Morphological Differences of the Root System of Bareroot and Container Longleaf Pine after Outplanting

For container longleaf pine (Pinus palustris ),this study seeks to confirm the presence or absence of a true taproot or sinker root (from laterals),and to record differences in sinker root length and diameter.Bareroot and container longleaf seedlings were dug up on a dry site and a wet site.The trees were 4 and 6 years old respectively.Measurements of sinker root length,diameter at groundline,diameter 8 inches (20 cm)below groundline,diameter 16 inches (41 cm) below groundline,and number of first order lateral roots were taken.The deepest sinker root was measured whether it was a true taproot or a lateral that developed to replace the primary taproot.On the dry site,no significant differences in sinker root (or taproot)length,diameter at groundline,diameter at 8 inches below groundline,and diameter at 16 inches below groundline were found.On the wet site,no significant difference in sinker root length,groundline diameter,or diameter at 16 inches was recorded,but container seedlings were significantly smaller in diameter at 8 inches.Multiple sinker roots were observed on the both sites,but appeared more common on the wet site.Root origin,as the true taproot or a primary lateral expressing dominance,could not be positively identified.Sinker roots were significantly longer on dry sites with less variance, while sinker root length on the wet site was variable and limited by a high water table and soil hard pan. No correlation between root size and tree height was indicated.In all cases a single or multiple sinker root was present.

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Author(s): Bill Pickens, Time Howell

Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 2002

Event: Southern Forest Nursery Association and the Northeastern Forest and Conservation Nursery Association Meeting
2002 - Gainesville, FL

Section: Southern Forest Nursery Association and the Northeastern Forest and Conservation Nursery Association