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Cutting (plant)

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Amagnoliastem cutting has been coaxed to form new roots, and is now a complete plant.
Cutting fromColeus scutellarioides– after 14 days the roots are 6 cm long.

A plantcuttingis a piece of a plant that is used inhorticultureforvegetative(asexual)propagation.A piece of thestemor root of the source plant is placed in a suitable medium such as moistsoil.If the conditions are suitable, the plant piece will begin to grow as a new plant independent of theparent,a process known asstriking.A stem cutting produces newroots,and a root cutting produces new stems. Some plants can be grown from leaf pieces, called leaf cuttings, which produce both stems and roots. The scions used ingraftingare also called cuttings.[1]

Propagating plants from cuttings is an ancient form ofcloning.[2][3]There are several advantages of cuttings, mainly that the produced offspring are practically clones of their parent plants. If a plant has favorable traits, it can continue to pass down its advantageousgenetic informationto its offspring. This is especially economically advantageous as it allows commercial growers to clone a certain plant to ensure consistency throughout their crops.[4]

Evolutionary advantage: Succulents

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Cuttings are used as a method ofasexual reproductionin succulent horticulture, commonly referred to asvegetative reproduction.A cutting can also be referred to as apropagule.Succulents have evolved with the ability to use adventitious root formation in reproduction to increase fitness in stressful environments.Succulentsgrow in shallow soils, rocky soils, and desert soils.[5]Seedlings from sexual reproduction have a low survival rate; however, plantlets from the excised stem cuttings and leaf cuttings, broken off in the natural environment, are more successful.[5]

Cuttings have both water and carbon stored and available, which are resources needed for plant establishment. The detached part of the plant remains physiologically active, allowing mitotic activity and new root structures to form for water and nutrient uptake.[5]Asexual reproduction of plants is also evolutionarily advantageous as it allows plantlets to be better suited to their environment through retention ofepigeneticmemory, heritable patterns of phenotypic differences that are not due to changes in DNA but ratherhistonemodification andDNA methylation.[6]Epigenetic memory is heritable through mitosis, and thus advantageous stress response priming is retained in plantlets from excised stem.[6]

Physiology

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Adventitious root formation refers to roots that form from any structure of a plant that is not a root; these roots can form as part of normal development or due to a stress response.[7]Adventitious root formation from the excised stem cutting is a wound response.

At a molecular level when a cutting is first excised at the stem there is an immediate increase injasmonic acid,known to be necessary for adventitious root formation.[8]When the cutting is excised from the original root system the root inhibiting hormones,cytokininandstrigolactone,which are made in the root and transported to the stem, decrease in concentration.[7]Polyphenol degradation decreases, increasing auxin concentration. The increasedauxinconcentration increases nitric oxide concentration which initiates root formation through aMAPK signal cascadeand acGMP-dependent pathwaythat both regulate mitotic division and are both necessary for the initiation of adventitious root formation.[9]The rootprimordiaform fromcambialcells in the stem.[7]In propagation of detached succulent leaves and leaf cuttings, the root primordia typically emerges from the basal callous tissue after the leaf primordia emerges.[5]

It was known as early as 1935 that whenindolyl-3-acetic acid(IAA), also known asauxin,is applied to the stem of root cuttings, there is an increase in the average number of adventitious roots compared to cuttings that are not treated. Researchers also applied this compound to stems without leaves that normally would not have any root formation and found that auxin induced root formation, thus determining auxin is necessary for root formation.[10]Identification of this hormone has been important to industries that rely on vegetative propagation,[7]as it is sometimes applied to fresh cuttings to stimulate root growth.

Technique

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Softwood cuttings of elm (Ulmus) are kept under a water mist to prevent them from drying out while they form roots.
Cuttings from a variety of plants.

Some plants form roots much more easily than others. Stem cuttings from woody plants are treated differently, depending on the maturity of the wood:

  • Softwood cuttings come from stems that are rapidly expanding, with young leaves. In many species, such cuttings form roots relatively easily.[11][12]
  • Semi-hardwood cuttings come from stems that have completed elongation growth and have mature leaves.
  • Hardwood cuttings come from fully matured stems, and are often propagated while dormant.

Most plant cuttings are stem pieces, and have no root system of their own, and are therefore likely to die fromdehydrationif the proper conditions are not met. They require a moist medium, which, however, cannot be too wet lest the cutting rot. A number of media are used in this process, including but not limited to soil,perlite,vermiculite,coir,rock wool,expanded clay pellets,and even water given the right conditions. Mostsucculentcuttings can be left in open air until the cut surface dries, which may improve root formation when the cutting is later planted.

