Urszula Nawrocka-Grześkowiak, Wojciech Grześkowiak
Rooting of azalea shoot cuttings depending on the degree of lignification
Dendrobiology 2003, vol. 49: 53-56
Abstract: Relationship between the degree of cutting lignification and rooting ability was studied. Anatomical changes in cuttings were observed, too. The study involved azalea hybrids from groups: Gent, Rustica Flore Pleno, Occidentale and Knap Hill, which can be propagated vegetatively by shoot cuttings. The cuttings were apical parts of shoots, 7-10 cm long. They were collected at various stages of lignification. Rooting was performed in a greenhouse with controlled temperature of the rooting bed. Only the penetrating observation of mother plants allows to determine the best period of taking the cuttings. The cuttings were treated with a growth regulator, 0.5% IBA (indolebutyric acid), combined with Captan in talcum powder. Sand and peat (1:2) were used as a medium for rooting.
Additional key words: cutting date, lignified cuttings, propagation shoot anatomy, Rhododendron