Semi-hardwood Cuttings Research Articles

Propagation of Tropical Almond (<em>Terminalia catappa</em> L.) through Stem Cuttings in Sri Lanka

Terminalia catappa L. is a multipurpose crop regenerated through seeds. The seasonal nature of seed production limits the spread of the plant due to the limited plant materials. The present study was aimed to identify the most promising cutting type and IBA concentration for propagation of Terminalia catappa L. The experiment was conducted at a protected house located at the University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences, Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The completely randomized design was used as a two-factor factorial with the cutting type (softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood) and IBA concentrations (0 ppm (control), 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm, 3000 ppm and 4000 ppm) as the tested factors. There were fifteen treatment combinations. The percentage of rooted cuttings from two weeks after planting up to twelve weeks after planting, the maximum length of roots and the number of primary roots after 90 days of planting were collected. According to the results, the semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings showed a significantly higher percentage of rooted cuttings, maximum length of roots and number of roots compared to the softwood cuttings. Application of 4000 ppm IBA concentration showed a significant increment of number of roots and maximum length of roots compared to the control (non-treated cuttings). Thus, semi-hardwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings treated with 4000 ppm IBA are suitable for the propagation of Terminalia catappa L. This finding could lead to the providing a substitute for seed propagation.

Growth Response of West Indian Cherry (Malpighia glabra L.) to Various Cutting Types, Monthly Variations and IBA Treatments

Background: The West Indian Cherry, a tropical fruit crop, is notable for its exceptionally high vitamin C content. While it can be propagated through seeds, the germination rate is relatively low. Therefore, efforts were made to propagate it using stem cuttings, a popular method of vegetative propagation due to its rapidity, simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Methods: Experiments were conducted from June to September using different concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (1500 ppm, 2500 ppm and a control) on two types of cuttings: softwood and semi-hardwood. Result: The best rooting and shooting results were observed with semi-hardwood cuttings treated with 1500 ppm IBA during the first fortnight of August. This method is recommended for nurseries and farmers to achieve faster and more successful propagation of the West Indian Cherry.

CONSERVATION STATUS AND PROPAGATION OF Camellia dalatensis AND Camellia capitata BY CUTTINGS

Article Highlights- Camellia dalatensis and Camellia capitata are critically endangered species.- Habitat loss and deforestation threaten the survival of these Camellia species.- Vegetative propagation aids conservation of critically endangered Camellia species.- Rooting success depends on cutting types, growth regulators, and substrate mix.- Research aids conservation efforts for Vietnam’s rare and vulnerable flora. AbstractCamellia dalatensis (V. D. Luong, Ninh & Hakoda) and Camellia capitata (Orel, Curry & Luu) are classified as critically endangered (CR) by the IUCN. Conservation solutions for these two species have not yet been fully implemented, while wild populations are declining. This research on vegetative propagation examined the efficacy of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA in solution or in powdered activated charcoal), cutting types (terminal shoot or stem cuttings), and substrates for the growth of cuttings (sand-coir dust mixes) on rooting efficiency. The highest rooting of C. dalatensis was observed in terminal shoot cuttings at 1,000 ppm IBA, and 25% sand and 75% coir dust substrate. Maximum values obtained were survival 95.6%, rooting percentage 88.9%, number of roots per cutting 6.9, root length 6.2 cm, and rooting index 42.9. For C. capitata, superior rooting was obtained with semi-hardwood cuttings, at 1,500 ppm IBA, and equal parts of sand and coir dust as substrate. Camellia capitata was more difficult to root, with maximum values of 65.6% survival, 52.2% rooting, 2.8 roots per cutting, 2.9 cm root length, and rooting index of 8.1. The results of this study can be used to support further propagation and conservation of these two endangered species.

