Whitcomb-Isms

1. Roots come first. When a seed germinates the root always emerges first.
2. If the root system ain't happy, ain't no part of the plant happy.
3. Roots control the tree, the stems and branches just think they are in charge.
4. The more roots to share the load, the faster the dirty work gets done.
5. Roots provide the fuel for the plant engines we call leaves.
6. Each root tip cast a vote to decide what the top will be allowed to do.
7. Top growth gets all the glory, but the roots do the dirty work.
9. Stress can always be measured in the root system before symptoms appear in the top.
- Millet

I like that!!
I'm printing it out for my daughter..
Kinda you can't build the house with out a GOOD foundation type thing.. and IF the foundation falls apart the house isn't far behind..


Gina *BabyBlue*

Bob, you did well on this one. It is in plain talk and straight to the point.

It is poetic to me and so true.
Benny

Whitcomb's To List

1. Roots come first when a seed germinates.
2. Improved root branching consistently resultes in improved tree growth.
3. Root deformities (kinks, twists, sprials) that occur during early stages of growth plague a tree for the rest of its life.
4. Plants propagated from seed are much more prone to root kinks and deformity problems compared to plants propagated from cuttings.
5. Roots DO NOT seek out favorble conditions for growth, but once there they proliferate quickly.
6. It is not so much the size of the root ball that dictates plant performance, but what is IN the root ball that is important.
7. Plants run on energy, just like people, electric lights, and automobiles. The difference is that plants manufacture their own energy in leaves.
8. Fertilizer does not make plants grow. Atr least not directly. It is only after and if, the fertilizer aids in the energy output of the leaves, that growth occurs.
9. Roots grow like a bullet goes. A bullet goes until it hits a solid object then ricochets to a new direction. So do roots.

These are GREAT!!!! You are going to publish these in your book right???

Gina *BabyBlue*

Gina, you need to come to the Citrus Expo 2006, so everyone can meet you, and take in all the seminars, plus purchase some of the very hard to find citrus varieties, that are sold at the Expo. . Patty is looking for a roommate to share the hotel. - Millet

Research has shown that leaves on the lower limbs contribute most to the development of trunk diameter and strength, plus root growth. The sugars manufactured by the leaves in the upper part of the tree stay in the upper plant plus develop buds for the next flush of growth and for flower and fruit development. Trees properly grown will have a stem taper like a good deep sea fishing rod. Your tree will not get such trunk development without leaving on the lowers limbs AND allowing the tree sufficient light and space to function. Tree height is not the criteria to use when evaluating young tree quality. Trunk diameter or taper is far more important. Plus tall slender trees always have poor root systems, because roots cannot grow without energy and the energy for their growth comes from the lowers limbs. Many growers quickly remove all the lower limbs, in order to make their tree look like a standard tree, rather than a bush tree. However, you should always leave the lower limbs on the young tree's trunk as long as practical. - Millet