Open AccessTree Root System Enhancement with Paclobutrazol
Author(s) -
Gary Watson
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.1996.032
Subject(s) - paclobutrazol , topsoil , root system , biology , horticulture , botany , agronomy , environmental science , soil water , ecology
Paclobutrazol 2SC (PBZ) was injected into the soil at the base of the trunk at 2 g a.i. per inch dbh. Surface fine root densities near the base of the trees were naturally higher than in the rest of the root system and were adequate to absorb the compound. PBZ treatment was effective in stimulating fine root development in pin oaks {Quercus palustris) and white oaks {Quercus alba). Pin oak fine root densities were increased significantly in high-quality topsoil. White oak fine root densities were increased significantly by PBZ alone and in combination with high-organic replacement soils. The treatment may be effective in stabilizing declining trees with insufficient fine root development.