ARS | Publication request: Cutting Propagation of Two Perennial Species in While Pine Tree Substrates

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 8, 2010
Publication Date: April 1, 2010
Citation: Witcher, A.L., Blythe, E.K., Fain, G.B., Curry, K., Spiers, J.M. 2010. Cutting Propagation of Two Perennial Species in While Pine Tree Substrates. HortScience. 45:493.

Technical Abstract: Wood-based materials, such as processed whole pine trees (WPT), have been identified as possible substitutions or replacements for peat moss (P) and pine bark (PB) in container substrates. Although wood-based substrates can be successfully used for crop production, limited information exists for stem cutting propagation in such substrates. We evaluated WPT as a rooting substrate for two perennial species. Four substrates [WPT, WPT:P (1:1), PB, and PB:P (1:1)] were used to evaluate root development of Evolvulus glomeratus ‘Blue Daze’ and Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’ cuttings. Each substrate was amended per cubic meter with 2.96 kg dolomitic limestone and 2.37 kg Harrell’s 16-2.6-10 Plus (5 month formulation). Containers (250 ml) were filled with substrate, completely randomized, and placed under mist for saturation. Three-node, subterminal cuttings of Evolvulus received a basal quick-dip in a 1000 ppm IBA solution and were stuck in late April, 2009. Single-node, subterminal cuttings of Persicaria were stuck in early May, 2009. Data was collected at 66 days after sticking (DAS) cuttings and 33 DAS for Evolvulus and Persicaria, respectively. On average, Evolvulus cuttings in WPT had the least total root length, total root volume, and total shoot length while cuttings in PB:P had the greatest values for these variables. Cuttings of Persicaria had the greatest total root length and total shoot length in PB:P, although the greatest total root volume occurred in WPT:P. The addition of peat resulted in greater root and shoot development compared with WPT and PB alone. A correlation between substrate chemical properties and root/shoot development was not established. An analysis of substrate physical properties will be conducted for treatment comparisons. We demonstrated that two perennial crops could be propagated in a WPT substrate, although further research is necessary to identify optimal WPT substrate physical properties.