| Growth and physiological responses before and after transplanting
to a simulated landscape were studied for 'East Palatka' holly (Ilex x attenuata
Ashe 'East Palatka') grown in plastic containers (PC), in the ground in
fabric containers (FC), or in the ground conventionally. At the end of a
15-month production period, trees grown in PC had more shoot dry weight
and leaf area than trees grown in FC, and they had thinner trunks than field-grown
trees. Root balls on harvested field-grown trees contained 55% and those
grown in FC 65% of total-tree root surface area. Trees transplanted from
FC had the lowest predawn leaf xylem potential and required more frequent
post-transplant irrigation than trees grown in PC or in the ground. Carbon
assimilation rate and stomatal conductance in the first week after transplanting
were highest for trees planted from PC. Dry weight of regenerated roots
was similar for all production methods 4 months after transplanting from
the nursery, but trees grown in PC had 50% more regenerated root length,
and the roots extended further into the back-fill soil. |