Effect of Defoliation and Root-Pruning on Early Root Growth from Merion Kentucky Bluegrass Sods and Seedlings
1971
Dunn, J. H. | Engel, R. E.
Two root observation container tests and a solution-culture test were established to determine the effect of defoliation and root-pruning on root initiation and development from ‘Merion’ Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) sod and seedlings. The advantage of more rapid rerooting from sod and seedlings occurred with an increased amount of root removal as shown in three experiments. Sod pruned 1.3 cm thick gave an increased rate of root appearance and increased root density compared with thicker-cut sod. Seedlings root-pruned to 1 cm in solution culture regenerated roots more rapidly than those receiving less intense pruning. Clipping tops to 3.8 cm and cutting sod thin (1.3 cm) was the best combination for early rooting of sods. Defoliation of sods to 0 cm as shown in two experiments caused early root inhibition but later increased root growth after a sufficient interval for recovery of top growth. There was no association of carbohydrate content of tops and roots and root weigh@ of sods at the conclusion of the root observation container experiments.
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