Effect of Different Lengths of Cuttings on Percentage of Survival and Establishment of Jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) var. Local

An experiment was conducted on effect of different lengths of cuttings on percentage of survival and establishment of Jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) var. Local” in the experimental site of Instructional Farm-I, Nuagaon, Shampur which is operated under Institute of Agricultural Sciences (FAS) Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar during September 2022 to May 2023. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with four replications and nine treatment combinations consisting of three types of cuttings viz., hardwood cuttings (T1), semi hardwood cuttings (T2) and terminal cuttings (T3) and three types of lengths viz., 15cm (L1),20 cm (L2) and 25 cm (L3). Among three different levels of length of cuttings tried, parameters like days taken for sprouting (32.61) and days taken for establishment (41.42) were observed to be minimum in 25cm length of cuttings. Besides, maximum number of sprouts per cutting (1.81), number of shoots per cutting (1.60), length of longest shoot per cutting (14.02 cm), number of leaves per rooted cutting (8.27), length of longest root (9.91cm), survival percentage of rooted cuttings (46.25%), number of roots per cutting (15.13) and leaf area of the largest leaf (12.27cm2 ) were recorded in 25 cm length of cuttings. Different levels of lengths could not influence the days taken for sprouting and survival percentage of rooted cuttings significantly. Hence, adoption of 25 cm length of cuttings was found to be most suitable for establishment and survival of Jasminum sambac var. Local which can be recommended to the flower growers for its commercial cultivation in and around Bhubaneswar.

Effect of IBA Concentration (Indol Butaric Acid) and Growing Condition on Performance of Cuttings in Mogra (Jasminum sambac)

An experiment was laid out to study influence of different levels of IBA and growing condition on cuttings of Mogra (Jasminum sambac) at Sheth D. M. polytechnic in Horticulture College, Anand Agricultural University, Model farm, Vadodara during 2022 to 2024. The study was conducted using completely randomized design with factorial concept and three replications for each treatment. Total 10 treatment combination of two factors viz., growing condition (open and NVPH) and IBA concentration (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm) were compared with control (deepen in distilled water). IBA significantly improved the performance of cuttings under naturally ventilated poly-house condition. 1500 ppm IBA concentration recorded significantly lower days to sprout (13.83 days), higher shoot length at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.80 cm, 7.64 cm and 11.63 cm), root length (4.18 cm), number of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.87, 6.03 and 8.47), fresh weight (11.63g), dry weight (4.18g) and survival percentage (66.11%). Where as in growing condition, naturally ventilated poly-house recorded significantly lower days to sprout (13.27 days), higher shoot length at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.40cm, 7.26 cm and 11.80 cm), root length (3.89 cm), number of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.72 , 4.80 and 7.85), fresh weight (11.80 g), dry weight (3.89 g) and survival percentage (64.56%). Semi hardwood cuttings of Jasminum sambac treated with 1500 ppm IBA concentration treatment for 5 min and planted in polybags under Naturally ventilated poly-house showed promising growth with higher sprouting and survival percentage as compared to other treatments. It was recommended to propagate semi hardwood cuttings of Jasminum sambac with 1500 ppm IBA concentration for 5 min and plant them in naturally ventilated polyhouse to get maximum sprouting percentage and quality planting material.

Biochemical and physiological effects of propagule type and auxin concentration on adventitious root formation in novel Jasmine genotypes

Jasmine is primarily propagated through asexual methods, and bio-stimulants can improve soil fertility around plant roots. Some jasmine genotypes are mainly propagated through cuttings; however, the rooting process is slow and inconsistent. Specific jasmine genotypes are primarily propagated through cuttings, but the rooting process is slow and uneven. This study evaluated the regeneration potential of stem cuttings by investigating the effects of auxins and various propagule types on adventitious root formation, along with associated biochemical changes. A field experiment conducted by the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping at TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, from December 2023 to June 2024, during the winter monsoon, investigated the rooting of stem cuttings in three Jasminum genotypes using auxin. Stem cuttings of J. sambac Double Flower type (DF), J. grandiflorum White Flower type (WF) and a new cultivar of J. multiflorum CO.1 Winter Jasmine (CO.1 WJ) were treated with three Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 g L-1) and distilled water as control. Utilizing a Factorial, Completely Randomized Design for terminal and semi-hardwood cuttings, the study found that rooting hormone significantly enhanced root formation and stem and shoot growth. Semi-hardwood cuttings of J. sambac (DF) treated with 1g L-1 IBA had the highest rooting rate (88.60%), number of roots (9.34), root length (12.74 cm), shoot length (10.26 cm) and number of leaves (6.60). The highest rooting rate of 48.15% was obtained from the terminal cuttings of J. grandiflorum (WF) that had been treated with 1g L-1 IBA, in addition to other parameters such as number of roots (13.52), root length (12.03 cm), shoot length (14.30 cm), and number of leaves (13.48). On the other hand, J. multiflorum (CO.1 WJ) recorded the highest rooting rate of 72.23%, root number of 16.52, root length of 17.22 cm, shoot length of 14.14 cm and number of leaves, which was pegged at 31.70 when terminal cuttings were treated with 1g L-1 IBA. The current findings indicate that the application of auxins is crucial for promoting early root initiation and achieving higher rooting success, making it advantageous for vegetative propagation.

