Supplemental Nickel Corrects Mouse Ear Disorder of Bitternut Hickory

Abstract While sought after for use in managed landscapes, bitternut hickory [Carya cordiformis (Wang.) K. Koch] remains underutilized horticulture due its reputation difficulty with production and transplanting. After learning of issues experienced by growers observing deformed leaf development container-grown stock, we examined effects supplemental nickel applications on seedlings hickory. We hypothesized that, like the closely related species pecan illinoinensis Koch], would be similarly limited a susceptibility to mouse ear disorder as function deficiency. Seedlings cultivated soilless substrate 3.8L (#1) nursery pots were treated either drench or foliar spray Nickel Plus® two weeks budbreak. 30 days, plants exhibited increased area decreased number leaves per unit shoot extension greenness compared nontreated controls. Foliar treatments resulted an 83.5% increase over Whereas provided displayed healthy foliage treatment, traditional symptoms disorder. These data indicate is susceptible disorder, issue remedied supplementing nickel. Index words: spray, drench, substrate, production, ornamental plants. Chemicals used this study: lignosulfonate (Nickel Plus®). Species hickory, Carya Koch