PLSC 101 - Forest Tree Seedling Production

Exam 3

bareroot

bareroot

seedlings are grown in soil from seed (similar to other row crops)

container

seedlings are grown in container cavities in artificial media (peat moss-based)

what is the step-by-step process for bareroot pine production seeding?

1. Soil is cultivated and disked in early spring

2. Soils are fumigated

3. Raised beds are formed (4-5ft wide)

4. Seeds are sown by drill method (20-25 seedlings per square foot) in mid-April to early May

5. Soil glue and preemergence herbicides are applied

what is critical for bareroot pine germination?

irrigation

what is the germination time for bareroot pine trees?

7-14 days

soil glue

liquid form adhesive sprayed over top of beds creating a crusty feeling (keeps the soil in place)

most soils are >__% sand

75%

what is the best pH range for growth?

5.0-6.0

how much organic matter should be present in the soil?

1-2%

why is it important to know the site history where you grow your plants?

it may be the answer to why a plant can’t grow well in that particular soil

how much Nitrogen is applied per growing season?

150-200lbs

doses of Nitrogen gradually ________ as seedlings get _______

increase; larger

seedlings are hardened off heading into ________

September

hardening off

remove from nursery and place into environment where the plant must grow on its own (dial back water and nutrients)

damping-off

germinants buckle and die (too wet)

fusiform rust

airborne spores (common in the south)

foliar blight

flares up in dreary, humid, and foggy periods

what are the top three nursery diseases?

damping-off, fusiform rust, and foliar blight

what are the top three weed problems in nurseries?

nutsedge (yellow and purple), prostrate spurge, morningglory

yellow nutsedge

1 tuber = 140 shoots in 6 mo.; all within 8 in

purple nutsedge

1 tuber = 280 shoots in 6 mo.; all within 2 feet

nematodes

microscopic worms that feed on seedling roots

lifting

the process of removing seedlings from nursery soil

when is seedling lifting season?

October-February

seedlings can be cold stored in _________

coolers

what is hot planting?

the seedling is sent directly for planting

how long is fumigated ground used for?

2-3 growing seasons

what are the steps in the production cycle for bareroot pine?

1. ground fumigated

2. then, placed in cover crop or fallow for a season or two

3. then, re-fumigated