Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/657340
18 APRIL 1, 2016 Good Fruit Grower www.goodfruit.com Absorptive roots rarely, if ever, become woody transport roots. Transport roots are initially formed by pioneer roots. As they become woody, they make up the framework supporting the absorptive roots, creating a structure similar to scaffolding branches. They grow quickly and become woody in weeks. Because pioneer roots develop into woody roots, their lifespan may last as long as the life of the tree. Root colonization Most absorptive roots are shallow, located within the top 12 to 15 inches of the soil. "That's where we apply water and nutrients," Lavely said. This is also where a process called mycorrhizal colo- nization occurs. Mycorrhizae are created by a union of roots and specific soil-born fungi. They aid in improving plant growth, water and mineral absorption, disease suppression and drought resistance. Mycorrhizal fungi colonize roots faster than non-mycorrhizal fungi. This is especially true for roots aged 15 days or less. There was no evidence in Lavely's research that increased carbohydrates increased mycorrhizal col- onization of a unit length of root. A greater amount of carbohydrates below ground more clearly affected root growth than root colonization by microbes. However, once a root was colonized, it was heavily colonized. Researchers have discovered relationships between root growth and tree fruit loads. "Trees with no fruit have more root growth than trees with fruit," Lavely said. "They also can have more mycorrhizal root length than trees with fruit." Root management Eissenstat said horticulturalists used to think tree roots only grow during bloom and after harvest seasons. "Now we know there is no particular evidence they grow within a particular season," he said. "They can grow at any time during the growing season." Lavely thinks growers who wish to focus on root management need to direct their efforts on the growth of Winning the Battle Against Fire Blight ...and conventional wisdom Scan here for full study 1.888.273.3088 (toll-free) www.biosafesystems.com In 2014, OxiDate 2.0 was evaluated against FireLine, a traditional treatment against Fire Blight. The results showed an average of 389 strikes per tree against control plots; the FireLine Cluster had 227 strikes and OxiDate 2.0 showed a 40% reduction overall and 18 less strikes than the conventional, FireLine treatment. At BioSafe, we aren't just the sustainable alternative to conventional chemicals, we are the sustainable and effective preference to conventional.