Intemperate countries,stem cuttings may be taken of soft (green or semi-ripe) wood and hard wood, which have specific differences in practice. Certain conditions lead to more favorable outcomes for cuttings; timing, size, location on the plant, and amount of foliage are all important. Stem cuttings of young wood should be taken in spring from the upper branches, while cuttings of hardened wood should be taken in winter from the lower branches. Common bounds on the length of stem cuttings are between 5–15 centimetres (2.0–5.9 in) for soft wood and between 20–25 centimetres (7.9–9.8 in) for hard wood. Soft wood cuttings do best when about two thirds of the foliage are removed,[13]while hard wood stem cuttings need complete foliage removal. The cut needs to be done either immediately below a node,[14]or up to 1/2 inch below a node.[15]

Ficus cuttings rooting in water

Besides placing the cuttings directly into soil, it is also possible to root cuttings in water. The water needs to be replaced often, to prevent bacteria buildup and the possibility ofroot rot.It also requires enough oxygen in the water for the same reason. A moist atmosphere (use of plastic sheeting) is hence not needed with this technique.[16][17]

The environment for softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings is generally kepthumid—often attained by placing the cuttings under a plastic sheet or in another confined space where the air can be kept moist—and in partial shade to prevent the cutting from drying out. Cuttings in the medium are typically watered with a finemistto avoid disturbing the plants. Following the initial watering, the aim is to keep the soil moist but not wet or waterlogged; the medium is allowed to almost dry out before misting again.[13]

Arooting hormonemay be administered to "encourage" growth and can increase the success rate of plant growth.[18]Though not essential, several compounds may be used to promote the formation of roots through the signaling activity ofplant hormoneauxins.Among the commonly used chemicals isindole-3-butyric acid(IBA) used as a powder, liquid solution, or gel. This compound is applied either to the cut tip of the cutting or as a foliar spray. Rooting hormone can be manufactured naturally, such as soaking the yellow-tipped shoots of a weeping willow tree in water, or by preparing ateafrom the bark of a willow tree. Shoots or bark do better when soaked for 24 hours prior to using.[19]The extract obtained from the crushing of leaves and bulbs ofcoco-grass(Cyperus rotundus) is used as an excellent rooting of cuttings and seedlings of various plant species.[20][21]Honey,though it does not contain any plant hormones, can also aid in rooting success through its naturalantisepticandantifungalproperties.[22][23]Cinnamon[citation needed]or anAspirintablet in water[24]can also aid the rooting process.[25]

Types

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For cuttings used in viticulture, seePropagation of grapevines.
Scheme of appropriate type of stem cuttings according to season.[26]Key: eq.:equinox,sol.:solstice,HW: hardwood, SR: semi-ripe, SW: softwood.

Many vegetative parts of a plant can be used. The most common methods are:

  • Stem cuttings, in which a piece of stem is part buried in the soil, including at least oneleaf node.The cutting is able to produce new roots, usually at the node.
  • Root cuttings, in which a section of root is buried just below the soil surface, and produces new shoots.[27]
  • Scion cuttings are used ingrafting.
  • Leafcuttings, in which a leaf is placed on moist soil. These have to develop both new stems and new roots. Some leaves will produce one plant at the base of the leaf. In some species, multiple new plants can be produced at many places on one leaf, and these can be induced by cutting theleaf veins.The leaf cutting method is commonly used withsucculents.

Although some species, such aswillow,blackberryandpelargoniumscan be grown simply by placing a cutting into moist ground, the majority of species require more attention. Most species require humid, warm, partially shaded conditions to strike, thus requiring the approach above to be followed. Particularly difficult species may need cool air above and warm soil. In addition, with many more difficult cuttings, one should use the type of cutting that has the most chance of success with that particular plant species.[28]

Improving results

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A plastic cold frame with semi-white plastic, used to keep the cuttings humid and semi-shaded

There are ways of improving the growth of stem cutting propagations. Intensifying light allows cuttings to root and sprout faster, though the heat thus generated could cause the propagation material distress.[29]Azaleacuttings can be mildly heated in water to disinfect it from the fungus pathogenRhizoctonia,and this could potentially be used for other plants.[30]

Soil

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Depending on the type of cutting (i.e. tree, shrub, succulent, cacti) differentpotting soilmixes can be used. Many commercial companies sell medium specifically for growing cuttings.

