Research

Research projects

Encouraging the establishment of young beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees in the field

This experiment is a follow-up to the glasshouse experiments on two ornamental shrub species. We found that a particular root pruning treatment (i.e. light pruning) alone or, in some instances, in combination with one form of plant hormone auxin (IBA - indole butyric acid) promoted root growth in Buddleja and Cistus spp. And hence has a potential to aid plant establishment.

The aim of the current experiment, which was set up at RHS Wisley’s field site at Deers Farm in March 2005, is to assess longer-term effects of root pruning and IBA application on the establishment of beech trees. Beech was chosen as a popular species, but slow-growing and often difficult to establish. Furthermore, we are testing the effectiveness of an IBA form available to the amateur market, as well as ‘laboratory grade’ IBA.

During the 2005 growing season we have assessed how root pruning and IBA affected the time of bud break, tree photosynthetic capacity and shoot growth and canopy development.

The experiment is proposed to run until the end of 2007. We are hoping to obtain a more practical information on the effectiveness of root treatments in improving plant establishment in a ‘real life’ situation.

Tijana Blanusa

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