what promotes best root developement?

[gamehaze2]

dude from my experience bio grow does somewhat monster rooting

 

[neongreen]

The American,

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I realize that is the case, but what I'm interested in finding out is why that same rule does not seem to apply in unrestricted root-space grows outdoors... perhaps it does?! Has anyone tried comparing the growth rates between a groups of identical clones grown in pots and another group side by side in the ground ?

The point that I was trying to make with the DC, is that the transplants into incrementally bigger pots should be even more frequent than most other strains would tolerate - DC seems to thrive, while others would be suffering through transplant shock most of the time. This is the impression I have got from what I have read about the DC. It may be another thing worth experimenting with when you are dialing in an new strain.

ng

 

[Guest]

I dont know really,every strain I've grown did much better with incremental transplantation.Perhaps it has more to do with moisture retention than anything else.I'm surmising during our dry season here,if I had identical plants one in the ground and one in a pot,the one in the ground would probably survive much longer/better than the one in a finite container.Even a huge 15 gal pot is going to lose its moisture before the earth does,I'm assuming..And if there is moisture in the ground,the roots will seek it out.They cant do that in a dried out finite container

 

[Rosy Cheeks]

What Rosy Cheeks said is along the right lines, but perhaps a bit misleading.

CO2 is used in the photosynthetic process to produce sugar, which can then be transported around the plant to areas which need energy. Photosynthesis normally only occurs in the leaves, and other green areas where chloroplasts are present. It's in these areas where gas exchange occurs (ie. CO2 is taken in by the plant). Roots are not designed to take up CO2 as they don't have stomata (the structures which allow gas exchange), and there is no reason for roots to have CO2 (there are no chloroplasts and therefore no photosynthesis). Giving a plant CO2 will boost the overall growth rate of the plant (both above and below ground), but only if the other factors which limit photosynthesis are not limited.

It’s an interesting question you brought up there, and by stating that CO2 is primarily uptakeable by the stomata (in the leaves), you figured I was only indirectly right by saying that roots grow faster from CO2. And with that, you were right and wrong.

Plant research shows that roots profit from the CO2 uptake (in the stomata). In fact, studies made by Columbia University show that roots initially profit more than the plant itself. Young plants first distribute the main part of the acquired CO2 into growing a sufficient root system, and then direct it into shoot tips for stem and leaf growth.

Nevertheless, even though the stomata is a mechanism in the plant that assimilates CO2, all parts of the plants can absorb CO2, just lower levels of it.

We know that certain aquatic plants assimilate CO2 primarily by the roots. Functional stomata are absent in submerged aquatic plants and in non-vascular land plants, such as mosses. The Stylites Andicola also lacks stomata and is unable to exchange gas with the aerial atmosphere, derives nearly all of its photosynthetic carbon through its roots.

There has been much controversy through the years about the so called CO2 pills, designed to release CO2 into water and therefore supply extra CO2 to hydroponically grown plants through the nutrient solution.

While researchers tried to find a way to increase CO2 distribution to aquatic plants, they found that even land based plants seemed mysteriously to profit from the liquid CO2 increase.

Even though other researchers have pointed out the lack of a scientific basis for this method of supplementing CO2, even calling it snake oil (the thing is, since gas is about a 100 000 times more efficient in distributing CO2 than water, it almost inconceivable how water distributed CO2 could rival the stomata uptake), growers using CO2 pills continue to report increased root growth from it.

For the time being, this is something of a grey zone that we don’t understand, so in order to arrive at a conclusion, more research is needed.

 

[Core]

Rhizotonic...it just rocks...

http://www.canna-uk.com/products_additives/about_rhizotonic.html

 

[Ripcord]

Hygrozyme.

 

[Maj.PotHead]

Jaws memory loss in above 4 pics


lol i could go on with convincing pictures give it a try works for me

all my plants have very rapid root devolopment i use little of this and that
fox farm ocean forrest soil right from the bag
liquide karma
diamond necutre
seaweed extract {cold kelp processed}
pure blend pro grow
sweet
no cal mag because they spend on average well clones do only 7-10 days per container untill flower is induced. i start off in square 3x3x3 inch transplant upto a 2 liter soda bottle, then to 1 gal for flower or tad longer veg then 3-5 gal. i've flowered in things from a 2 liter soda bottle upto 6 gal container i prefer 1 gal bags for my clones, 99.9% of my transplants i can literly pull plant from container except the bottels they require some work. i veg with cfl's with a 18 hr on 6 off lighting and get mad growth

 

[pumpkin2006]

Hygrozyme.

LoL, Hi Ripcord! Buzz, knna and now you; thats funny, seems like a few are migrating.

 

[The Slickster]

Getting in oxygen and carbon dioxide into the water can be achieved through bubbling with an airstone. This in turn will enhance the root booster of your choice, such as a carbohydrate source such as mollasses or a sample of carboload sitting around. All that execise in transplant burns a few carbs within the plant and it will be hungry for that root energy space. And if using a beneficial bacteria containing source like kelp, they will utilize the carbohydrates as well and benefit from the oxygenation as well as the plant and its root system. There seems to be a good root reaction to fulvic acids and some use the giberellic acid in superthrive combined with B-1. The soil should be light enough to allow miniature air pockets to exist and for the roots to migrate readily without too much extra effort. Perlite is the main staple, another thread mentioned pumice, as the physical soil composition is equally important as what you feed and supplement the roots with. Good bottom drainage with lava stones at the bottom few inches will help, and not overwatering, overdrying would not be the best thing either. Not overfeeding and locking out key root elements, cool room temps, don't let the roots overheat, strong lighting, just look for the weakest link in the set up and the plants roots will benefit from an adjustment of it in the proper direction. The roots depend on us for their care and attention on a daily basis, hour to hour, minute to minute, and even every second is vital. They have to be in the ideal conditions right now and always, it is just a matter of keying everything in to their likings. Sativas do better with filling out unused soil pockets than do Indicas, perhaps that is why Indica and hybrids respond well to gradual repotting.

 

[neongreen]

Interesting info Rosy Cheeks - thanks for posting.

It makes sense that aquatic plants are able to absorb CO2 without stomata. Stomata are obviously not designed for use under water. Instead CO2 is absorbed directly through the plant tissues together with the water into which it has dissolved. Aquatic plants obviously have adaptations to help facilitate this, such as a lack of waxy-cuticle and possibly thinner cell walls, plus I'm pretty sure they have larger inter-cellular air-spaces which I think may also help in some way.

With land plants, I can certainly see that CO2 being beneficial for the root system would be controversial! Perhaps the roots are benefiting from the change in PH that dissolved CO2 causes, if the soil PH was below optimum in the first place! I would be cautious about trying to supplement the roots with CO2 until it is known why it might work.

Do you happen to have any references/links to further reading on the subject?

Thanks,
ng

 

[Guest]

warm roots do much better than cold ones. every cloner Knows this.

 

[Johnny Rotten]

Well simmered organic soil high in humus, manures, and perlite amended with Piece Of Mind fruit and flower. Bacterial and fungal growth should be balanced and abundant. This mix should be allowed to thoroughly dry out in between waterings. Liquid feedings should include liquid kelp and molasses and be allowed to bubbly for 24 hours. I've never seen better roots except in aeroponic environments. Organics kick so much ass. Especially done right.....OUTDOORS.