The Value of Plant Growth Regulators in the Propagation of Vitis Champini Rootstocks

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to determine the value of growth regulator treatments in rootstock rootling and benchgraft production. The difficult-to-root varieties Dog Ridge and Ramsey, derived from Vitis champini, were used.

The five treatments and costs of the materials per 1,000 cuttings were as follows: 1) 24-hour soak in dilute Walter's Solution ($8A) (Australian dollars $1A = $1.10 U.S.), 2) 24-hour soak in dilute solution of I.B.A. ($3), 3) Five-second dip in concentrated solution of I.B.A. ($4), 4) Five-second dip in Seradix No. 2 dry powder ($8), and 5) Untreated control ($0).

The percentage of Dog Ridge benchgrafts showing root initiation after 21 days for each of the five treatments were 100, 100, 95, 40, and 2.5%, respectively. The rooting of Ramsey hardwood cuttings after 30 days for each of the five treatments were 76, 71, 73, 61 and 33%, respectively. I.B.A. treatment reduced the rooting time by 14 days for difficult-to-root cuttings and benchgrafts. Electricity savings of 25-30% could be achieved as well as a corresponding increase in output for a given propagation facility.