Kosteletzkya virginica Can be Rooted from Leafy or Leafless Stem Cuttings

Abstract

Abstract Protocols for producing Virginia mallow [Kosteletzkya virginica (L.) K. Presl. ex A. Gray] are needed to allow growers to meet the emerging demand for this herbaceous perennial. Virginia mallow has been propagated from seeds and by division, but the potential for using stem cuttings has not been evaluated. Two experiments were conducted to determine how indolebutyric acid (IBA) treatment affects rooting percentage and the number and length of primary roots on stem cuttings taken from different positions on stock plants. Rooting percentage was similar (mean = 68%) among single-leaf cuttings from nonterminal, distal positions on stock plants and leafless cuttings from basal positions. Averaged over these nonterminal cutting types, IBA treatment more than doubled rooting percentage, root count, and the length of the longest root. Terminal cuttings with leaves rooted more successfully (83%) than subtending cuttings with leaves during a second experiment, and IBA effects were less pronounced than during the first experiment. Results demonstrate that stem cuttings with or without leaves can be used to propagate Virginia mallow efficiently. Application of IBA is not necessary but enhances rooting and appears most beneficial for leafless cuttings.