Softwood Cuttings Research Articles

Growth and quality of Mollar pomegranate tree seedlings propagated by cuttings

The seminiferous propagation of the pomegranate tree is dramatically affected by the presence of a sarcotesta, which often makes this method of propagation unfeasible. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the production of rootstocks for Mollar pomegranate cuttings under different management techniques in the dry and wet seasons. Two experiments were performed, one in the dry season (August to December 2012, Experiment I), and another in the rainy season (January to June 2013, Experiment II). The experiments used a completely randomized design with four replications and five seedlings per plot. To monitor plant growth and physiology, a factorial scheme using two factors, management of softwood cuttings (cuttings with leaves; cuttings without leaves; and cuttings without leaves, but with an incision at the base) and evaluation times (60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 days after planting [DAP] in Experiment I and 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 DAP in Experiment II) was adopted. The propagation material was collected from commercial plants, from the median portion of the branch. The cuttings were approximately 15 cm long. Cuttings without leaves with an incision at the base were more suitable for vegetative propagation of Mollar pomegranate trees, regardless of season (dry or wet). Seedlings grown in the rainy season had higher survival rates and higher root and shoot growth. The use of cuttings with leaves for the vegetative propagation of the Mollar pomegranate tree in the dry season is not feasible. The best time to transplant Mollar pomegranate tree seedlings, in the rainy season, is at 130 DAP, at an average height of 45 cm.

Enraizamento de estacas de Tibouchina moricandiana var. vinacea em função da forma de aplicação e concentrações de AIB

Tibouchina moricandiana Baill. var. vinacea Handro is a woody shrub, native to Brazil with ornamental potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of cutting the vegetative propagation of the species according to the application form and different concentrations of indole butyric acid (IBA). Softwood cuttings were treated with 0, 1,000 and 2,000 mg kg-1/mg L-1 of IBA in powder and solution form. After 56 days the treatments were evaluated for rooting, cuttings with callus, survival, mortality, leaf retention, new shoots, number of roots per cutting and root length. The rooting of stem cuttings of T. moricandiana was negatively influenced by the concentrations of IBA or by way of application. The species has a high strike rate (90.8%), demonstrating a species with potential for vegetative propagation through cuttings. The form of application and concentration of IBA influenced other variables. The use of 2,000 mg kg-1 IBA applied by talc demonstrated a decrease in the number of roots and provided the greatest number of and unrooted live cuttings. The length of the three longest roots per cutting was higher with the use of 1,000 mg L-1 or mg kg-1 of IBA. The use of IBA for the rooting of cuttings can be dispensed with, but can be used at a concentration of 1,000 mg-1 or mg kg-1 to increase the length and number of roots.

Transcriptome profiling of indole-3-butyric acid-induced adventitious root formation in softwood cuttings of the Catalpa bungei variety ‘YU-1’ at different developmental stages

Catalpa bungei is a deciduous tree native to China. It is characterized as fast growing, being highly adaptable, and having excellent wood qualities. To better understand potential mechanisms involved in adventitious root (AR) formation, we performed transcriptome analysis of softwood cuttings of C. bungei ‘Yu-1’ at three stages of AR formation using the Illumina sequencing method. Following de novo assembly, 62,955 unigenes were obtained, 31,646 (50.26 %) of which were annotated. A total of 11,100 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 10,200 unique and 900 common, were identified in four comparisons. Based on the all GO enrichment networks, 46 common and 7 unique GO categories were identified. Cytoskeleton was only significantly enriched in the activation period, while DNA metabolic process was only significantly enriched in the callus formation. Functional annotation analysis revealed that many of these genes were involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glycolysis, and plant hormone metabolism, suggesting potential contributions to AR formation. Interestingly, the number of DEGs involved in glycolysis decreased while the number of DEGs involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis increased following the AR formative process. Overall, our comprehensive transcriptional overview will prove useful, not only in the understanding of molecular networks that regulate AR formation in C. bungei, but also for exploring genes that may improve rooting rates of other trees.

