Year: 1986
Type: article
Abstract: Sphagnum peat (peat) media (adjusted to pH 4.0, 4.6, 5.5, 6.6, and 7.4 with ground dolomitic limestone) and unadulterated peat (pH 3.6) were tested for their effectiveness on rooting of hardy deciduous azalea ( Rhododendron sp.) microcuttings in high-humidity chambers. Rooting of more than 90% occurred in media with pH 4.0, 4.6, and 5.5; however, a) shoot height and quality rating and b) root length and quality rating were superior at pH 4.0. Clonal differences in rooting percentages were found for 3 clones of azalea microcuttings rooted in 5 soilless mixtures. A mixture including equal parts (v/v) of peat and either sphagnum, vermiculite, or perlite, or a combination of 2 peat : 1 vermiculite : 1 perlite (by volume) increased rooting percentages over peat alone for all 3 azalea clones examined.
Authors: Athanasios S. Economou, Paul E. Read
Institution: University of Minnesota
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W4289890209