Air and soil humidity

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Although several options can be used here, usually plastic is used to cover the softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. The soil below the trays (to increase air moisture) and the soil in the trays themselves is kept moist but not waterlogged (=completely saturated). The trays the cuttings sit in are best placed on stones to prevent capillary action (as this can keep the soil inside the trays too wet). Soil in the trays should be kept at 85 to 95% saturation.[31]Automated (overhead) misting systems, boom systems or fog systems[32]can be used in greenhouses.

A typical misting frequency during sticking and callusing includes misting for 5–8 seconds every 5–10 minutes over a 24-hour period. After 3 to 4 days, misting is reduced to 3–5 seconds every 10–20 minutes during the day and less frequently at night. When roots become visible (stage 3) misting can be reduced, and by stage 4 (toning), little to no misting should be done (by day 10 to 14 for most species[31]).[32]When using plastic tents, far less misting is needed (once or twice a day).[33]The greenhouse or cold frame should be ventilated once in a while[34]to prevent formation ofmolds(manually).

Air and soil temperature

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Air temperature for softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings is optimal at around 70 °F[35][36][37][38](21.1 °C) but temperatures as low as 55 °F (12.7 °C) are acceptable. Heating the air above 75 °F (23.8 °C) stimulates the growth of pathogens.[35]Ventilating (manually or through automatic window openers) the greenhouse or cold frame can lower the air temperature. Automated thermostat systems can also be used in greenhouses to keep the heat at a specific temperature. Bottom heating (soil) tends to be ideal for root initiation since growing media temperature is best maintained at 20-22 °C.[31]

Sunlight

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Whereas cuttings need to be kept warm and some amount of light needs to be provided, it needs to be kept out of direct sunlight.[39]Some ways to accomplish this include using white wash, semi-white plastic, retractible shade curtains (which can be deployed if the sun temporarily pierces through),... Optimum light levels are around 120 to 200 μmol/m2s at the first stage (sticking[32]). Once callus has been formed (stage 2: callusing[32]) and roots start to form and take up water (stage 3: root development phase), light intensity levels can be gradually increased (to 200 to 800 μmol/m2s).[40][41]Most propagators find that 5 to 10 moles per day (i.e. observed using a Daily Light Integral sensor) will result in a consistent rooting and growth[31]

Plant species that allow propagation from cuttings

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Plants which can be propagated from stem, leaf and/or tip cuttings include:[42][failed verification–see discussion]

Propagated by cuttings,Inch Plantscan be moved easily as itsstolonscling lightly to the ground.
Pelargonium x hortorum(garden geraniums) are propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Neriumcan readily root after being placed in water or in compost.
Snake plantsare propagated by leaf cuttings or by dividing therhizome(variegated plants will keep their yellow edges only by division).
Thecommon grapevineis propagated from ashoottaken from a mother vine.

To note, some plants listed above, such as Coleus, Maranta, Nerium and Golden Pothos, among others, may require water for them to root before they can be transplanted to soil.

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The poetTheodore Roethkewrote about plant cuttings and root growth behavior in his poems "Cuttings" and "Cuttings (Later)" found in his bookThe Lost Son: And Other Poems.[43]