Effect of Salicylic Acid Synergists on Rooting Softwood Cuttings of Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Effect of Salicylic Acid Synergists on Rooting Softwood Cuttings of Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Leads to New Insights into the Molecular Events Governing Root Formation in Mulberry Softwood Cuttings

Accelerated root formation is necessary for successful cuttage in a number of woody plants, such as mulberry (Morus alba L.). However, little information regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in this type of root formation is available. Here, we compared transcriptome changes during different root formation periods (0, 4, and 8 days) by conducting high-throughput sequencing to understand the molecular mechanisms of root formation in mulberry softwood cuttings. Approximately 88.2 million, 88.2 million, and 52.8 million transcriptome sequencing reads were obtained for the three time periods, 0, 4, and 8 days, respectively. These reads were then assembled into 61,687 (0 day), 61,651 (4 days), and 59,457 (8 days) contigs by utilizing the de novo method, and a large number of differentially expressed genes were identified at various developmental stages. These assembled contigs were annotated using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), as well as the simple sequence repeat (SSR). Mulberry had a complex response to adventitious rooting. Genes that might be associated with mulberry stem cutting root formation were also identified here. Furthermore, the reliability of the sequencing results was validated by performing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). These results provide a comprehensive background of the molecular biology of mulberry development, in particular regarding its stem cutting root formation development.

The type, position and age effect on the cutting reproduction of Picea crassifolia and its rooting mechanism in the Qilian Mountains

Picea crassifolia Kom, a perennial arbor species is recognized as one of the most adaptable plants found to date in Qilian Mountains. To explore the cutting reproduction technology of P. crassifolia and reveal its rooting mechanism, cuttings of P. crassifolia with different cutting types (softwood, hardwood and root), positions (top, upper, middle and bottom) and ages (7, 10, 15, 20, 25 year-old) were cultivated in a field experiment. One-year old softwood and hardwood cuttings were collected from 7-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25 year-old healthy ortets to analyze the changes from endogenous hormones and organic nutrients. Results indicate that the softwood cuttings (0.5–1.0 cm in diameter) from upper branches of 15 year-old ortets shows better growth performance by improving rooting indexes, including a significant increase in rooting rate and a decrease in basal rot rate. Concomitantly, increasing rooting quantity and root length also increased. It is noteworthy that the high rooting rate of P. crassifolia cuttings due to its ability to accumulate high concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and total carbon (TC) rather than abscisic acid (ABA) and total nitrogen (TN). The rooting rate was mainly regulated by the IAA/ABA and TC/TN ratio. In summary, our results suggest that the softwood cuttings (0.5–1.0 cm in diameter) from upper branches of 15 year-old P. crassifolia can be considered as an effective strategy to improve cutting rooting rate, and the IAA/ABA and TC/TN ratio was one of the main factors limiting the cutting rooting rate of P. crassifolia.

Vegetative propagation of African walnut (<i>Plukenetia conophora</i>) using pre-treated stem cuttings of varied physiological ages

The effect of physiological age of stem cuttings and pre-planting treatment on adventitious root and shoot growth of stem cuttings of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora) were investigated at Nsukka, Nigeria in 2012. Nodal cuttings of semi-hardwood and softwood categories were dipped in water and coconut water for 30 minutes before planting. Cuttings used as control treatment were neither dipped in water nor coconut water. Factorial combinations of age of stem cutting and pre-planting treatment were arranged in completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. Results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a non-significant main effect of age of stem cutting and pre-planting treatment on number of days to breaking of dormancy and shoot formation. Physiological age of cuttings significantly (p < 0.05) influenced number of shoots formed, length of vine and number of leaves in favour of the semi-hardwood cuttings. Significant interaction between age of cuttings and pre-planting treatment was observed on percentage of cuttings with shoot and number of shoots per cutting. While semi-hardwood cuttings gave higher number of shoot when dipped in water, softwood cuttings (at 2- 4WAP) did better when dipped in coconut water. Available data suggest that softwood cuttings of this species are more amenable to clonal propagation. However, if semi-hardwood cuttings must be used, then dipping in water becomes a necessity. Evidences from this study affirm the practicability of clonal propagation of P. conophora via stem cuttings.Key words: African walnut, Pre-treatment, Vegetative propagation, Stem cuttings.

