Effect of Plug Cell Size Used in Propagation on the Growth and Yield of Stenting-propagated Cut Roses

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of plug cell size on the growth and yield of stenting-propagated domestic cut rose (Rosa hybrid 'Golden Dew' and 'Yellow King'). Scions were prepared as single node cuttings, each with a live-leaflet leaf. The scions were grafted on cuttings of a rootstock Rosa indica 'Major'. The rootstock cuttings were removed from all leaves and buds. Both the base of scions and top of rootstocks were held together and simultaneously cut at a 45 angle for grafting. Scion-rootstock unions were planted in plug trays (50, 72, or 128-cell) on 17 Apr. 2009 and were placed in a graft-take chamber for five days before being placed on misted greenhouse bench. Scion-rootstock unions were rooted in plug trays for 34 days before being transplanted into a rockwool slabs (10 cm x 15 cm x 100 cm, UR, Korea). In 50-cell trays, plants showed greater percent rooting, shoot length, chlorophyll content, length of the longest root, and root dry weight than the other treatments. Also, the greatest number of cut flowers per plant was produced in plants propagated in 50-cell trays. Stem length, number of cut flowers per plant, and number of five leaflet leaves generally increased as plug cell size became bigger. Thus 50-cell trays are recommended for stenting-propagated of roses.