A more branched, fibrous root system is possible by chemically pinching the roots of young container-grown nursery plants. Copper naphthenate painted on the bottom of the seedbed was effective and easy to use. Treated seedlings formed more lateral roots than untreated plants. Root pruning to prevent roots from being kinked and twisted when transplanted was minimized. This technique should be particularly adapted to taprooted plants.

R. W. Harris advised on this study.