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RootMaker® and the Whitcomb System®
The Original Root-Pruning System®
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How The Original Root-Pruning Container System® works.
Before beginning nursery production, consider your seed source
and its adaptability to your geographic region. For example,
redbud seed from a parent tree along the Gulf Coast will produce
seedlings that will be injured or killed in Tennessee or Kentucky.
Conversely, redbud seed from Tennessee will produce seedlings
that will grow along the Gulf Coast but may flower poorly.
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RootMaker® Propagation Containers
The first step toward creating a fibrous root system is
RootMaker® propagation containers. Besides the original
injection-molded 4-pack (Patent #4,753,037), there are the thermoformed
RootMaker® II 18-, 32-, and 60-cell trays (USA Patent #
5,557,886). The 18 and 32-cell are also available as pull apart trays.
Choose a support flat with open mesh sides and bottom. Six
4-pack RootMakers® fit a 12" X 18" flat (Ex: Sunnyside flats
from Dillen Industries). The 60-, 32-, and 18-cell RootMakers®
fit a standard 10" X 20" mesh bottom/ open-sided flat.
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RootMaker® Express(TM)
The RootMaker® Express(TM) 18 (25 cu. in.) is an injection-molded
new and improved single. Our new Shuttle(TM) tray
neatly holds 18 of the Express(TM) 18's or the 18-cell pull apart
singles for sorting, grafting, and grading.
RootMakers® require a wire bench or other support 18 to 24"
above the floor to allow good air circulation and thus efficient
air-root-pruning on all sides of the container, not just the bottom.
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Increases Efficiency
These southern red oak seedlings are 3 days old. Left, without benefits
of air-root-pruning. Right, air-root-pruned in RootMaker® II propagation
container. This critical air-root-pruning accelerates growth and
increases efficiency. Continue to build this fibrous root system through
all phases of production.
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Ingredients For Success
RootMaker® propagation containers can be filled with a mix of
peat and perlite 40/60 or peat, perlite, and vermiculite 40/40/20, or
pine bark, peat, and perlite at 50/30/20 by volume. Add 1.0 pound
of Micromax® micronutrients, 3 pounds of dolomite, and 6 pounds
of Osmocote® 18-6-12 (no substitutes) per cubic yard of mix.
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