Standardization of Propagation Techniques in Annual Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) for Enhancing Crop Uniformity

An investigation on annual Moringa, Moringa oleifera Lam., var., (PKM 1 and PKM2) with the objective of standardizing the method of vegetative propagation was carried out at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. the treatment consisted of three factors viz., cultivars (Factor 1: Moringa variety PKM 1 and PKM2), propagation methods (Factor 2: hardwood cuttings, semi hardwood cuttings and air layering) and application of different concentration of growth regulator IBA (Factor 3:0, 1500, 2500 and 4000 ppm) and the trial was laid out with twenty four treatments using Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. The overall result revealed that the treatment combinations of PKM 1 air layering treated with IBA 4000 ppm registered the highest dry matter content of root (70.00%) and PKM 1 hardwood cuttings treated with IBA 4000 ppm recorded the highest dry shoot to root ratio (9.19). In PKM 2 semi hardwood cuttings treated with IBA 1500 ppm registered the highest root length (16.30cm) and dry matter content of shoot (61.99%). PKM 2 air layers treated with IBA 4000 ppm took minimum number of days to root (17.99 days), days to sprout (9.85 days) had the highest root fresh weight (2.70g), root dry weight (1.80g), shoot fresh weight (12.52g) and shoot dry weight (6.90g). This study concluded that air layering with 2500 to 4000 ppm IBA treatment is best pro pragation method for PKM1 and PKM 2 annual moringa.

Effect of Epidermal Mucous Secretion of Earthworms and other Selected Organic Substances on Rooting of Semi-Hardwood Cuttings of <em>Citrus aurantifolia</em> and Top Cuttings of <em>Dracaena sanderiana</em>

A recent trend in plant growth and propagation is to use natural substances rather than synthetic plant growth regulators. Two experiments were conducted to find out the effect of epidermal mucous secretion (EMS) of earthworms and other organic substances including Aloe vera gel, coconut water and ripe banana on rooting of semi-hardwood cuttings of Citrus aurantifolia and top cuttings of Dracaena sanderiana compared to commercially available plant growth regulators (PGRs). Eleven treatments were prepared using sole application of EMS solution, Aloe vera gel, coconut water and ripe banana, and mixtures of EMS and other organic substances in two different ratios by allocating equal and more inputs from EMS. The present experiments were set up adopting a completely randomized design. The number of roots per cutting, total root length per cutting (cm), length of the longest root per cutting (cm) and root vigor score were recorded for both plant species where destructive sampling was done at two months after planting for C. aurantifolia and one and two months after planting for D. sanderiana. The number of roots per cutting, length of the longest root per cutting and the root vigor score were significantly greater in the control treatment that used commercially available PGR and the cuttings treated with EMS: coconut water (1:1) for C. aurantifolia suggesting the possibility to us EMS and coconut water mixture to substitute the PGR for root induction in C. aurantifolia. The number of roots, total root length and the length of the longest root per cutting were significantly high in the treatments administrated with Aloe vera gel, ripe banana, and a mixture of EMS: ripe bananas (1:1) together with the PGR at two months after planting for D. sanderiana. Hence, the ingredients listed above could be utilized as alternative organic substances to produce adventurous roots in D. sanderiana top cuttings as same as the PGR. The results of the present study could be extremely valuable for developing a unique organic rooting replacement for the synthetic root inducing materials for C. aurantifolia and D. sanderiana. Nonetheless, additional research is required to validate the results of this study.