Propagation Methods Affect Fruit Morphology and Antioxidant Properties but Maintain Clonal Fidelity in Lowbush Blueberry

The berry morphology (size and weight), phytochemical content (polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins), and antioxidant activity of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) wild clone QB 9C and cultivar Fundy, propagated by tissue culture (TC) and softwood cutting (SC), were studied over two growing seasons to evaluate the effect of propagation methods on fruit yield and the content of antioxidant metabolites. Number of flower clusters, number of berries and berry weight per plant, diameter and weight of individual berry were higher in SC plants than those of TC plants. Significant interaction between genotypes and propagation methods were observed for total phenolic and flavonoid content of fruits. Berries from TC plants contained more polyphenols and flavonoids than those of SC plants. Twenty microsatellite markers were used to assess the clonal fidelity of TC regenerants and SC plants. The identical monomorphic amplification profiles within the TC plants of each genotype confirmed the clonal fidelity of micropropagated blueberry plants. These results indicate that propagation methods affected the morphology and antioxidant metabolites but maintained trueness-to-type genetic makeup in blueberry.

Rooting of Syringa vulgaris L. softwood cuttings using auxin, vitamins, phenolic substances, indole, SADH and abscisic acid

The cuttings taken at flowering time or earlier rooted much better than those taken after flowering. The apical cuttings rooted more aboundantly than those taken from medium or basal part of the shoots. Different auxins: NAA, IAA IBA and 2,4-D in optimal concentrations differed very little in their stimulatory effect or rooting. Several substances: indole, tannin, pyrogallol, thiamine, ascorbic acid, pyridoxine, ryboflavine, niacine, retardant SADH, abscisic acid, and boric acid promoted rooting of cuttings when used separately. Their combined effect with auxin was in most cases additive but sometimes synergistic. Three phases of rooting process were discerned.

Investigation of the possibility for production of some stone fruit rootstocks by rooting cuttings

This work evaluated the influence of different biostimulators (IBA and NAA) on rooting softwood and hardwood cuttings from some stone fruit rootstocks (Mirabolana, St. Julian A., St. Julian INRA, St. Julian Orleans, GF 8/1, GF 655/2, Alkavo, Gisela 4, Gisela 5, Weiroot 53 and Weiroot 158). The experiment was conducted in an experimental greenhouse at the Institute of Agriculture, Skopje. Rooting biostimulators were applied in 3 variants: a) IBA 2%, b) NAA 0.2%, c) IBA 2% without chemical protection. The GF/8 rootstock had the highest percent of rooted cuttings (50.8%), while some rootstocks (Weiroot 158 and Wieroot 53) produced negligible rooting of the cuttings (1.6%). Hardwood cuttings from the tested rootstocks had better rooting (20.3%) than softwood cuttings (6.0%). The first treatment (IBA 2%) was the most efficient for rooting cuttings (23.1%).

The influence of inorganic salts, sucrose and CEPA on rooting of ujilloir cuttings

Hardwood or leafless softwood cuttings of <i>Salix viminalis gallica</i> (hort.) or <i>S. daphnoides acutifolia</i> Will, were soaked in water or separately in IAA, IBA, NaCl, KCl, NaNO<sub>3</sub>, KNO<sub>3</sub>, and sucrose solution or in sequence with one of the auxins, or CEPA. The inorganic salt treatments (KCl, KNO<sub>3</sub>, NaNO<sub>3</sub>) stimulated rooting of cuttings to the same degree as auxin, while sucrose and NaCl with IAA resulted in high stimulation of rooting, but with IBA no synergistic effect was observed in the other willow species. CEPA induced the largest increase of root number per cutting, stimulated significantly subsequent root growth and also reduced significantly the rooting period.

The effect of an auxin (IBA), fungicide (Captan) and of wounding on the rooting of softwood apple (Malus Mill.) cuttings

Softwood cuttings of rootstocks M 26, M 104 and M 106 were investigated under ordinary propagating greenhouse conditions without basal heat or mist. Rooting was stimulated most effectively by indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at a concentration of 0,5% in a mixture of talc with a commercial powdered fungicide, Captan (6:4 wt/wt). Wounding of the basal part of cuttings increased the percentage of rooting and increased the number of roots per cutting and the length of the root system. Captan restricted decay of cuttings, promoted rooting, probably indirectly, and improved the root-system quality. The best results obtained were 91%, 68% and 100% rooted cuttings for the clones M 26, M 104 and M 106, respectively. The time of cuttings collection (July – September) had no significant effect on their rooting.

