Identification of Cutting Types for the Successful Regeneration of Two Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl) Rootstock Varieties

Getaneh Seleshi

doi:10.7176/alst/85-04

Abstract

This study was initiated to identify the best type of cutting for the successful regeneration of two plum rootstock varieties. Three stem cutting types (hardwood, semi-hardwood and softwood) were collected from two plum rootstock varieties (Mariana GF 8-1 and Myrobalan 29C) and have been evaluated for root, shoot and leaf traits. The result revealed that semi-hardwood cuttings of Myrobalan 29C received the earliest (15 days) sprouting while the number of shoots (3.13-3.98) and length (13.63 cm) were higher in Mariana GF 8-1. The highest sprouting (93.33-96.67%) were recorded from both hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings of Mariana GF 8-1. Hardwood and softwood cuttings of Mariana GF 8-1 had also obtained better shoot fresh (12.89-13.26 g) and dry weight (2.67-3.33 g), respectively, while leaf number was higher (43.07) in the hardwood cuttings. The widest (2.34-2.51 cm) and longest (4.80-4.81) leaves were obtained from Myrobalan 29C cuttings of all types while the maximum number of roots (37.67), root grade (7.63) and root length (12.62 cm) were recorded from semi-hardwood and hardwood Myrobalan 29C cuttings, consecutively. The highest rooting percentage (100.00%) was observed in the semi-hardwood Mariana GF 8-1 cuttings. Hardwood and softwood Myrobalan 29C plus hardwood and semi-hardwood Mariana GF 8-1 cuttings had received statistically similar and highest roots fresh weights (14.11-14.33 g). However, hardwood Mariana GF 8-1 cuttings alone had recorded the maximum root dry weight (4.00 g). Overall, cutting type particularly hardwood cutting could be considered for successful regeneration of both varieties though Mariana GF 8-1 had succeeded Myrobalan 29C in most of the parameters. Key words :Cutting, leaf, plum, root, rootstocks, shoot DOI: 10.7176/ALST/85-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2021

Highlights

Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl) fruits are a diverse group of species that belongs to the Rosaceae family of the genus Prunus
Earlier days of sprouting were received by all cutting types of Myrobalan 29C than Mariana GF 8-1 cuttings
The earliest days of sprouting in Myrobalan 29C might be due to the difference in rooting ability of cuttings taken from different parts of a plant is considered to be because of a difference in physiological age and genetic

Summary

Introduction

Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl) fruits are a diverse group of species that belongs to the Rosaceae family of the genus Prunus. Cutting is the most important method of cloning to several crops and the formation capacity of adventitious roots is a prerequisite for success (Hartmann et al, 2002) It is more reliable and produces a fruiting tree much sooner. The two rootstock varieties namely Myrobalan 29C (Prunus cerasifera) and Mariana GF 8-1 (Prunus cerasifera x P. munsoniana) are the most commonly used worldwide propagation of plum These varieties are recommended for soil having nematode (Rahman et al, 2000; Sándor, 2011; Plopa et al, 2012; Naser et al, 2018). Promising results for growth and performance of both varieties have been observed regardless of their poor rooting ability from propagation by cuttings This would probably be because of improper utilization of cutting types, since there is no clearly recommended cutting type in this area. This study was conducted to identify the best type of cutting for the successful regeneration of two plum rootstock varieties

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussions

Conclusions