570 PB 015 SUBIRRIGATION PERMITS ROOTING OF SOFTWOOD CUTTINGS OF RED MAPLE WITHOUT MIST OR FOG

Abstract

A rapid, easy, and economical way to root softwood cuttings of red maple (Acer rubrum L. and A. × freemanii E. Murray) has been developed. Single-node cuttings were treated with 8 g IBA/kg and inserted in flats of perlite. Flats were placed in larger trays without drainage holes. Cuttings were subirrigated by adding a complete solution with 100 mg N/L to trays, saturating perlite at the bottom of the flat, below the cuttings. After 3 weeks, 94, 98, 100, and 100% of cuttings of `Indian Summer', `Autumn Flame', `Red Sunset', and `Autumn Blaze' had rooted, respectively. Leaves on cuttings remained turgid without mist or fog. In a subsequent study of `Red Sunset', 0, 50, and 100 mg N/L in the subirrigation solution resulted in 37, 100, and 100% rooting with 8 g IBA/kg and 0, 43, and 67% rooting without IBA. Rooting was fastest and chlorophyll in leaves was highest with both IBA and nutrients. Subirrigation can replace mist or fog when rooting cuttings of red maple.