RESPONSES OF IBA AND NAA ON SHOOT AND ROOT GROWTH OF SEMI HARD WOOD CUTTINGS OF GUGGUL [COMMIPHORA WIGHTII (ARN.) BHAN.

RESPONSES OF IBA AND NAA ON SHOOT AND ROOT GROWTH OF SEMI HARD WOOD CUTTINGS OF GUGGUL [COMMIPHORA WIGHTII (ARN.) BHAN.

Incision in the base and indolebutyric acid to promote the rooting of 'Bengal' litchi cuttings

A alternative to producing litchi (Litchi sinensis Sonn.) seedlings is by cuttings. However, the main drawback of using this method is related to the difficulty of rooting presented by this species. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the rooting of semihardwood cuttings of litchi ‘Bengal’ at different concentrations of indolebutyric acid, with or without incision in the base. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates of 10 cuttings in a factorial 3X2 (three IBA concentrations: 0, 1.000 and 2.000 mg L-1; with or without incision in the base). After 126 days, the variables evaluated were: cutting survival, leaf retention, cutting with callus not rooted, rooted cutting, number of roots per cutting, length of major roots per cutting and dry weight of roots per cutting. For rooting, the IBA application was efficient only when the cuttings were not injured. In addition, there was no influence of the types of cuttings in the IBA concentrations. However, in those with incision at the base, the means were higher without the application of the plant growth regulator. Thus, the 'Bengal' litchi can be multiplied by semihardwood cuttings with incision at the base of the cuttings, without the use of IBA.

Effect of Different Types of cuttings and Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) on Rooting of Damas Plant (Conocarpus lancifolius L.)

An experiment consists of two types of cuttings viz. tip cutting (C1) and semi hardwood cuttings (C2) with different IBA concentrations i.e. 300 (I1), 400 (I2), 500 (I3) and 600 (I4) ppm each along with control (I5) were treated. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with Factorial Concept comprise three replications. The cuttings were planted in sand bed. Among different types of cuttings, maximum number of roots (11.03), root length (6.99 cm), fresh weight (255.60 mg/plant) of root and dry weight (27.59 mg/plant) of root along with highest rooting percent (67.14) of cuttings were recorded in tip cutting after 60 days of planting. While in case of IBA, highest number of roots (13.23), longest root (7.66 cm), maximum fresh weight (294.33 mg/plant) of root, dry weight (27.59 mg/plant) of root and maximum rooting percentage (67.14) of cuttings were recorded under treatment of 500 ppm IBA at 60 days of planting. Interaction effect of tip cuttings along with 500 ppm IBA (C1I3) was also found significant for all the characters.

Crescimento e atributos fisiológicos de mudas de mirtileiro inoculadas com fungos micorrízicosarbusculares

ABSTRACT: High-quality seedlings are one of the key factors in achieving high yield and precocity of blueberries. The inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance the development of seedlings in the nursery, ensuring more vigorous seedlings in a shorter time. This study evaluated the effect of inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the development of ‘PowderBlue’blueberryseedlings. The treatments were arranged in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, in which the first factor was the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Gigaspora rosea, Glomus clarum, G. rosea + G. clarum, and a control level without mycorrhizae, while the second factor consisted of usingindole-3-butyric acid(IBA) and a control level without IBA. Semi-hardwood cuttings were planted in pots containing sterilized soil and kept in a greenhouse for 660 days. The percentage of rooted cuttings, plant height, root system length, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass, peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities, SPAD index, mycorrhizal efficiency and dependence, number of spores, and soil basal respiration were evaluated. Plants inoculated with G. clarum without IBA and inoculated with G. rosea with IBA showed higher dry matter and SOD and POD enzyme activities, but the use of IBA had a negative effect on the fungus. The inoculation of blueberry cuttings with G. clarummay help seedlingdevelopment, thus improving biometric and biochemical parameters. Furthermore, the plant regulator IBAwas essential in establishing the symbiosis between blueberry and the AMF G. rosea.

