Clonal Propagation of Quercus Spp. Using a Container Layering Technique

Abstract

Abstract Clonal propagation of two oak species, Quercus macrocarpa Michx. and Quercus bicolor Willd. was accomplished using a modified container layering technique. The effects of gibberellin (GA4+7) application on stock plant budbreak, as well as the effect of shoot position, stock plant age, and the role of indole butyric acid (IBA) solvents on rooting were investigated. Five hundred parts per million of GA4+7 applied once every fourth day increased budbreak in both Q. macrocarpa and Q. bicolor stock plants. Basal shoots of Q. bicolor from ontogenetically juvenile portions of the stock plant stem rooted 35.7% compared with 1.8% for shoots arising in more distal parts of the stock plant stem. In addition, stock plant age (2-6 years) had no effect on rooting. The effect of the various IBA solvents on rooting in Q. bicolor was 84.3% (98% ethanol), 81.3% (50% acetone), 100% (100% acetone), 28.6% (5% dimethyl sulphoxide-DMSO) and 65% in 10% DMSO respectively; all shoots in this experiment were treated with 10,000 ppm IBA in the respective solvents. IBA dissolved in DMSO treatments resulted in severe apical browning of shoots.