Propagation of Platanus acerifolia Willd. by cutting

Abstract

SummaryThe purpose of this work was to study the behaviour of Platanus acerifolia Willd. to propagation by cuttings. Over three consecutive years, rooting responses were evaluated in cuttings collected on different dates, treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at different concentrations as hydro-alcoholic solutions, powder preparations or potassium salts, and exposed to bottom-heat for different periods of time. A high natural rooting capacity was observed, particularly in cuttings collected in December and January. Auxin treatments at concentrations between 0.025 – 6 mg ml–1, applied to cuttings planted in bottom-heated benches, were unsuccessful or had negative effects on the rooting of cuttings, while they appeared to be positive if applied to cuttings planted in the field. Bottom-heat enhanced the rooting of cuttings and its effect was directly related to the duration of treatment. Cutting survival was negatively influenced by prolonged heat treatment, while pre-treatment with bottom-heat for only 10 d appeared to improve the rooting of cuttings planted in the field. The most suitable procedure derived from this work, giving approx. 60 – 70% cutting establishment, consisted of collecting cuttings in December, treating them with IBA at 2 mg ml–1 and with bottom-heat for 10 d, then planting them in the field.