Factors influencing the rooting of Gisela 5 (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens) cherry rootstock hardwood cuttings

Abstract

In this study, the effect of double splitting, cooling in pre-storage, collection date, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) dipping of shoot tip and base, gibberellic acid (GA3), Agrobacterium radiobacter and A. rhizogenes on the callusing and rooting of Gisela 5 cherry rootstock hardwood cuttings was investigated. Double splitting and bacteria did not affect the callusing and rooting of cuttings. The callusing and rooting of cuttings kept at 0–3°C for 15 days or more were significantly reduced. The callusing and rooting percentages were highest when only the base of cuttings was treated with 1000 mg/L IBA solution. The rooting percentage of cuttings increased when 10–20 mg/L GA3 was applied the same day cuttings were placed on a bottom heat bench. The results showed that the best periods to collect Gisela 5 hardwood cuttings were the later half of November and early March. No correlation between the collection date and starch content, and the starch content and the callusing and rooting of Gisela 5 hardwood cuttings was found.