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This study was conducted to investigate the effect of copper-coated plug tray on growth of Chinese cabbage and to develop the optimum concentration of copper for regulating the root circling caused in plug cell and for promoting the growth of plug plants. Chinese cabbage (´Norangbom´) seeds were planted in plug trays coated with compounding chips containing 0, 10, 15, and 20% (v/v) copper. Growth responses of seedlings such as fresh weight, root weight and dry weight were investigated every 10 days until 30 days after seeding. There was significant difference in growth of seedlings grown in copper-coated and in non-coated plug trays. Especially, the low 10% concentration copper coating was most effective for improving seedling growth, inducing a lot of fibrous roots which may play important roles for nutrient uptake. Plant height seemed to be significantly retarded by copper coating. Morphological characteristics showed that high concentration coating induced the serious damage to root structure, resulting in delayed root growth in field after transplanting. The low concentration (10%) of copper coating was most effective for controlling and improving root growth. As a result, the optimum concentration of copper for coating plug tray to prevent root circling and to promote growth of Chinese cabbage appeared to be 10% (v/v) copper concentration in compounding chip processing.
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