Use of auxin, fungicides and rooting cofactors to induce adventitious root formation in softwood cuttings of apple, gooseberry and some ornamental plants

Cuttings of apple rootstocks MM 106, Alnarp 2, M VII and M 26, of the ornamental plants <i>Pyracantha coccinea</i> Roem., <i>Syringa Meyeri</i> Schneid., and <i>Weigela</i> cv. Vanhouttei formed a larger numbers of adventitious roots with a mixture of naphthaleneacetic acid and the fungicide Captan than with auxin alone. Boric acid, vitamin B<sub>1</sub> as well as pyrogallol and vanilic acid in rather high concentrations showed no effect on rooting when used separately or in a mixture with an auxin. Intermittent mist and bottom heat were used.

The effect of rutin and pyrogallol upon rooting of softwood cuttings of magnolias and of Seringa meyeri Schneid.

Rutin and pyrogallol applied, using the quick-dip method, in concentrations 500- 1500 mg/liter promoted rooting markedly, provided auxin was given simultaneously. The fungicide Captan used as an admixture to auxin promoted rooting only occasionally. SADH used separately was inactive.

Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae): From the Wild to the Garden

This study is a successful effort undertaken to introduce Lawsonia inermis a native plant, to the landscape industry. It can be propagated by seeds. However, seeds are not available throughout the year. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the objective of identifying a suitable propagule and a media to propagate L. inermis. Flowering phenology, including animal visitors were observed to elucidate the landscape potential of the plant. In the propagation experiment three maturity stages of stem cuttings viz. softwood, semi hardwood and hardwood were planted in two different media (sand, sand + coir dust 1:1). The layout of the experiment was Randomized completely block design. Twelve weeks after planting, rooting percentage, root dry weight and root number were recorded. Mass flowering was recorded twice a year in L. inermis where 75% of the canopy was covered with flowers. Flowers are attractive, scented and bloomed in the morning and last for two days. It attracts butterflies, bees and birds. Tree architecture is attractive and the plant can fit into a small space. It is also capable of tolerating adverse environmental conditions. A significant difference was observed in root dry weight and number of roots produced in different treatment combinations and softwood cuttings recorded the highest rooting percentage (71 %) in sand medium. Therefore, L. inermis can be promoted in urban landscaping and as a solution to the scarcity of planting material, softwood cutting grown in sand media can be recommended as the potential propagule and the media to introduce Lawsonia inermis to the landscape industry in Sri Lanka. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jepsl.v3i2.7846 Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka: 2014 Vol. 3 No. 2: 48-59

Propagation of Quercus robur L. (English Oak) by stem cuttings in Western Himalayas (Kashmir)

Two experiments were conducted for propagation of Quercus robur L. by stem cuttings in Kashmir valley. First experiment which includes: hardwood cuttings were treated with Indolebutyric acid(IBA)having concentrations of 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000 ppm in talc and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) having concentrations of 500, 1,000 and 1,500 ppm in talc while the second experiment i.e. softwood cuttings were taken and treated with Indolebutyric acid (IBA) having concentrations of 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 ppm quick-dipped for 5-seconds and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) having concentrations of500, 1,000 and 1,500 ppm dipped for 24 hours and in both (nontreated) as control and placed under mist conditions. It was found that English Oak can be propagated through cuttings and auxin treatment is imperative and Indolebutyric acid (IBA) with concentration of 10,000 ppm showed best results with highest recorded rooting of 51.30 per cent in case of softwood cuttings and for hardwood cuttings also, Indolebutyric acid (IBA) with concentration of 10,000 ppm showed good results with highest recorded rooting of 29.70 per cent. However, control and NAA-treatments in both softwood and hardwood cuttings could not induce rooting at all.

