106 Propagation of Alnus maritima from Softwood Cuttings

Abstract

Alnus maritima [Marsh.] Nutt. (seaside alder) is a rare, North American species with strong potential for use in managed landscapes. Information on the propagation and production of this species is not available. Our objective was to evaluate the potential for using softwood cuttings to propagate A. maritima, with emphasis on how IBA and plant provenance affect rooting success. Propagation trials were conducted with cuttings from seven trees native to the Delmarva Peninsula and seven trees from Oklahoma. Cuttings from both provenances were collected on 14 June and 23 Aug. Cuttings were wounded; treated with 0, 1, or 8 g/kg IBA; and placed under intermittent mist in a greenhouse for 9 weeks. The highest percentage of rooting (67.9) was achieved for the Oklahoma provenance by using 8 g/kg IBA in June. Across IBA treatments, rooting of cuttings from Oklahoma, 54.8% (June) and 12.4% (August), was higher than rooting of cuttings from Delmarva, 27.1% (June) and 3.1% (August). IBA at 8 g/kg caused a higher rooting percentage than the other IBA rates at both times of the season. More cuttings collected 14 June rooted (41%) than those collected 23 Aug. (7.7%) over IBA treatments. Another experiment involved cuttings from one juvenile, greenhouse-grown seedling from Oklahoma that showed 100% rooting with both 1 and 8 g/kg IBA. Shoot growth appeared more vigorous on rooted cuttings from these juvenile stems than on plants derived by rooting mature tissue collected in nature. We conclude that using softwood cuttings can be an effective way to multiply clones of A. maritima, particularly when stock plants are juvenile and cuttings are treated with IBA.