Survival and early growth performance of root-prunned diptorecarp wildlings

Abstract

There is still very little empirical data available that could support the assumption that root pruning benefits growth performance of nursery–raised planting stocks, specifically dipterocarps, considering that it is considered as standard nursery practice. This study aimed to determine the early growth performance and percent survival of wildlings of selected Shorea species when subjected to root pruning. Wildlings of three Shorea species, namely, Shorea almon, Shorea negronensis, and Shorea palosapis were collected at Mt. Nacolod, Silago Southern Leyte and brought to the Department of Forest Science Nursery in Visayas State University where half of the number of collected wildlings for each species were root–pruned leaving the other half as control (not pruned). Growth characteristics (height, root collar diameter, number of leaves) and percent survival were determined at three months after placing them inside a recovery chamber. Height, root collar diameter, leaf count, and leaf survival rate were not significantly affected by root pruning but root-pruning results might not be evident at this early stage. A visual examination and comparison of roots revealed the root-pruned Shorea wildlings started to form new lateral roots. More roots in the root ball could improve the viability of the seedlings and enhance the likelihood that they will survive. More studies are recommended to evaluate the benefits of root pruning to dipterocarp wildlings.