cover) in styrofoam tray with 128 holes at a commercial seedling company under polyethylene covered greenhouse. After the germination room, seedlings were put in the seedling adaptation greenhouse and growth there until transplanting. When the seedlings reached 1-2 true leaves, applications were performed. In the experiment (1) 1/3 of the root was pruned from bottom, (2) 1/3 of root was pruned from side and they were compared with (3) the chemical regulator with paclobutrazol active ingredient (Cultar, Sygenta) which used very common by commercial seedling companies. Seedlings with (4) no application were tested as control. For each treatment, 3 styrofoam trays were used, and each tray was considered as 1 repetition. 16 days after the seed sowing, when seedlings were ready for transplanting stem and root length, leaf numbers, stem diameter, leaf color, fresh and dry weight of root and shot were measured. Obtained results show that the number of leaves, L, a*/b* and h° values did not changed with treatments, however, compared with chemical regulator, root pruning decreased root length, stem diameter, root and shoot fresh and dry weights. Chemical regulator application thickened the stem and increased plant biomass. It can be concluded that root pruning can be an alternative to the use of chemical regulator, the root pruning from side part can be used as a regulator because it creates a lower seedling biomass but the root pruning from bottom can be used because of its ease of application. Keywords : Cucumis sativus, Plant Growth Regulator, Paclobutrazol, Root Pruning. DOI : 10.7176/JSTR/5-5-05

The effects of root pruning on growth and physiology of two Acer species in New Zealand

Trees in the urban environment are affected by anthropogenic activities that have the potential to negatively affect tree function, health, and growth. The provision and maintenance of new underground utilities, footpaths, and street furniture all have the potential to result in conflicts with tree root systems leading to root severance. Traditional investigations into the responses of trees to root severance usually involve severing roots indiscriminately in one or more trenches, although root loss may not be fully quantified for individual trees. In the urban environment, root zone alterations may be localised and involve more discriminate methods, and practitioners must rely on experience and often anecdotal information when making decisions about root pruning. In this study, we investigate the suitability of allometric modelling as a tool to quantify root removal treatments. Two species of Acer were exposed to four different root severance treatments (trenching on one, two, three or four sides plus control). Fragments of the severed roots of all trees were excised and their diameters measured at the point of severance and used to estimate root cross-sectional area. Total root cross-sectional areas for each tree were expressed as a ratio of trunk cross-sectional areas at ground level (Ar(GL)) and at 1.4 m (Ar(BH)) as well as conductive sapwood areas in the trunk at each height (As(GL) and As(BH)). Ar and As ratios were used to explain differences in physiology (stomatal conductance and dark-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence) and growth (trunk diameter, shoot growth and specific leaf area) responses using linear regression models. Increasing root removal intensity (trenching treatments) revealed significant differences between treatment trees and control for stomatal conductance in both species (p ≤ 0.02), as well as growth responses (p <0.05). Ar(BH) was a significant predictor of stomatal conductance (p < 0.05), trunk diameter growth (p < 0.05), specific leaf area (p < 0.001) and shoot growth (p < 0.01); although model strength varied (R2 = 0.56, 0.31, 0.16, and 0.03 respectively). This research takes the first steps towards developing a practical tool for practicing arborists who make day-to-day tree management decisions relating to roots and root care practices.

Root pruning enhances wheat yield, harvest index and water-use efficiency in semiarid area

Improved management practices are necessary to increase grain yield and water-use efficiency of rainfed winter wheat in semiarid environments. Yield and its components, evapotranspiration, and accumulation and apparent remobilisation of stem water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) were measured to understand the effects of root pruning and its interactions with seeding rate, water and nitrogen supply. Two factorial studies under straw mulching with continuous wheat were established in the Loess Plateau of China. Study 1 was repeated over four seasons and included six treatments from the combination of three root treatments, i.e. root pruning in winter before dormancy (RPw), root pruning at the re-green stage in spring (RPs) and untreated control (CK), and two seeding rates. Study 2 was repeated over three seasons and included twelve treatments from the combination of two root treatments (RPs and CK), two nitrogen rates and three pre-sowing soil water levels. Yield ranged from 2571 to 7722 kg ha−1, harvest index from 0.28 to 0.56, and water-use efficiency from 5 to 20 kg ha−1 mm−1. Root pruning improved grain yield, harvest index and water-use efficiency by 6–11% across environmental conditions. Grain yield increased more (i) by pruning roots in spring than in winter, (ii) in high plant density than in low plant density crops, and (iii) in low-yielding conditions. It is concluded that spring root pruning is a viable option to improve wheat yield and water use efficiency under straw mulching in semiarid environment.

