Rooting of 'GF677' (almond × peach hybrid) hardwood cuttings in relation to hydrogen hyperoxide, moisture content, oxygen concentration, temperature and pH of substrate

Abstract

In this study, the influence of water content, temperature, oxygen concentration and pH of perlite substrate and H2O2 treatments on the rooting percentage of GF677 hardwood cuttings was examined. The best moisture level was 100 mL in 500 mL perlite; this resulted in 100% rooting. The observations showed that even pure O2 did not reduce callusing or, possibly, rooting and it gave similar results as 21% O2. There was no indication of a promotory effect. No rooting or callusing was observed in N, 5% CO2 or 5% O2 treatments. There were significant differences in the responses to temperature and pH levels. The best temperature was 29°C, while the best pH levels were between 3 and 5. Cuttings in media with higher pH levels (7–8) rooted less successfully. The results also showed that H2O2 possibly had an effect on the rooting percentage of cuttings.