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

Abstract

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.