Propagation of Quercus phillyreoides by Stem Cuttings

Abstract

Abstract Stem cuttings of two clones (clones 1 and 2) of seedling origin of Quercus phillyreoides A. Gray (ubame oak) in the adult growth phase were taken on four dates that represented four growth stages (semi-hardwood, hardwood, softwood, and transitional growth between softwood and semi-hardwood). All cuttings were treated with selected concentrations and formulations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) and placed under intermittent mist for rooting. Greatest rooting for both clones was achieved with softwood cuttings with 97% and 56% rooting for clones 1 and 2, respectively, treated with 8000 ppm (0.8%) IBA in talc. Six weeks later when cuttings were in a softwood/semi-hardwood condition, rooting of clone 1 was still comparable to softwood cuttings whereas clone 2 rooted poorly. For both clones, rooting of semi-hardwood cuttings was poor, which was the same for hardwood cuttings of clone 2. Moderate rooting of 58% was noted for nontreated hardwood cuttings of clone 1. Auxin treatments generally increased root number. As mean root number increased mean root length decreased. Greater overwinter survival was observed for rooted softwood cuttings, which produced a flush of new growth following rooting in comparison to softwood/semi-hardwood cuttings that did not flush following rooting.