Propagation of Cupressus lusitanica by cuttings: A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the National Diploma in Horticulture (Hons.) of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture

Abstract

Three experiments were set up to study the propagation of Cupressus lusitanica cuttings. Hardwood, softwood and half-ripe cuttings were used in Experiments 1-3 respectively. The cuttings were placed in a polythene tent and under mist, with and without bottom heat. Bottom heat appeared to be necessary and polythene tent propagation was found to be superior to mist, especially in the spring and autumn. Several wounding techniques were used in Experiment 3; Single Wound, Double Wound, Heel and Control. Certain clones were found to be easier to strike than others. A range of hormone concentrations was used from O ppm I.B.A. to 10,000 ppm I.B.A. Success rates in all experiments were poor and it was concluded that juvenility may be a key factor in the successful propagation of Cupressus lusitanica. Cuttings in this work were all taken from 8 year old trees. The cuttings did not require wounding and were sensitive to high levels of I.B.A. solution. The time of year the cuttings are taken is important. Softwood cuttings taken in October were more successful than hardwood selected in April, or half-ripe cuttings taken in February.