Herbicide Use In Propagation: Effects on Rooting and Root Growth of Stem Cuttings

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of several preemergence applied herbicides on rooting, root quality and subsequent root growth of selected woody cuttings. In the first experiment Ilex × attenuata Ashe ‘Fosteri’ rooting percentage, primary root numbers and root ratings were suppressed with Surflan (oryzalin). In the second experiment, the long-term effects of herbicide use in propagation were monitored for 13 months after potting. Suppression of one or more rooting variables occurred with the 3 species, Abelia X grandiflora ‘Sherwoodii’, Buxus microphylla var. koreana, and Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’, 8 weeks after cuttings were placed in propagation. Thirteen months later, Surflan treated boxwood exhibited root and shoot growth suppression while ‘Compacta’ holly exhibited suppressed root growth.