The Impact of Dates and IBA Treatment on the Root Ability of Semi-Hard Wood Cuttings of Three Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars

The University of Mosul in Iraq conducted the experiment in a plastic greenhouse run by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design at the College of Agriculture and Forestry. For 1/2/2022 – 1/6/2022. To find out what happens to semi-hardwood cuttings of three olive varieties Hojiblanca, Picual, and Arbequina—when they are taken five times a month from February to June and then soaked for 5 seconds in three concentrations of IBA solution (0, 3000, and 5000 mg l-1) to see how well they root and grow. The cuts that were taken on March 1 had the most leaves, the most leaf area, and the longest roots per cutting. Cuttings that were soaked in 3000 mg l-1 and 5000 mg l-1 took root faster and had longer roots. Soaking in 5000 mg L-1 increased the leaf area of rooted cutting. Picual and Arbequina cuttings rooted less often and had shorter roots than Hojiblanca cuttings. In terms of longevity and leaf count, Hojiblanca cuttings did better than Arbequina cuttings. Cuttings of Hojiblanca and Picual had more leaves, cuttings that had grown roots, and roots than cuttings of Arbequina. However, Hojiblanca cultivar collected on March 1st treated with 5000 mg.l-1 gave 60.00%, 27.80 leaf cutting-1, 1.32 cm2, 36.51 cm2 cutting-1, 14.27cm. Hojiblanca cultivar cuttings treated with 3000 mg.l-1 had 11.61 root cutting-1. The Picual olive control treatment had the highest survival rate (63.33%) on March 1.

The Effect of Collection Time, IBA and Putrescine Treatments on the Rooting Potential of Foşa Hazelnut Cultivar

Objective: The aim of the research was to determine how collection time, IBA, and putrescine treatments affected the rooting potential of the Foşa hazelnut cultivar (Corylus avellana L.).
 Material and Methods: Cuttings were taken from 1-year-old root suckers of Foşa hazelnut cultivar on 4 different dates (June 15, July 10, August 4 and August 28; in 2021 year). 3 different treatments [Control, IBA (2000 ppm) and IBA+putrescine (2000 ppm+1600 ppm)] were performed to the prepared cuttings. Rooting, callusing, survived cutting ratio, dead cutting ratio, root number, root length, rooting level, number of cutting with buds, number of cutting with shoot, and number of cutting with leaves properties were investigated in cuttings removed from the rooting medium.
 Results: The collection time and treatments had a significant effect on the rooting ability of Foşa hazelnut cuttings. Depending on the collection time and treatments interaction, the callusing ranged from 1.7 (in IBA+putrescine treatment in the June 15) to 96.7% (in IBA treatment in the July 10). Rooting was determined between 0 (in control in the August 3, in control and IBA+putrescine treatments in the August 28) and 26.7% (in IBA treatment in the July 10). The root number was determined from 0 (in control in the August 3, in control and IBA+putrescine treatments in the August 28) to 13.1 (in IBA treatment in the July 10). Root length was measured between 0 (in control in the August 3, in control and IBA+putrescine treatments in the August 28) and 7.4 cm (in IBA treatment in the July 10). The best rooting scale was determined in (2.5) cuttings collected in July 10 and treated with IBA. It was followed by (2.3) cuttings treated IBA collected in June 15.
 Conclusion: It was determined that the rooting ability of IBA-treated semi-hardwood cuttings collected in the early period from Foşa hazelnut cultivar was higher.

Comparative analysis of anatomical characteristics and phenolic compounds of two highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars with different rooting ability of semi-hardwood cuttings

