Effect of type of cutting on heterogeneity and growth of Rosa hybrida cv. ‘Motrea’ and Schefflera arboricola cv. ‘Compacta’

Abstract

The effect of type of cutting on heterogeneity and growth in rose and Schefflera was investigated. Double node cuttings, which were pruned at the lower leaf after the rooting period, were compared with single node cuttings, the traditional type of cutting. In both crops, double node cuttings showed a delayed but more uniform bud break and as a result a reduced heterogeneity in shoot growth. The effect of type of cutting on heterogeneity was found to be greater in Schefflera. For Schefflera all plants were harvested on the same day, whereas for rose, plants were harvested when they had reached the sepals down (harvestable) stage. As a result of the delay in bud break, double node cuttings of Schefflera were shorter in length, had fewer leaves, a smaller leaf area and lower dry weight at harvest. For rose, double node cuttings needed a longer growth period, but resulted in larger plants, even when the leaf area of the cutting was the same as in single node cuttings; double node cuttings with a larger leaf area produced larger plants. Economic aspects of application of double node cuttings are discussed.