Containerised Forest Seedling Root Defects Induced by Transporting or Transplanting

Abstract

Two trials were conducted in an attempt to establish the effect of poor handling and transplanting techniques on subsequent root growth of containerised seedlings. Major root distortion was recorded where seedling root systems were transplanted with vertical pressure. Some distortion occurred after simulated poor transport conditions, even after the roots were teased straight. This source of distortion is unlikely to be the major cause of distorted roots after transplanting. Root systems were not distorted after pruning the bottom third off the root plug. It is recommended that container systems with shorter root plugs be chosen as this will help avoid the potential for transplanting-induced root deformities.