Wpływ emulsji ograniczającej wzrost korzeni na rozwój systemu korzeniowego i jakość sadzonek truskawki odmiany Elsanta

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of an emulsion containing copper orthosilicate on the form ation and growth of the root system of strawberry plug plants (cv. Elsanta). The emulsion reduced overgrowth and spiralling of the roots in pots. Plug plants grown in emulsion - treated pots had better root distribution and produced more branching and more l ateral roots compared with the control plants. No phytotoxicity of the emulsion was observed. After direct contact with the pot’s surface, the roots stopped growing; however, the formation of a large number of lateral roots made the root system evenly distributed throughout the pot. After outplanting, no detrimental effect on further plant development was observed. Plug plants rooted without the addition of the emulsion had a strong growing root system, but with a small number of lateral roots. Also, the massing of roots near the wall of the pot was evident. The obtained results showed that the emulsion containing copper orthosilicate may be used for improving the quality of strawberry planting material.