Massive roots but few leaves on seedlings??

velikipop · March 23, 2009

Would anyone know why root develpment would be huge while the plant has yet to develop true leaves. I noticed this after finally deciding to transplant a few seedlings that were slow in putting out true leaves. As I pulled them out of the seed tray cells the roots were huge. I had never had this situation before and wonder what might be causing it.

Alex

Polar_Lace · March 23, 2009

What are you feeding them? It's my first thought....

~* Robin

velikipop · March 23, 2009

Robin,

I've not given them much except some half strength liquid seaweed as a foliar spray.

Polar_Lace · March 23, 2009

I was looking for an Article on a reason of Why.

I'm glad I did. Read this Fish Emulsion & Fish Meal

Quote:

Action On Plants - Phosphates promote root development and nitrogen is used to make plant protein

~* Robin

velikipop · March 23, 2009

Robin,

Thanks. Seaweed liquid is a bit different than the fish fertilizer. It has lower N values. I suspect that it might be the problem combined with drier than usual seed mix. Seaweed is higer in phospherous. I've given them a good drink of half strength fish fertilizer hoping the extra nitrogen will help leaf growth.

Alex

Polar_Lace · March 23, 2009

Phooey, gave you the wrong info! Sorry Alex!

On this page: Organic Fertilizer scroll down near the bottom of the page.

Seaweed - Contains growth stimulants, good for seed compost and seed beds, and rooting plants.

Phosphorus (P) is important for growth. All plants need it from day 1 to grow good roots to support the plant later. The notion that it is specially needed to grow roots exagerates its role. Often the response to phosphate fertilizer results from P deficiency or unavailability in soil. (see microbial/mycorrhizal treatments)

The miracle of P nutrition is that unlike N it increases leaf area without reducing transport of sugars to the root. For this reason it is useful alongside K for root crops: e.g. carrots, beet, radish. Contained in:- rock phosphate, bone meal; it is a very immobile nutrient in the soil (see folia feeds below). ((On the same page))

~* Robin

dice · March 24, 2009

Probably the auxins in the seaweed promote cell division at
the tips of roots and root cell elongation behind the tips
without proportionally stimulating top growth. The addition
of a little fish emulsion, earthworm castings, alfalfa tea, or
similar should fix it up (promote more top growth).

velikipop · March 25, 2009

Robin and DiceThanks to both of you for the suggestions. It looks like the top growth is coming sronger after a bit of fish emulsion.

Alex

March 23, 2009	#1
velikipop Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 768	Massive roots but few leaves on seedlings?? Would anyone know why root develpment would be huge while the plant has yet to develop true leaves. I noticed this after finally deciding to transplant a few seedlings that were slow in putting out true leaves. As I pulled them out of the seed tray cells the roots were huge. I had never had this situation before and wonder what might be causing it. Alex __________________ I'll plant and I'll harvest what the earth brings forth The hammer's on the table, the pitchfork's on the shelf Bob Dylan

March 23, 2009	#2
Polar_Lace Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Z8b, Texas Posts: 657	What are you feeding them? It's my first thought.... ~* Robin __________________ It's not how many seeds you sow. Nor how many plants you transplant. It's about how many of them can survive your treatment of them.

March 23, 2009	#3
velikipop Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 768	Robin, I've not given them much except some half strength liquid seaweed as a foliar spray. __________________ I'll plant and I'll harvest what the earth brings forth The hammer's on the table, the pitchfork's on the shelf Bob Dylan

March 23, 2009	#5
velikipop Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 768	Robin, Thanks. Seaweed liquid is a bit different than the fish fertilizer. It has lower N values. I suspect that it might be the problem combined with drier than usual seed mix. Seaweed is higer in phospherous. I've given them a good drink of half strength fish fertilizer hoping the extra nitrogen will help leaf growth. Alex __________________ I'll plant and I'll harvest what the earth brings forth The hammer's on the table, the pitchfork's on the shelf Bob Dylan

March 23, 2009	#6
Polar_Lace Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Z8b, Texas Posts: 657	Phooey, gave you the wrong info! Sorry Alex! On this page: Organic Fertilizer scroll down near the bottom of the page. Seaweed - Contains growth stimulants, good for seed compost and seed beds, and rooting plants. Phosphorus (P) is important for growth. All plants need it from day 1 to grow good roots to support the plant later. The notion that it is specially needed to grow roots exagerates its role. Often the response to phosphate fertilizer results from P deficiency or unavailability in soil. (see microbial/mycorrhizal treatments) The miracle of P nutrition is that unlike N it increases leaf area without reducing transport of sugars to the root. For this reason it is useful alongside K for root crops: e.g. carrots, beet, radish. Contained in:- rock phosphate, bone meal; it is a very immobile nutrient in the soil (see folia feeds below). ((On the same page)) ~* Robin __________________ It's not how many seeds you sow. Nor how many plants you transplant. It's about how many of them can survive your treatment of them.

March 24, 2009	#7
dice Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: PNW Posts: 4,743	Probably the auxins in the seaweed promote cell division at the tips of roots and root cell elongation behind the tips without proportionally stimulating top growth. The addition of a little fish emulsion, earthworm castings, alfalfa tea, or similar should fix it up (promote more top growth). __________________ -- alias

March 25, 2009	#8
velikipop Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 768	Robin and DiceThanks to both of you for the suggestions. It looks like the top growth is coming sronger after a bit of fish emulsion. Alex __________________ I'll plant and I'll harvest what the earth brings forth The hammer's on the table, the pitchfork's on the shelf Bob Dylan