Parameters that Influence Rooting and Survival of Peach Cuttings

Abstract

To obtain a better understanding of the factors limiting the survival rate of self rooted cuttings in peach ( Prunus persicaL. Batsch) after transplantation, some studies were performed. First, was examined the influence of shoot orientation and side, on the stock plants and the diameter of the shoots from which the hardwood cuttings were been taken. The results indicated that cuttings made from plagiotropic south-facing shoots, and, in general, the cuttings with a 6-10 mm diameter show higher rooting values in comparison with smaller diameters. In a second experiment performed with material chosen with the parameters just defined we studied the effect on the cutting of basal heating (14 and 42 days) in combination with or without any previous cold treatment (90 days at 4°C) of the shoots. The cold and basal heating treatments may enhance the rate and amount of rooting. The survival of the rooted cuttings can be facilitated avoiding any trauma during transplanting. The carbohydrate analyses indicate that the 6-10 mm diameter shoots contain a higher amount of soluble carbohydrates compared to the cuttings coming from cold treated shoots.