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Controlling True Fir Leader Length with NAA- An Update. Chal Landgren, Rick Fletcher, Mike Bondi, Manuela Huso- OSU Joe Cacka- Research Agronomist, WFS. EasyRoller in Use on noble fir. Leader Growth in Abies.
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Controlling True Fir Leader Length with NAA- An Update Chal Landgren, Rick Fletcher, Mike Bondi, Manuela Huso- OSU Joe Cacka- Research Agronomist, WFS
Leader Growth in Abies • Noble and Nordmann fir tends to “bolt” in the years prior to harvest, leaving trees that are open in the tops and bushy near the ground. • Leaders exceeding 20 inches (50 cm) are not uncommon during good growth years.
Important Variables • Leader growth potential and weather impacts are unknown before treatment. • Growers will need to understand site/source growth potential beforehand • It is a numbers game- some trees will be too short, some still too long, some will show damage at any rate. • Damage is not “life threatening”
Study Details-2006 trails • Trees within 3-5 ft. , leader intact • Leaders 2-8” at treatment (we treated longer, but did not include data) • 50 healthy trees/treatment/site- approx. • 200 trees for each treatment across sites. • One site too short • Separate container/roller for each treatment
NAA impact on buds and leader At high rates can see smaller buds form on leader, unknown impact Red streaks may follow leader where rollers touch Needles red and twisting Higher % of buds on upper % of Leader
Fate of Trees the Next YearFull Strength- Nordmann 2005 2006