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· Cell Grown Plants (CGPs) are plants which have been raised in small containers (or cells) , filled with a growing medium, and which have various structures incorporated into the design of the container aimed at preventing root spiralling and promoting fibrous root growth.
· Although CGP’s have been used all over the world for many years, particularly in North America, Canada and Scandanavia, they have only been available in signficant numbers in the UK since the early 1990’s.
· The most significant difference between a CGP and traditional bare-root plants is the ability of the nurseryman to provide a fully functional root system to the customer. Bare-root plants inevitably suffer damage and consequent stress when they are lifted from the nursery beds. The root systems on CGPs remain intact, and the fine fibrous feeding roots are sent out with the plant enabling rapid establishment once planted out. There is relatively little check when a CGP is planted out compared to a bare-root plant.
· Generally, the age of CGPs tend to be younger than bare-root stock and the sizes offered are on average, smaller. Commonly available sizes are 20-40cms and 40-60cms plants for broadleaved trees whilst shrubs are generally trimmed back to encourage sideshoots and are sold as 15-30cms plants. Conifers are generally made available as 10-20cms and 20-40cms plants.
· What is important in a plant is the root to shoot ratio. The larger the plant, the more difficult it is to achieve this balance whilst retaining a root system that can be easily planted. Although CGPs may on average be smaller than bare-root plants, they have been found to establish well – especially in exposed sites - where larger plants can suffer due to a root system which finds difficulty in keeping the shoot supplied with moisture and nutrients.
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