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Buttonwood grown in different propagation containers
Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) cuttings in two different propagation container types grew different root systems in 6 weeks. The container is shown on the left; the root system grown in that container is shown on the right.
Smooth sided propagation container.
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Root system from a smooth sided container. Most roots are deflected down to the bottom of the pot. Some are deflected around. |
Elle pot propagation container made from paper. Roots grew through paper and were then deflected by the plastic holder tray shown below. A tray with less plastic is needed so roots do not deflect.
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Root system from an Elle pot container. Roots grew at a less steep angle down compared to the root system in the smooth sided container. This was due to a combination of the wider dimensions of the pot and the porous sides which encouraged lateral growth with less deflection. |
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Roots on the tree shown above were deflected by the plastic in the holder tray after they grew through the paper. We need a holder tray constructed of less plastic. The flat surfaces of the holder tray should be oriented radially from the trunk so roots are not deflected by a flat surface.
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