The lose of juvenility elicits adventitious rooting recalcitrance in apple rootstocks

For perennial woody plants, softwood cutting is an efficient technique for larger scale propagation and adventitious rooting of cuttings is one of the most crucial steps. To evaluate the significance of juvenility on adventitious rooting, rooting rates was compared between softwood cuttings collected from apomictic seedlings (juvenile), in vitro cultured plants (rejuvenated), suckers (juvenile like) and canopy shoots (adult) of reproductively mature trees in Malus xiaojinensis. After pre-treatment with indole-3-butytric acid (IBA) (3,000 mg L−1) + H2O2 (50 mM), rooting rates in cutting from juvenile, juvenile like and rejuvenated donor plants were significantly higher (>90 %) than that from adult trees. The effects of IBA on adventitious rooting were enhanced significantly by exogenous H2O2. After 15 passages of in vitro subculture, the micro-shoots from adult phase explants were rejuvenated successfully, marked by the elevated expression of miR156 in the leaflets of the micro-shoots. But the rooting ability of rejuvenated micro-shoots was recovered delayed at the 18th or 21st passage of subculture. During the process of rejuvenation, the leaf indole-3-acetic acid contents and the expressions of rooting related genes CKI1, ARRO-1, ARF7 and ARF19 increased significantly. In contrary, the leaf abscisic acid contents decreased. A lack of juvenility is the most important limiting factor governing adventitious rooting of softwood cuttings in apple rootstocks.

Vegetative Growth of Three Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars Obtained from Micropropagation and Softwood Cuttings in Two Florida Locations

Field performance of southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. interspecific hybrids) cultivars Emerald, Jewel, and Primadonna derived from softwood cuttings (SW) and tissue culture (TC) was evaluated in Citra and Haines City, FL, in 2010–12. Both fields were planted in Apr. 2010 on sandy soil amended with pine bark. Plant height and width were recorded at both locations, from which plant canopy volume was calculated. Additionally, whole plants were harvested at planting and after the first growing season, after the first fruit harvest, and after the second growing season. Average plant height and width, number of major canes, and total shoot number were determined at each sampling date. Dry weights for roots, crowns, canes, shoots, and leaves were obtained. Although propagation method affected plant canopy volume during the first season, no effects were observed by the end of the second growing season. At planting and after the first and second growing seasons, TC plants of the three cultivars had more major canes. Total shoot number per plant was greater for TC ‘Jewel’ at all dates but ‘Emerald’ TC plants had more shoots only at planting and after the first growing and harvest seasons. Tissue culture resulted in increased plant dry weights of ‘Jewel’ and ‘Emerald’ after the first and second growing seasons. There were no significant differences in total number of shoots or plant dry weight between TC and SW-derived ‘Primadonna’ plants at any point during the study.

Environments for rooting of guava trees multiplied by softwood cuttings or mini-cuttings

The goal of this study was to evaluate high moisture saturation environments for rooting cuttings from guava. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design infactorial scheme composed by guava tree cultivars (Paluma and Cortibel 6), types of cuttings (softwood cuttings and minicuttings), and rooting environments (conventional chamber with intermittent nebulization and minichambers constituted of plastic containers). Four repetitions were used and the experimental plots were composed by ten softwood cuttings or minicuttings. Rooting of ‘Paluma’ ranged between 77.5 and 97.5 % and of ‘Cortibel 6’ between 2.5 and 57.5%, depending on the environment and the propagation technique.

Effects of the time of cuttings collection and IBA concentration on the rooting of softwood cuttings from elite trees of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) in Belgrade area

In this study, the effect of concentration of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (powder dip), cutting type as well as the time of taking cuttings on the rooting of softwood cuttings of cornelian cherry was examined. Four types of cuttings were used: basal cuttings, terminal cuttings, basal cuttings with 2-year-old wood and terminal cuttings with 2-year-old wood. The obtained results showed that IBA concentration, cutting type and time of collecting have significant effect on rooting. The best results were obtained using 1% IBA and cuttings collected in the second term (in mid-July) had a higher rooting percentage. Terminal cuttings treated with 1% IBA (powder dip) should be used for optimum results. In that case the rooting percentage was very high (over 90%) in both terms of cuttings collection.