Influences of tube container volumes and storage duration prior planting on growth of Eucalyptus liners after transplanting into the field for one year

• Published in: Journal of ISSAAS Vol. 15; no. 1
• Main Authors: Sirikarn, P, Krisanapook, K, Phavaphutanon, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AGRONOMIC CHARACTERS; ALMACENAMIENTO; CARACTERE AGRONOMIQUE; CARACTERISTICAS AGRONOMICAS; CRECIMIENTO; CROISSANCE; CULTIVO DE TEMPORAL; CULTURE PLUVIALE; EUCALYPTUS; GROWTH; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_210; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_2683; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_3394; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_5958; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_6436; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_6945; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_7427; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_7874; PLANT CONTAINERS; PLANTULAS; PLANTULE; RAINFED FARMING; RECIPIENT DE CULTURE; RECIPIENTE DE CULTIVO; SEEDLINGS; STOCKAGE; STORAGE; TRANSPORT; TRANSPORTE
• ISSN: 0859-3132

Eucalyptus done CT76 plantlets from tissue culture were grown in 3 different sizes of opaque plastic tube containers; small (40 cu.m.), medium (75 cu.m.) and large (120 cu.m.) for 75 days during nursery production. After reading a standard size for out planting, plants were taken off from containers and packed in a 12x24 cm plastic bag, 30 plants per bag, according to a standard procedure of the nursery and transported to the site. Plants were transplanted into the field on the same day or stored in the same plastic bags under shade and water daily before transplanting to simulate the conditions of long distance transport or labor shortage. Effect of different container volumes and storage duration on growth of eucalyptus liners after transplanting was monitored for 13 months under rain-fed conditions. The results showed that liners from large containers had better initial growth during the first 4 months than those from smaller containers. Liners stored for 10 days had more growth restriction after transplanting. After transplanting for 8 months, liners from large containers were still larger in sizes than those from smaller containers but the effect of different storage duration on plant growth declined. Effect of container volumes and storage duration on canopy width, dry mass of leaves, branches and main trunk and dry mass of medium roots and small roots were not statistically significant. The results suggested that liners from small containers can catch up with those from large containers under rain-fed conditions after transplanting into the field for 1 year and thereafter. Growth restriction can be minimized if liners are properly stored not longer than 5 days before transplanting.