Long-Term Growth of Live Oak Propagated from Rhizomic Shoot Cuttings or Seeds

Abstract

Rhizomic shoot cuttings of live oak ( Quercus virginiana Mill.) were taken from a single tree about 50 years old in late August 1990, rooted, and planted into 2.6 liter (#1) plastic pots. Concurrently, acorns were collected from the same tree and germinated. Trees from both sources were planted into 13 liter (#5) plastic pots in July 1991 and then to the field in July 1992 either directly in the ground, in 37 or 46 cm (14 and 18 in) diameter polypropylene fabric bags buried in the ground, or in 13 liter pots (#5) placed on the surface. Trunk circumference 10 cm (4 in) above the soil line was measured yearly between 1993 and 1999. Initially, trees from rhizomic shoot cuttings grew slower than seedlings based on trunk circumference, diameter, and cross-sectional area. However, there were no statistical differences after 1996 in trunk circumference, diameter and cross-sectional area between the trees propagated from rhizomic shoot cuttings and seeds. Only in 1993, trees in 37 cm (14 in) bags and plastic pots had greater growth than trees in the ground. About one-third of the seedling trees produced rhizomic shoots in comparison to none of the trees from rhizomic shoot cuttings.