The Efficacy of Paclobutrazol Application as it Relates to Timing of Utility Right-of-Way Trimming

2004 | Shawn Bernick and Jim Zwack, Rainbow TreeCare Scientific Advancements
This research project will investigate the timing of TGR applications as they relate to trimming to determine the optimum time to apply TGRs for greatest efficacy.

Study Results

The plant growth regulator paclobutrazol’s effect on live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) was evaluated to determine optimum timing of application and pruning time in Louisiana. Variables considered included length of branch regrowth, branch distance to conductor, pruning time and biomass chipping time. Data were evaluated to determine the ideal application timing of paclobutrazol relative to time of pruning. Live oak trees treated with paclobutrazol had significantly reduced branch regrowth, pruning time and chipping time, as compared to control trees, regardless of application timing. Paclobutrazol application on live oak trees was idealized within 90 days pre·to 90 days post-prune. Economically, significant gains were found by utilizing this tool ranging from 180 days pre- to 180 days post-prune, allowing for application timing flexibility to reduce the growth of trees near power lines. Padobutrazol treated live oak trees demonstrated significantly less re-growth response.

Year: 2004

Funding Duration: 3-5 years

Grant Program: Hyland R. Johns

Grant Title: The Efficacy of Paclobutrazol Application as it Relates to Timing of Utility Right-of-Way Trimming

Researcher: Shawn Bernick and Jim Zwack

Key words:

Peer Reviewed Publications from Grant:

• Haugen, C., K. Tucker, A. Smalling, E. Bick, S. Hoover, G. Ehlen, T. Watson and S. Bernick (2016). The Efficacy of Paclobutrazol Soil Application as It Relates to the Timing of Utility Right-of-Way Pruning. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 42(2): 95-101.

General Audience/Trade Publications:

Presentations:

For more information on this project, contact the researcher via TREE Fund at treefund@treefund.org.