E.F. Gilman R.C. Beeson Jr.

1994

Copper hydroxide affects root distribution of Ilex cassine in plastic containers

Hort. Technology. 5(1): 48-49

The root: shoot ratio for Ilex cassine L. grown 7 months in copper-treated containers was less than in nontreated containers. There was less dry weight for roots <5 mm in diameter in copper-treated containers than in nontreated containers in the outer 1 cm of the rootball. Dry weight of the roots >5 mm in diameter within the rootball were not affected by copper hydroxide treatment. Coating the interior of a plastic container with cupric hydroxide eliminated coarse roots (>5 mm in diameter) and significantly reduced fine root weight from the outer 1 cm.