At time of transplanting, each plant was thoroughly watered with a one percent solution of ROOTS. This treatment was repeated at monthly intervals. At other times normal watering was used. Controls received normal waterings also at those times. Both the treated test plants and the controls were given the equivalent fertilizer applications.

RESULTS

With all cultivars and replicates, improved shoot growth in the flats over controls was observed. After removal and washing of the roots, both improved shoot and root growth was evident on the transplants. It was interesting to note that root hair development on the treated transplants was also improved. This was easily visualized by the increased attached particles of organic matter. These particles did not wash off and gave the roots a darker appearance. The biostimulation of transplants in terms of shoot height, root length and root/shoot dry mass has been observed now for two consecutive years. Increases in these criteria generally run between 20 and 30%. Biostimulation of field-grown bedding plants was observed in this first year of a planned two year study. Results are summarized below. Statistical analyses will be available at a later date in a summary report.