Effect of Rhizome Depth in Soil on Emergence and Growth of Field Mint (Mentha arvensis)

摘要

Field mint is widespread on Prince Edward Island and has become a problem in the production of cereal grains, potatoes, and other crops. Studies were conducted to determine if deep burial of the rhizome could be used as a control method. Rhizome pieces measuring 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 cm in length were hand-buried in soil at depths of 2.5, 10.0, or 20.0 cm in the spring. As planting depth increased, shoot emergence was delayed and fewer shoots emerged throughout the season. The smallest rhizome of 2.5 cm produced the fewest shoots during the season, but larger rhizomes (5.0 or 10.0 cm long) produced greater amounts of shoot and rhizome dry weights than smaller rhizomes.