Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 79 (1): 55-64, 2006
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Effect of indolebutyric acid, bottom heat, substrate, and parent tree on rooting capacity of
Nothofagus glauca (Phil.) Krasser stem cuttings
Nothofagus glauca (Phil.) Krasser is a tree of conservation concern that is
characteristic for the mesomorphic zone of Chile. Techniques for vegetative propagation of this species are not well known. In this
study, the rooting capacity of stem cuttings was investigated. Using vegetative material collected in November 1995 and 1997, the
effect of indolebutyric acid (IBA = 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 %), bed rooting system (bottom heating and without temperature control), substrate
(sawdust and bark compost of Pinus radiata D. Don), and parent tree on rhizogenesis was analyzed. Experiments were
conducted for 2.5-4 months in a greenhouse. The greenhouse was equipped with an automatic misting system and bottom heating
that maintained a temperature of 21-25 °C at the stem base. Results indicate that N. glauca can be propagated from stem
cuttings collected from root sprouts in November. Rooting capacity increased with IBA concentrations up to 1 % (88 % of the stem
cuttings presented rooting), and decreased at a concentration of 2 %. The presence of leaves was fundamental for the survival and
rhizogenesis – only those stem cuttings with leaves managed to survive and induce root formation. No effect of basal temperature was
noted on the rooting capacity consequently, temperature controlled rooting beds are not necessary. Sawdust produced more roots
and was the most effective substrate. A marked influence of the parent tree on rooting capacity was observed as well in terms of the
percentage of cuttings with roots (6.7-80 % rooting) as in length and quantity of the developed roots.
Key words:
Nothofagus
glauca, cuttings, indolebutyric acid, substrate, parent tree
