Effects on growth and cost of production of Arizona ash, Indian hawthorn, Southern waxmyrtle, and live oak sequentially produced in combinations of Cu-treated and non-treated 0.24 L., 2.7 L and 10.4 L or 12.7 L containers

Abstract

velutina Torr. (Arizona ash), Quercus virginians Mill. (live oak), and Rapheolepis indica Lindl. (lndian hawthorn) and two-hundred forty seedlings of Myrica cerebra L. (waxmyrtle) were grown in College Station, Texas in 0.24 L containers half treated with Cu(OH)2 and half with no-treatment. All plant species were transplanted into sequential combinations of treated and non-treated 2.7 L then 10.4 L or 12.7 L containers resulting in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial combination in a randomized complete block design. Plant root growth was controlled consistently across all plant species in all three container stages when the container previously grown in was [Cutfll-lh]-treated. Differential plant growth responses (height, dry mass, trunk diameter, and index) at the 0.24 L container stage had no commercial significance, though some statistical differences occurred. [Cutoldlz]-treatments had a significant effect on the transplant time at the 0.24 L to 2.7 L container stage and the 2.7 L to 10.4 L or 12.7 L container transplant stage when plants were previously grown in treated containers. slight reduction in transplant time and did not offset the cost of Spin Out! in the partial budget analysis of all four plant species at both transplant stages, though when a cost comparison was made, pre-treated containers were less expensive than self-treated containers. Following growth in 2.7 L extensions was seen for live oak plants due to treatment at the 0.24 L container stage. Indian hawthorn plants did have a greater number of marketable plants in 2.7 L containers prior to overwintering when combinations of copper treatments were used. Growth responses in the 12.7 L containers were variable, with beneficial effects from copper-treatment seen for live oak and Indian hawthorn trunk diameter and index ((width widest + width narrowest + height)/3), but Arizona ash and Southern wimbles had better growth when using non-treated container combinations. Index words: Container nursery production, copper hydroxide, economics of production. Species used in this study: Fraxinus velutina, Raphiolepis indica, Myrica cerifera, Quercus virginians.