Co-Authors:
Atzmon, N., NU Research Unit for Plant Growth and Development, Department of Botany, University of Natal, P.O. Box 375, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa
Van Staden, J., NU Research Unit for Plant Growth and Development, Department of Botany, University of Natal, P.O. Box 375, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa
Abstract:
Seedlings of Pinus pinea L. growing in plastic containers were treated with seaweed concentrate (SWC). Different concentrations of SWC were applied, 0 to 3 times, to the roots or shoots of the seedlings. Shoot application increased plant weight mainly by increasing shoot growth. This was manifested as increased shoot length and weight and a decrease in the root/shoot ratio. Root drenches did not change the total plant weight but it accelerated root growth and increased lateral root dry weight. Root growth capacity (RGC) tests for both shoot and root applications indicated an increase in root length and some increases in root number when applied as a root drench. This study indicates that root application of SWC improved seedling quality and increased the ability of seedlings to survive transplanting into pots. © 1994 Kluwer Academic Publishers.