COPPER HYDROXIDE-TREATED POTS IMPROVE THE ROOT SYSTEM OF BOUGAINVILLEA CUTTINGS

• Published in: HortScience Vol. 29; no. 5; p. 556
• Main Authors: Aldrich, James H, Norcini, Jeffrey G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-05-1994
• ISSN: 0018-5345; 2327-9834
• DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI.29.5.556b

The response of the root system of `Barbara Karst' bougainvillea [Bougainvillea buttiana (Bougainvillea glabra Choicy × Bougainvillea peruviana Humb. & Bonpl.) `Barbara Karst'] cuttings to 100 g Cu(OH) 2 ·liter -1 in a white latex paint applied to the interior surface of square 66 ml, 120 ml, or 280 ml plastic pots was determined. Cuttings (10 cm long; 3-5 nodes; 2 leaves) were scored on opposite sides and dipped in 6000 mg·liter -1 KIBA for 3 sec. The cuttings were placed in treated or untreated pots that contained a medium of 1 Canadian sphagnum peat: 1 coarse perlite (v/v). The pots were completely randomized in a 3×2 factorial design. The cuttings were rooted under intermittent mist 9 sec·min -1 for 12 hr·day -1 in a greenhouse (20% shade). The number of primary roots, fresh and dry weights, and root quality were determined 15 June. The Cu(OH) 2 -treated pots resulted in a more compact, well-branched root system and eliminated root circling. However, root fresh weight was reduced by Cu(OH) 2 treatment. Pot size influenced the number of primary roots and fresh and dry weights.