Blue Oak Mini-plug Transplants: How They Compare to Standard Bareroot and Container Stock

Abstract

Blue oak (Quercus douglasii Hook & Arn. [Fagaceae]) is a widely distributed California oak that is regenerating poorly in portions of its range. Recent concern over habitat loss in blue oak woodlands has prompted efforts to regenerate this species artificially. Our study examined whether a relatively new stock type called mini-plug transplants would perform better in the field than conventional bareroot and container plants. Our results suggest that thought it is possible to produce blue oak mini-plug seedlings with large fibrous root systems, field performance was similar to other stock types that can currently be produced more economically.