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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Poplarville, Mississippi » Southern Horticultural Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #271058

Title: Maximizing adhesion of auxin solutions to stem cuttings using sodium cellulose glycolate

Author
item BLYTHE, EUGENE - Mississippi State Extension Service
item SIBLEY, JEFF - Auburn University

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/9/2010
Publication Date: 10/1/2010
Citation: Blythe, E.K., Sibley, J.L. 2010. Maximizing adhesion of auxin solutions to stem cuttings using sodium cellulose glycolate. HortScience. 45(10):1507-1509.

Interpretive Summary: Auxin solutions used to promote root formation in commercial cutting propagation can be prepared with sodium cellulose glycolate (SCG; a thickening agent) and applied to stem cuttings using a basal quick-dip. Use of this thickening agent extends the duration of exposure of cuttings to the auxin and has previously been shown to increase root number and/or total root length on stem cuttings of certain plant species. The rate of SCG that maximizes adhesion of the auxin solution to the base of stem cuttings has not previously been determined. In a series of three experiments, 1.5-inch stem sections (representing the bases of stem cuttings) of three ornamental plant species were dipped to a depth of 1 inch for 1 second in solutions prepared with selected rates of SCG using either deionized water or a diluted, commercial rooting compound (Dip ’N Grow). Each stem section was weighed before and after being dipped in the solution. Analysis of the data using linear regression showed that maximum adhesion of solution to cuttings can be obtained using a rate of 13.5 grams per liter. This information will be of value to commercial nursery propagators.

Technical Abstract: Auxin solutions prepared with sodium cellulose glycolate (SCG; a thickening agent, also known as sodium carboxymethylcellulose) and applied to stem cuttings using a basal quick-dip extend the duration of exposure of cuttings to the auxin and have previously been shown to increase root number and/or total root length on stem cuttings of certain taxa. In a series of three experiments, 3.75-cm stem sections (representing the bases of stem cuttings) of three ornamental plant taxa were dipped to a depth of 2.5 cm for 1 s in solutions prepared with selected rates of SCG using either deionized water or a 10% dilution of an alcohol-based rooting compound (Dip ’N Grow). Each stem section was weighed before and after being dipped in the solution. Regression equations were determined for each experiment and the rate of SCG providing the maximum ratio of SCG solution weight to stem piece weight was determined by setting the first derivative of the regression equation equal to zero. Maximum adhesion of solution was obtained using SCG at 13.35 to 13.71 g•L–1 with an average rate of 13.5 g•L–1.