There is no information on morphological, anatomical or phenolic concentration differences between blueberry cultivars that could be related to the differential rooting responses. In the present work, such differences were evaluated comparing the rooting zones of cuttings from two blueberry cultivars (‘Jewel’ and ‘Violeta’ with 4n and 2n ploidy level, respectively). The parameters were measured during 150 days of rooting (rooting day after cutting insertion; RAI) at 30-day interval after treatment with 3 g/L of IBA. Stem length, stem diameter and number of leaves and buds were measured and tissue sections from cuttings were stained to measure tissue thickness. Also, the total phenolic content (TPC) by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the phenolic profile by liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detection were also evaluated in rooting zones. ‘Jewel’ rooted earlier and in higher percentage than 'Violeta'. ANOVA showed that phenolic compounds, in a higher extent, and some morphological and anatomical parameters, in a lower extent, had a positive effect on rooting capacity. In both blueberry cultivars, the cuttings with the highest phenolic content presented an early rooting capacity. The multivariate analyses allowed us to corroborate these results. FiPLS selected common variables (coumaric acid and stem diameter) and specific variables depending on the cultivar (gallic acid, stem length and number of leaves for ‘Jewel’; and, vanillic acid, rutin, and cortex thickness for ‘Violeta’). PCA allowed to group the ‘Violeta’ samples (unrooted and rooted at 60, 90, 120 and 150 RAI) in compact homogeneous clusters with an adequate explanation rate (44.7 %). From all parameters, stem diameter seems to be inversely related, and cortex thickness and p-coumaric acid and rutin seems to be positively related to the earliest rooting day after insertion (RAI 60), while the largest the stem, the earlier the rooting. In future works, more cultivars and other parameters and phenolic compounds that can induce the rooting in cuttings, including their evolution over time, should be investigated.

Effect of propagation dates, media and auxins treatments on rooting of Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) semi-hard wood cuttings

This experiment was carried out from 15th October, 2021 to 15th May, 2022 in the plastic house in Duhok city, Iraq. A study included the effect of three factors, the first one is two different propagation dates 15th October and 15th December, second one is three propagation media includes peat moss + perlite (1:1), sand + perlite (1:1) and peat moss + sand + perlite (1:1:1), and third one included three auxin concentrations includes (control, 3000 IBA+1500 NAA and 6000 IBA + 3000 mg. L-1 NAA) on the rooting of Cupressus macrocarpa semi-hard wood cuttings. The results analyzed by (RCBD) design and indicated that the planting of cuttings at 15th October significantly gave the best results of all studied characters (rooting percentage (51.11%) and shoots characters) as compared with those date in 15th December which gave the lowest values. As for propagation media had significant effect only on rooting characters, the best results of rooting obtained when cuttings planted in both of (sand + perlite) and (sand + peat moss + perlite) media but the media hadn’t any significant effects on shoot characters. Auxin treatment meaningfully affected on rooting ability of cuttings, high concentrations of auxins (6000 IBA+3000 NAA mg.L-1) gave the best results of rooting characters comparison with low concentration (3000 IBA+1500 NAA mg.L-1) and control (0 mg.L-1) but hadn’t any significant effects on shoots characters. Generally, the interaction among three factors showed that the planting of cutting treated with both concentrations of auxins in both of (sand + perlite) and (sand + peat moss + perlite) media at 15th October provided the best results of rooting percentage and improve most roots and shoots characters.

Rooting potential of the ‘vleitee’ honeybush (Cyclopia subternata) as affected by growth season and the manipulation of stock plant characteristics

To ensure a high-quality, sustainable supply of South African indigenous honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) tea to domestic and international markets, a shift from wild harvesting practices to true-to-type clonal material is required. This study investigated the impact of stock plant rejuvenation period and seasonality, and the harvesting position of cutting material on stock plants, on the rooting success of four genotypes of Cyclopia subternata Vogel, the most widely cultivated honeybush species. Cutting rooting success varied between 65–94% in summer and 49–91% in autumn, whilst winter-rooted cuttings showed poor rooting success (0–7%). Cutting dry weight was positively correlated with rooting percentage (r = 0.647; p ≤ 0.001). The rooting success of cuttings was strongly impacted by internal stock plant factors, such as clonal effects, cutting position and rejuvenation period. The use of terminal, semi-hardwood cuttings collected in autumn, following 15 months of regrowth, is recommended to achieve acceptable-to-high rooting success. This study confirms that the clonal propagation of C. subternata via cuttings could be a viable option for the sustainable production of high-quality honeybush tea, provided the selection criteria of the stock plant material used as the cutting source is carefully considered.

