Effects of Media and Mycorrhizal Inoculants on Osha (Ligusticum porteri) Rooting

Abstract

Osha ( Ligusticum porteri ) is a Rocky Mountain native used as a medicinal herb. Studies are underway to commercially propagate and produce the plant. In an attempt to increase rooting success of crown cuttings taken from osha, five different media were used in conjunction with three commercial mycorrhizal inoculants and a control. Field soil and a pre-mixed commercial product were tested in combinations of 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and 0/100 percent by volume. Each of three commercially-available mycorrhyzal inoculants were tested with each media. Crown cuttings of osha were taken and stuck on 29 Aug. 2003 and were placed on a greenhouse mist bench. Data were taken on days to rooting. Results showed no differences among the media or the inoculants and no interactions were present. There was no benefit in decreased days to rooting with additions of mycorrhizae. There were no responses to different media.