Vegetative Propagation and Production of Ceratiola ericoides Michx. for Use in Restoration

Abstract

Successful propagation of Ceratiola ericoides was achieved using field collected softwood stem cuttings. Our results, using cuttings collected 2 different years, 2 rooting substrates, and 10 levels of auxin treatment, indicate successful rooting (82% to 100%) occurred both with and without auxin treatment. The most consistent rooting of C. ericoides was achieved using a perlite:vermiculite rooting substrate with little or no difference among rooting percentages, root number, root length, or estimated total root length for cuttings of both male and female plants. An improvement of root quality (increased root number and root length) occurred with the application of a synthetic auxin (α-naphthaleneacetic acid and indole-3-butyric acid) but we recommend concentrations below 5000 ppm. Using standard nursery methods, 73% of the rooted cuttings produced acceptable plants.