Skill:
• Design of an experiment to assess one factor affecting the rooting of stem cuttings
A stem cutting is a separated portion of plant stem that can regrow into a new independent clone via vegetative propagation
- All stems possess nodes, from which a leaf, branch or aerial root may grow – the region between nodes are called internodes
- Stem cuttings are typically placed in soil with the lower nodes covered and the upper nodes exposed
- Stem cutting is a common method employed to rapidly propagate plant species (including sugar cane, grapes and roses)
There are a variety of factors that will influence successful rooting of a stem cutting, including:
- Cutting position (whether cutting occurs above or below a node, as well as the relative proximity of the cut to the node)
- Length of cutting (including how many nodes remain on the cutting)
- Growth medium (whether left in soil, water, potting mix, compost or open air)
- The use and concentration of growth hormones (e.g. IAA, IBA and NAA promote the formation of adventitious roots)
- Temperature conditions (most cuttings grow optimally at temperatures common to spring and summer)
- Availability of water (either in the form of ground water or humidity)
- Other environmental conditions (including pH of the soil and light exposure)
Germination of Stem Cuttings
