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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Poplarville, Mississippi » Southern Horticultural Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #417004
Research Project: Management of Diseases, Pests, and Pollinators of Horticultural Crops

Location: Southern Horticultural Research Unit

Title: Evaluation of Surfactants for use in One-time Foliar Auxin Applications in the Propagation of Woody Ornamentals

Author
item BOWDEN, ANTHONY - Mississippi State University
item KNIGHT, PATRICIA - Mississippi State University
item COKER, CHRISTINE - Mississippi State University
item RYALS, JENNY - Mississippi State University
item LANGLOIS, SCOTT - Mississippi State University
item BRODERICK, SHAUN - Mississippi State University
item BLYTHE, EUGENE - Mississippi State University
item Sakhanokho, Hamidou
item Babiker, Ebrahiem

Submitted to: International Plant Propagators Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Foliar auxin applications are becoming more common for cutting propagation in commercial operations. Terminal cuttings of 'Southern Charm' magnolia and common camellia were used in this study. We investigated the combination surfactants with single foliar applications of auxin compared to traditional basal quick dips for those two crops. A foliar application of 1500 ppm IBA was as effective as a basal quick dip for propagation of 'Southern Charm' magnolia, but the basal quick dip was more effective for camellia.

Technical Abstract: Use of foliar applications are increasing in the nursery and greenhouse industries. However, previous research has shown that insufficient auxin is being absorbed or translocated to the site of action. Addition of surfactants to foliar applications of auxin may help with the absorption and translocation of auxin to the site of action. Research was conducted to determine whether addition of surfactants to one-time foliar applications of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) would be as effective as the current industry standard, the basal quick dip. Terminal cuttings of common camellia (Camellia japonica) and Teddy Bear® magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Southern Charm’) were sprayed to the drip point using Hortus IBA Water Soluble Salts™ at concentrations of 0, 500, 1,000, or 1,500 ppm or dipped for 1-sec in a solution of either 4,000 or 2,500 ppm for camellia or magnolia, respectively. A foliar application of 1,500 ppm after sticking was as effective as the basal quick-dip for cuttings of Teddy Bear®, while other spray treatments were less effective. A basal quick-dip was more effective than a foliar spray for rooting cuttings of camellia.