Effects of Pruning on Root and Shoot Growth of Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’
In 2 experiments, shoot pruning at potting reduced root growth of transplanted rooted cuttings (liners). However, tip pruning of plants increased root growth compared to severe pruning (50% of shoots) and increased shoot numbers compared to nonpruned plants. In experiment 1 severe shoot pruning of transplanted liners in September resulted in increased shoot numbers compared to nonpruned plants, while in a second experiment, severe shoot pruning in May had no effect on shoot numbers.
Contributor Notes
2Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture; Superintendent Ornamental Horticulture Substation, P.O. Box 8276, Mobile, AL 36608; and Research Associate, Department of Horticulture, respectively.
3This work was supported, in part, by the nursery industry through contributions to the Horticultural Research Institute, 1250 I Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.