Rooting and establishment of Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss stem-tip cuttings

Abstract

Rooting of Limoniastrum monopetalum stem-tip cuttings and establishment of produced plantlets were investigated in order to facilitate the use of the species in urban and suburban areas, and historical Mediterranean landscapes as an ornamental plant. Cuttings collected in winter or spring rooted at higher percentages than those collected in summer or autumn. Water-ethanol solutions containing 1000 to 3000 mg L -1 indol-3-butyric acid (IBA) were more effective in rooting induction than the controls that did not contain IBA or powder IBA for softwood cuttings. Dipping for 1 min in an IBA solution was more effective than dipping for 5 min. Ethanol used in the IBA-solutions inhibited rooting depending on dipping time. All plantlets survived after transplantation. Plantlets transplanted on a peat-perlite (2 : 1, v/v) mixture and fertilized once a month, with 2 or 4 g L -1 water-soluble complete fertilizer, had bigger elongation and produced more axillary shoots than those transplanted on a mixture amended with grape marc compost or enriched peat. Pinching of the main shoot one month after transplantation promoted axillary shoots production and a more compact plant shape.