Comparative rooting of eighty-one species of leafy cuttings in open and polyethylene-enclosed mist systems

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SummaryThe rooting of leafy cuttings of 81 species and cultivars was compared in two propagation systems: conventional intermittent mist (M) and intermittent mist inside a raised polyethylene tent (MP). Both systems were shaded to reduce the light level to around 1.5 MJ m-2 d-1. The rooting response of conifers and broad-leaved species differed, the latter rooting equally well in either system. Species susceptible to water stress (e.g. those with thin, immature foliage lacking full cuticular protection) rooted better in MP. Measurements of water and solute potentials of leaves, made before rooting began, showed that the MP system minimized water stress in most species. However, except in the particularly susceptible cuttings mentioned above, the shading employed ensured that water stress was seldom critical in either system. Solute potentials, were less negative in MP than in M for most species, especially conifers, causing lower turgor in comparatively unstressed cuttings. The decline in solute concentra...