Vegetative Propagation of Dipterocarp Species by Stem Cuttings Using a Very Simple Technique

Abstract

Tropical hardwoods, particularly dipterocarp species, which are considered “difficult to root” species, have been successfully propagated using a very simple technique and an unsophisticated rooting container. In fact, this technique produced similar rooting percentages to a sophisticated infrastructure and expensive sprinkler system. However, in order to get a high rooting percentage, it is very important to note that cutting materials should be taken only from young seedlings or juvenile stock plants, the humidity in the rooting container must be kept high and the light intensity should be reduced during the rooting process. The other important factor that influenced the rooting of stem cuttings of the seven dipterocarp species was the presence of leaves on a cutting. When the stem cuttings dropped their leaves 1 or 2 days after planting, they failed to root. Therefore, the presence of leaves on a stem cutting is very important for root formation of dipterocarp species.