Effect of Localized Etiolation of Stock Plants on the Rooting of Rhododendron Cuttings

Abstract

The basal portions (excluding leaves) of newly expanding shoots on stock plants of 11 Rhododendron cultivars were wrapped with aluminum foil to exclude light. After 11 to 14 weeks, cuttings were made by severing the shoots just above the base of the etiolated region. For 2 cultivars (‘Corsage’ and ‘Ramapo’), this localized etiolation of stock plants accelerated the development of adventitious roots and decreased the time to obtain well-rooted cuttings.