Report on current testing of containers for growing containerized planting stock of forest trees

In nurseries of the Czech Republic, the production of bare-rooted planting prevails. The amount of container-grown and balled plants dropped from 12 - 14 % in the late 1980s to 5 - 7 % at the turn of millennium. In 2003, the number of containerized planting stock is estimated about 10 %. After 2005, the number is even expected to increase (20 - 40 %). A new approach to container planting, which is developed in Europe at the present time, is prognosticated. It is characterized by a highly rationalized (partially automated) production of containerized medium-sized plants grown from sowing in multi-cell firm plastic containers in an intensive, maximally two-year growing cycle and these plants are used like substitution for bare-rooted planting material in common (not only extreme or specific) conditions. The condition of proper technological principles in forest nursery practice must be fulfilled if we want to succeed. The main factor is to avoid the future disturbance of stability and health status of stands. From this point of view, every new type of container and technology must be thoroughly verified. The impact of various container types and growing technology on root system formation and follow-up root development after outplanting is very important. Current testing results of containers for growing containerized planting stock of forest trees are presented on web pages of Forest Research Station in Opocno (http://vulhm.opocno.cz).