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Re: Cedrus deodara propagation


>> I have an unusual strain of Deodara cedar and I would like
>> to propogate it.  It produces only catkins, never cones, 
>> so I cannot collect seeds.  I can think of two approaches:
>> 
>> 1)  Cut off some new growth, apply rooting hormone, and 
>> place it in a pot of soil.
>> 
>> 2)  Use air-layering:  cut a small slit in the new growth,
>> apply rooting hormone, and enclose this part of the twig
>> in wet sphagnum moss.  When roots grow out into the moss a
>> month or so later, cut the twig off the tree and plant it.
>> 
>> Is there a preferred method for vegetative propogation of
>> conifers?  Any additional advice?


Dirr and Heuser (1987, The reference Manual on woody plant propagation,
Varsity Press) have this to say about Cedrus deodara cutting propagation
(they don't mention air-layering at all for this species):

"This species can be rooted successfully from October to December using
last season's growth, stripping basal needles, wound, well-drained medium,
bottom heat, polytent.  Rooting will range from 60 to 90%.  Most of the
work indicated a low level hormone did not improve rooting over untreated
cuttings.  1.0% IBA-solution has given good results.  There is an adage
applied to this species that cold tops and warm bottoms root well.  Cold
frames with bottom heat have been used to successfully root this species.
Winter rooted cuttings can be expected to make good growth during spring
and summer. (...)"

I hope this helps.  Again, I recommend this book as a "Bible" for anyone
interested in woody plant propagation.  It has excellent chapters on
general techniques and principles, as well as a great database for quick
reference on just about any woody species you can think of.

Have a nice day and good luck!

Denise

********************************************************
Denise Tousignant, M.Sc., Conseillere scientifique
Pepiniere forestiere de St-Modeste, 
410 rue Principale, St-Modeste, Quebec GOL 3W0 Canada
tel.: 418-862-5511  FAX: 418-862-0564
********************************************************
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