Integrative Biology Journals

JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH ›› 2023, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (3): 655-664.DOI: 10.1007/s11676-022-01527-9

• Original Paper • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Regulation of the growth of sprouting roots of black locust seedlings using root barrier panels

Satoshi Kitaoka1,2, Shiro Matsunami1,3, Yannan Wang1,4, Saki Fujita1,5, Kobayashi Makoto6, Toshiyuki Hirata6, Takayoshi Koike7,g   

  1. 1 Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, 060-8589, Sapporo, Japan
    2 The Robust Greenhouse Project of Hokkaido University, 060-8589, Sapporo, Japan
    3 Oyo Cooperation Ltd, Sumitomo Building, 101-8486, Tokyo, Japan
    4 Jiangxi Academy of Forestry, 330029, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
    5 Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 305-8687, Tsukuba, Japan
    6 Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, 060-0809, Sapporo, Japan
    7 Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, 060-8589, Sapporo, Japan
  • Received:2022-03-03 Accepted:2022-06-15 Online:2024-10-16
  • Contact: Takayoshi Koike

Abstract:

How can we regulate an invasive alien species of high commercial value? Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) has a unique capacity for seed dispersal and high germination. Field surveys indicate that black locust increases its growing area with sprouting roots and the elongation of horizontal roots at a soil depth of 10 cm. Therefore, a method to regulate the development of horizontal roots could be effective in slowing the invasiveness of black locust. In this study, root barrier panels were tested to inhibit the growth of horizontal roots. Since it is labor intensive to observe the growth of roots in the field, it was investigated in a nursery setting. The decrease in secondary flush, an increase in yellowed leaflets, and the height in the seedlings were measured. Installing root barrier panels to a depth of 30 cm effectively inhibit the growth of horizontal roots of young black locust.

Key words: Black locust, Horizontal roots, Nutrients, Root barrier panel, Sprouting roots