Continued Development of a Modified Hydroponic Stock Plant System for Minicuttings of Difficult-to-Root Nursery Crops

Budding and micropropagation are the typical clonal propagation methods for difficult-to-root nursery crops. These methods can be more time consuming and expensive that cutting propagation. The forestry industry has adopted a commercially viable hydroponic stock plant strategy for difficult-to-root species that emphasizes plant nutrition and juvenility to establish cuttings that root at high percentages. A similar system could be established for difficult-to-root nursery crops. Therefore, the objective of the proposed research will be to develop a modified hydroponic stock plant system for the production of cuttings for difficult-to-propagate nursery crops. This will be initially accomplished using a model system (eastern redbud) to establish nutritional and rooting protocols. The long range goal of this research program is to extend the knowledge gained using the model system to additional high-value nursery crops.