Response of Honey Mesquite Seedlings to Top Removal

Abstract

Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr. var. glandulosa) seedlings formed branches from the cotyledonary axils within seven days after emergence when the aerial stems were removed and the cotyledons left intact. Foliar area was developed more rapidly where aerial stems were removed (from 2.6 to 3.5 cm2/day) than on intact plants (2.2 cm2/day). Seedling survival and number of branches formed per seedling increased as age increased prior to aerial stem removal. Normal branching occurred after top removal if portions of the cotyledons were left intact. Simultaneous removal of aerial stems and cotyledons of 10-day-old honey mesquites resulted in high seedling mortality and retarded branch formation.