Propagation of Antidesma alexiteria and Syzygium caryophyllatum, two underexploited fruit plants in Sri Lanka: Effect of cutting types, potting media and auxin application

Antidesma alexiteria and Syzygium caryophyllatum are two fruit species found in Sri Lanka of which the commercial development potential has not been fully identified. To bring these fruit species back into cultivation, establishment of suitable propagation systems for mass propagation is important. Therefore, this research was designed to identify suitable potting media, stem cutting types and requirement of auxin for successful vegetative propagation of the two fruit species. Softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings of the fruit trees were planted in three potting media (M1 – topsoil, sand 1:1, M2 – topsoil, sand, compost 1:1:1 and M3 – topsoil, sand, coir dust 1:1:1) under two treatments; T1 – with plant growth reg­ulator indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and T0 – controls without IAA. Each treatment was conducted with 15 replicates. The cuttings were planted in individual propagators and were kept in a net house of 50% shading under room temperature. Growth performance of the cuttings was monitored in regular intervals (every 28 days) for a period of six months. According to sprouting, survival, and growth performance, both softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings are suitable for vegetative propagation of A. alexiteria. The M3 medium showed 100% sprouting and survival but with respect to overall growth performance, the M1 medium was the most suitable for softwoods of A. alexiteria without auxin. Sprouting and survival of semi-hardwood cuttings were 100% with high values of growth parameters in M3 under T1 treatment. The M1 medium without auxin can be recommended for better performance of softwoods while M3with auxin is for semi-hardwoods of A. alexiteria. Softwoods, semi-hardwoods and hardwoods can be recommended for vegetative propagation S. caryophyllatum in M1 medium. Both softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings under T1 treatment expressed higher sprouting and survival percentages while semi-hardwood cuttings under T1 treatment have shown the highest sprouting and growth performance. Hence, semi-hardwood cuttings with auxin can be con­sidered as the best planting material for vegetative propagation of S. caryophyllatumwhile M1 is the best medium. The vegetative propagation of S. caryophyllatum and A. alexiteria through stem cuttings can be recommended as suitable mass propagation method for the purpose of commercialization.

‘Halhalı’ Zeytin Çeşidine Ait Yarı Odunsu Çeliklerin Köklenmesi Üzerine Alttan Isıtma ve Farklı Ortamların Etkisi

Bu çalışma, ‘Halhalı’ zeytin çeşidine ait odun çeliklerinin köklenme özellikleri üzerine alttan ısıtma ve farklı köklendirme ortamlarının etkilerini incelemek amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. ‘Halhalı’ zeytin çeşidinin odun çelikleri 22-25°C ayarlanmış ortam sıcaklığında Dere Kumu (DK) (1), Pomza (Po) (1), Kokopit (Ko) (1), Perlit (Pe) (1), Dere Kumu:Pomza (DK:Po, 1:1), Kokopit:Perlit (Ko:Pe, 1:1), Torf:Perlit (T:Pe, 1:1) ve Kokopit:Torf:Perlit (Ko:T:Pe, 1:1:1) köklendirme ortamlarında köklendirilmiştir. Çalışma başlangıcından 60 gün sonra çelikler sökülerek kallus oranı (%), köklenme oranı (%), kök sayısı (adet), kök uzunluğu(cm), sürgün sayısı (adet) ve sürgün uzunluğu (cm) parametreleri incelenmiştir. Çalışmada, ‘Halhalı’ çeşidinde ortam ısıtması ve farklı ortam kullanımının köklenme özellikleri üzerine önemli etkileri olduğu tespit edilmiştir. En yüksek kallus oranı (%45.00), kök sayısı (4.66 adet) ve köklenme oranı (%22.5) ısıtma uygulamasından elde edilmiştir. ‘Halhalı’ çeşidinde, en yüksek köklenme oranı ısıtmalı Ko+Pe(%35.00), DK+Po (34.17) ve DK (%32.50) ortamlarında belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, ‘Halhalı’ zeytin çeşidinde odun çelikleri ile köklendirmede daha ekonomik olması bakımından DK+Po ve DK ortamlarının Ko+Pe karışımına tercih edilebileceği ifade edilebilir.

Effect of the K-IBA Foliar Application on the Rooting of Geraldton Waxflower ‘Mars’ and ‘Early Nir’ Semi-hardwood Cuttings

Effect of the K-IBA Foliar Application on the Rooting of Geraldton Waxflower ‘Mars’ and ‘Early Nir’ Semi-hardwood Cuttings