Timing, Acclimation Period, and Cupric Hydroxide Concentration Alter Growth Responses of the Ohio Production System

Abstract

Abstract Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) was used as a model system to determine the effects of reduced greenhouse and acclimation phases of the Ohio production system for use in the mid-southern portion of the U.S. Initiation of the greenhouse phase could be delayed from early February to early March without reducing end-of-season growth. Eliminating the acclimation phase reduced seedling survival, but extending the acclimation phase beyond 7 days did not improve growth. In another experiment, common baldcypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.) were grown in straight-walled round plastic containers painted with 25, 50, or 100 g Cu(OH)2/l (0.83, 1.67, or 3.34 oz/qt) Spin Out™ carrier, in nontreated straight-walled round containers, in nontreated stepped-pyramid pots, or in stepped-pyramid pots painted with 100 g Cu(OH)2/l (3.34 oz/qt). Either container type treated with 100 g Cu(OH)2/l effectively controlled root deformation. Nontreated stepped-pyramid pots reduced root circling, but did not control kinking and matting of roots at container surfaces.