Greenhouse Canada

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Propagation System Prevents Root Girdling

January 15, 2018  By Greenhouse Canada



A proven and innovative tree propagation system is helping growers increase their profitability by producing healthier, more beautiful trees. Launched at the Landscape Ontario Congress, RootSmart is an evidence-based propagation system that promotes an ideal root structure by preventing root girdling at the propagation stage.

Root girdling is a well-known and costly problem in the horticulture industry. Research has shown that it starts during propagation and can’t be reversed as a tree matures. Over time, roots circle each other and the trunk, choking and killing the tree.
RootSmart prevents girdling in the first stages of root growth – when it counts. Developed in partnership between Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and A.M.A., RootSmart provides growers with a proven solution to improve propagation practices.

“Root girdling is a real problem, and growers are starting to see an increased focus on examining root structures in the buying process. We were determined to find a solution that would help growers become better stewards of their products,” says Rick Bradt, Co-owner and
Managing Director of A.M.A. “RootSmart is the game-changer our industry has been waiting for, and we are proud to bring it to market in partnership with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.”

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As a wall-less, bottomless tray, RootSmart is uniquely designed to encourage lateral root growth without obstruction from growing media. As the roots come into contact with the air outside of the tray, they naturally prune themselves, allowing continued growth in a healthy, lateral direction. By ensuring better quality roots, RootSmart delivers significant benefits for fruit, nut, and ornamental tree growers that result in better products for end consumers:

• Reduced mortality rate
• Increased transplant success
• Improved crop uniformity
• Shorter crop cycles
• Reduced culls
• Reduced labour costs
• Healthier, more beautiful trees

“RootSmart was co-designed with growers, for growers,” says Dr. Darby McGrath, Research Scientist at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “After five years consulting with industry leaders and studying the effects of existing propagation trays, we designed a product that solves the problem of root girdling using proven science. We are thrilled to see it come to life with support and leadership from the A.M.A. team.”

A.M.A. holds the exclusive production and marketing licence to RootSmartTM, and is now available to growers across North America. Learn more at rootsmart.com.


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