Impact of selected cultural practices on seedling growth of Osage orange

Osage orange (Maclura pomifera [Raf.] C.K. Schneid.) is a perennial tree species whose fruit shows potential as a biofuel energy source. However, limited data exists describing the best management practices for seedling production. Research objectives included determining the effects of varying shade percentages on Osage orange seedling growth in a controlled greenhouse environment and the effect from being intercropped with soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) in a field situation. In two separate greenhouse trials, Osage orange seedlings were subjected to a no shade control treatment and shading cloth treatments of 30%, 50%, and 70%. In a field experiment, Osage orange seedlings were intercropped and surrounded by two, one, or no rows of soybeans. In both greenhouse trials, height, fresh and dry leaf weight, dry shoot weight, fresh and dry root weight, and leaf area were significant (P