Benefits of container-grown trees: Many transplant problems can be prevented and early growth of roots and tops can be markedly improved, when container-grown or potted trees are used instead of bare-rooted dormant trees.
There are many advantages in growing and planting container-grown trees: (cont from last month)
Trees don’t need to be dug up, heeled-in or held in cold storage.
Trees can be planted any time of year.
There is less risk of transplant shock. One of the big advantages to growers is not losing a significant portion of the roots when the trees are dug up for transplanting in the orchard.
Because the trees are grown in a green-house, the seedlings or rooted hardwood or softwood cuttings can, if necessary, be budded or grafted at any time of year.
Budding and grafting can be done conveniently inside a shed on a type of conveyor-belt system without the weather interfering.
After about six months, trees are moved to an outside protected area to acclimatise.
Trees can be grown to order with only six months’ notice.
Less wastage, because there is a more diverse market than for bare-rooted dormant trees.
Trees are easier to plant than bare-rooted dormant trees because smaller holes are needed.
Nurseries need less land.
Nurseries do not need to rest land.
Nurseries with container-grown trees can be established anywhere because trees are protected and climate-control measures can be installed.
Growing trees and/or rootstock from tissue culture may become a reality, to keep them clean and free of viruses.
The modern high-density trellised systems, such as the multi-leader branchless 2D tree or Bi-baum, do not require large feathered trees. Roots are more important than tops.
Container-grown trees develop many fine feeder roots, which gives them a good start in the orchard.
Container-grown trees have the potential to form a more uniform orchard and fill their space quicker and better than bare-rooted dormant trees.
(cont next month)
See this article in Tree Fruit Jan 2021
