Survival and Growth of Saligna Eucalyptus Seedlings Treated With A Transpiration Retardant In Hawaii

In Hawaii, seedlings of saligna eucalyptus (Eucalyptus saligna Sm.) planted with bare roots often have low survival. One reason is that seedlings wilt before the roots of this hardwood species become established and can supply soil moisture. More seedlings would survive if they were planted with balled roots, but they would be costlier to raise and plant than bare-root seedlings. Another alternative is to reduce the water requirement of seedlings until the roots have become established. On the U.S. mainland, attempts have been made to reduce the water requirements of coniferous seedlings2 by using transpiration retardant chemicals. Several such chemicals are commercially available. I tested the effects of a product called All-Safe3 on survival, growth, and vigor of transplanted bareroot saligna eucalyptus seedlings. This transpiration retardant consists of vinyldiene copolymers formulated into a weather-resistant, film-forming material. The manufacturer claims that the material allows the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide into the plant while it restricts the movement of water vapor from the plant.

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Author(s): Gerland A. Walters

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 22, Number 1 (1971)

Volume: 22

Number: 1