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The growth potential was observed for young trees of Tilia cordata `Glenleven', of Malus floribunda `Red Splendor' and of Fraxinus pensylvanica `Patmore' when produced in field or in containers. The three species were submitted to five treatments: field planting, above or sunk below ground containers with or without a copper coated fabric container. The 15 “species-treatments” combinations were randomly distributed in a block and repeated 4 times. Results demonstrate that the mean trunk diameter is greater by 18% for apple trees and by 6% for ash trees grown in containers compared to the other trees grown in field. Moreover, the trunk diameter of linden is 9% greater for trees in sunk below ground containers; the root dry mass is also more important in above ground containers. It is our opinion that the superior yields obtained with containers are due mainly to the better care given to the trees in terms of fertilization and irrigation. The greater quantity of due mass obtained with trees produced in fabric containers could on the one hand be dye to root ramification caused by copper and on the other hand to an increased to apical tissus volume also caused by copper. Visual observations have permitted to detect the effect of temperature on root development in the zone adgacent to the side of the container, it may have a regulator effect on the development of the root system and seems to be combined to the effect of copper.
The “Réseau d'esssais des plantes ligneuses ornementales du Québec” (REPLOQ) is a research project initiated in 1982 with the mandate to elaborate, develop and coordinate a cooperative research project to evaluate the winter hardiness of ornamental plants. Systematic evaluation trials provided information on growth potential and hardiness of woody trees and shrubs evaluated over a five year period in the principal growing regions of Québec. Zonal range covered was 2 to 5b in the Canadian system. Adequate field testing is critical for new introductions and, since 1984, more than 400 species and cultivars have been introduced in 8 evaluation sites. Results were published on several forms: technical factsheets provide cultural and production recommendations for the species and cultivar evaluated in each climatic zone. Propagation methods as well as their potential for ornamental purpose were described. In the 1984 plantation, Malus baccata and Quercus macrocarpa showed a similar potential for acclimation, but Malus baccata could be produced advantageously in any area, while the production potential of Quercus macrocarpa was enhanced by the summer heat of the wannest region. In this group of plants, Acer saccharinum was the species with the greatest number of plants suffering winter damage and could not be grown without risk anywhere in the area studied. Acer platanoides was severely damaged in the coldest of the eight evaluation sites and should not be cultivated there.
The “Reseau d' Essai de Plantes Ligneuses Ornementales du Québec” (REPLOQ) is a research project created in 1982 with a principal mandate to elaborate, develop, and coordinate with specialists on a cooperative research project to evaluate the winter hardiness of ornamental plants throughout the province of Quebec.
Two experiments with Malus domestica sp. were planted in 1997 at the Laval Univ. experimental farm located south of the St. Lawrence river near Quebec City. These experiments examined the association of the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices with Malus domestica sp. The first experiment compared the vegetative growth of `McIntosh' apple trees on M.106 rootstock in presence or absence of a commercial inoculum of G. intraradices (Premier Tech, Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec) under three levels of phosphorus fertilization (P) to the soil (0%, 50%, and 100% of the usual recommandation for this crop). After two seasons, all the treatments had better growth than the control (0% P without G. intraradices). The best treatment was achieved with 100% of the P associated with mycorrhizal inoculation. The second experiment compared the vegetative growth of three apple rootstocks Bud.9, M.26, and M.106, inoculated with G. intraradices under the same three P levels as the preceding experiment. Uninoculated rootstocks receiving the usual phosphorus fertilization served as control. Two roostocks, M.26 and M.106, increased growth with G. intraradices, while the third one, Bud.9, did not respond to the presence of mycorrhizal fungus.