Regulatory effects of root pruning on leaf nutrients, photosynthesis, and growth of trees in a closed-canopy poplar plantation

A plantation of 5-year-old poplar Populus × euramericana cv. ‘Neva’ was used to study the regulatory effects of root pruning on nutrients, photosynthetic characteristics, and water-use efficiency (WUE) of leaves and growth rates of diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.3 m), tree height, and volume. Six root-pruning treatments were conducted with different combinations of intensity (at a distance of six, eight or ten times DBH from the trunk) and orientation (on two or four sides of the trees). Results showed that the N, P, K, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of leaves were all significantly decreased by root pruning over the initial period following root pruning (30 days), but increased in the subsequent investigations. The values of the above indexes peaked in 8–2 treatment (i.e., eight times DBH distance on two sides). The leaf WUE in 8–2 treatment, and average growth rates of DBH, tree height and volume, were the highest among all treatments within 3 years of root pruning. The results indicated that the root pruning based on the appropriate selection of intensity and orientation had significant positive effects on leaf nutrients, photosynthesis, and growth of trees in a closed-canopy poplar plantation.

Functional response of Quercus robur L. to taproot pruning: a 5-year case study

Key messageQuercus roburseedling mass was affected more by planting density than by taproot pruning. Root pruning enhanced stem biomass at the expense of roots in later growth stages. Alteration of biomass allocation due to nursery practices may result in greater susceptibility to injury and death of the seedlings under unfavorable environmental conditions.ContextPlants adjust their growth and modulate the resource allocation in response to applied treatments and environmental conditions.AimsThe aim was to examine how taproot pruning in seedlings grown at different densities affected long-term growth of Quercus robur.MethodsSeedlings, sown as acorns at two planting densities, with or without pruned roots were harvested in the second, fourth, and fifth years of growth. The effect of root pruning on biomass allocation was determined by measuring leaf, stem, and root mass fractions; carbohydrate concentrations in the roots; and C/N ratios. Specific leaf area and root length were also determined to assess morphological adaptations to growth conditions.ResultsTotal seedling mass was affected more by planting density than by taproot pruning. After 4 years of growth, root mass fractions were lower and stem mass fractions were greater in seedlings planted at a higher density. Five-year old root-pruned seedlings also had a lower root mass fraction and higher stem mass fractions than unpruned seedlings. Specific root length was not affected by root pruning or planting density.ConclusionDecrease of relative root biomass with simultaneous increase of stem biomass may be a long-term consequence of taproot pruning of Q. robur, and the effects may manifest years after the seedling stage.

根の切除処理が塩分ストレス下におけるイネの Na^+ 排除機能に及ぼす影響

根の切除処理が塩分ストレス下におけるイネの Na^+ 排除機能に及ぼす影響

Effects of root pruning on the physicochemical properties and microbial activities of poplar rhizosphere soil.

This study aimed to determine the effects of root pruning on the physicochemical characteristics and microbial activities of poplar rhizosphere soil. The root systems of 5-year-old poplar (Populus×euramericana cv. ‘Neva’) trees were manually pruned at 6, 8, or 10 times diameter at breast height (DBH) from the trunk (severe, moderate, and light, respectively) along both inter-row sides. Moderate root pruning significantly increased the concentrations of amino acids, organic acids, and total sugars in the root exudates and decreased the pH of rhizosphere soil. This treatment also increased the contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and total organic carbon as well as high-, medium-, and low-activity organic carbon in rhizosphere soil. Moreover, moderate pruning increased the contents of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and enhanced basal respiration, in addition to decreasing the metabolic quotients in rhizosphere soil by 8.9%, 5.0%, and 11.4% compared with control, light, and severe root pruning treatments, respectively. Moderate pruning increased the growth rates of DBH, tree height, and volume to the highest levels. Furthermore, these indices were not significantly different between the light root pruning and control groups, but varied significantly between severe and moderate root-pruning treatments. Thus, root pruning, depending on the distance from the trunk, significantly influences the physicochemical properties and microbial activities in poplar rhizosphere soil.