Abstract
In the first trial, we examined rooting of stem cuttings in relation to number of nodes and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment in several Nerium oleander clones grown in Sicily. In a second trial, we tested the effect of different forcing dates and shading on oleander plants for gardens and natural landscapes. Three- and four-node cuttings, ranging in length from 10 to 14 cm, were significantly superior to two-node cuttings (8–10 cm long) in terms of rooting percentage and number of roots per cutting. The application of IBA improved rooting percentage and root number as compared to untreated control. Irrespective of IBA, rooting percentages ranged from 94% in clone 1 to 52% in clone 4. Shaded plants forced in October were significantly higher than those forced in November and in December. Beginning of flowering was delayed in unforced plants. Plants forced in October flowered significantly sooner (first decade of March) than unforced ones (first decade of May) and reached complete flowering almost two months earlier (last week of March).Shading had little effect on plants forced in October and in November as compared to unshaded plants in terms of start of flowering, but it slightly hastened beginning of flowering of December forced plants as compared to their unshaded counterparts.
Highlights
Nerium oleander L. is a shrub native to northern Africa and the Mediterranean region grown for flowers and evergreen foliage
Rooting percentage at 30 days after cutting insertion into the rooting medium was significantly affected by node number number and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment were found on cutting survival
According to our findings we suggest that the use of three- and four-node cuttings together with
Summary
Nerium oleander L. (oleander) is a shrub native to northern Africa and the Mediterranean region grown for flowers and evergreen foliage. Implementing propagation methods to enhance transplant success, establishment, and post-plant maintenance is a major objective for plant nurseries involved in the production of shrubs to be used for gardens and natural landscapes in regions with a Mediterranean climate In this regard, the production of oleander rooted cuttings with a well-developed root system is fundamental for successful transplanting and establishment in the field. Ornamental shrubs with colors create a great amount of impulse buying from the average garden plant consumer because a flowering plant provides immediate gratification and guarantees that the consumer is getting what they paid for [4] Based on these considerations, reducing the time span between propagation and flowering by individuating opportune forcing and shading techniques induces oleander to bloom out of season and improves its marketability for garden plantings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
