Question

What type of pruning is best to do weeks or months before transplanting to equalize the root/shoot ratio and allow a better chance of transplanting success?

a) heading-back
b) root pruning
c) dehorning
d) disbudding
e) thinning-out

Answer 1

Root pruning is the practice of trimming a plant's roots to stimulate new feeder root growth, making it the best choice for enhancing transplant success.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best type of pruning to do weeks or months before transplanting to equalize the root/shoot ratio and give the plant a better chance of establishing success after transplanting is root pruning. Root pruning involves carefully trimming the roots of the plant to stimulate the growth of new feeder roots closer to the base, which will improve the plant's ability to establish itself once transplanted. Root pruning should be done with care to avoid excessive damage that could harm the plant.

Pruning the root system encourages the development of a denser root ball that is packed with the feeder roots crucial for the uptake of water and nutrients, especially after transplanting.