Fog and Substrate Conditions for Chesnut Propagation by Leafy Cuttings : Mass Production Technology for Genetically Improved Fast Growing Forest Tree Species

Nangis

Association Foret-Cellulose Paris, IUFRO

1992

S. 379-383

12 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

76095

Mist propagation by leafy cuttings was repeatedly attempted with the most important chesnut species with problematic results for application in nursery practice due to its poor rooting percentage and especially the poor survival after transplant of rooted cuttings caused by the cutting base rot and leaf desiccation. The use of fog enables to reduce transpiration demand and substrate flooding. The aim of the essay is to adapt a fog-air system for clonal propagation by leafy cuttings of chesnut interspecific hybrid clones of Castanea sativa and Castanea crenata resistant to Phytophtora sp. fungus and selected for forest use. Cuttings of 90.025 clone of 10-15cm long were taken from five-month-old stump shoots and treated with 2500ppm of AIB. Test variables were: four different substrates composed by perlite, peat and pine cork and rot control by means of fungicide (Benomilo, Captan, TMDT). Results show that for a good control of relative humidity shading is necessary, as well as an adecuate fog management. The best results in rooting percentage were obtained with perlite and pine cork. Captan and TMDT were the best fungicides.