See also

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References

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  1. ^Propagation by Cuttings, Layering and DivisionDiane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture; and Elizabeth Ball, Program Support Technician; Virginia Tech
  2. ^McKey, Doyle; Elias, Marianne; Pujol, Benoît; Duputié, Anne (April 2010)."The evolutionary ecology of clonally propagated domesticated plants".New Phytologist.186(2): 318–332.doi:10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03210.x.PMID20202131.S2CID11637652.
  3. ^Reproduction and cloningBBC 2014
  4. ^Hussey, G. (1978). "The application of tissue culture to the vegetative propagation of plants".Science Progress (1933- ).65(258): 185–208.JSTOR43420451.
  5. ^abcdGravatt (December 2004)."Description of Asexual Reproduction in a Texas succulent Sedum Wright 2 (Crassulaceae)".SIDA, Contributions to Botany.21(2): 943–950.
  6. ^abCrisp, Peter A.; Ganguly, Diep; Eichten, Steven R.; Borevitz, Justin O.; Pogson, Barry J. (February 2016)."Reconsidering plant memory: Intersections between stress recovery, RNA turnover, and epigenetics".Science Advances.2(2): e1501340.Bibcode:2016SciA....2E1340C.doi:10.1126/sciadv.1501340.PMC4788475.PMID26989783.
  7. ^abcdSteffens, Bianka; Rasmussen, Amanda (30 January 2016)."The Physiology of Adventitious Roots".Plant Physiology.170(2): 603–617.doi:10.1104/pp.15.01360.PMC4734560.PMID26697895.
  8. ^Rasmussen; Hossseini; Hajirezaei; Druege; Geelen (2015)."Adventitious rooting declines with the vegetative to reproductive switch and involves a changed auxin homeostasis".Journal of Experimental Botany.66(5): 1437–1452.doi:10.1093/jxb/eru499.PMC4339602.PMID25540438.
  9. ^Pagnussat, Gabriela Carolina; Lanteri, María Luciana; Lombardo, María Cristina; Lamattina, Lorenzo (1 May 2004)."Nitric Oxide Mediates the Indole Acetic Acid Induction Activation of a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade Involved in Adventitious Root Development".Plant Physiology.135(1): 279–286.doi:10.1104/pp.103.038554.PMC429373.PMID15122018.
  10. ^Cooper, William C. (1 October 1935)."Hormones in relation to root formation of stem cuttings".Plant Physiology.10(4): 789–794.doi:10.1104/pp.10.4.789.PMC439200.PMID16653316.
  11. ^"Cuttings: softwood".rhs.org.uk.Retrieved1 October2017.
  12. ^"How to take softwood cuttings".gardenersworld.com.Retrieved1 October2017.
  13. ^abBuchan, Ursula (3 April 2010)."How to take plant cuttings".The Telegraph.Retrieved3 October2017.
  14. ^"Learn Everything You Need to Know About Plant Nodes".The Spruce.
  15. ^"Propagation by Cuttings, Layering and Division".www.pubs.ext.vt.edu.
  16. ^DeBaggio, Thomas."Rooting Cuttings in Water".Mother Earth Living.
  17. ^"Rooting Cuttings in Water".www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
  18. ^"How to grow plants using cuttings".readersdigest.co.uk.Retrieved2 October2017.
  19. ^"How to make your own rooting hormone".Pioneerthinking.com. 2005-11-02. Archived fromthe originalon 2010-02-26.Retrieved2010-02-21.
  20. ^Yamashita, Oscar Mitsuo; Azevedo, Gustavo Waddan Perez; Peres, Walmor Moya; David, Grace Queiroz; Carvalho, Marco Antonio Camillo de; Koga, Paulo Sergio (30 April 2017)."SEEDLING PRODUCTION OF FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL SPECIES TO THE USE OF WEED HORMONE (Cyperus rotundus)".Nucleus.14(1): 279–288.doi:10.3738/1982.2278.1988.
  21. ^Rezende, F.P.F.; Zuffellato-Ribas, K.C.; Koehler, H.S. (2013)."Aplicação de extratos de folhas e tubérbulos de Cyperus rotundus L. e de auxinas sintéticas na estaquia caulinar de Duranta repens L."Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais.15(4 suppl 1): 639–645.doi:10.1590/S1516-05722013000500003.
  22. ^Oliver, R. W. (16 November 2016)."Honey as a Stimulant to the Rooting of Cuttings1".Scientific Agriculture.19(9): 586–588.doi:10.4141/sa-1939-0034(inactive 2024-09-12).{{cite journal}}:CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of September 2024 (link)
  23. ^Tilley, Nikki (6 April 2013)."Honey As A Root Hormone: How To Root Cuttings With Honey".gardeningknowhow.com.Retrieved2 October2017.
  24. ^Larqué-Saavedra, Alfonso; Martin-Mex, Rodolfo (2007). "Effects of Salicylic Acid on the Bioproductivity of Plants".Salicylic Acid: A Plant Hormone.pp. 15–23.doi:10.1007/1-4020-5184-0_2.ISBN978-1-4020-5183-8.
  25. ^Wong, James (31 January 2016)."Gardens: drug therapy for plants".The Guardian.Retrieved2 October2017.
  26. ^"HO-37: New Plants from Cuttings".purdue.edu.
  27. ^Carroll, Jackie (14 April 2015)."What Are Root Cuttings: Information On Taking Cuttings From Root Growth".gardeningknowhow.com.Retrieved2 October2017.
  28. ^"Certain plant species having more success with certain types of cuttings".Healthrecipes.com. Archived fromthe originalon 2002-12-07.Retrieved2010-02-21.
  29. ^Wallheimer, Brian (January 23, 2012)."Study shines light on ways to cut costs for greenhouse growers".Lopez and Currey.Purdue University.RetrievedJuly 31,2012.
  30. ^Yao, Stephanie (December 24, 2009)."Hot Water Treatment Eliminates Rhizoctonia from Azalea Cuttings".USDA Agricultural Research Service.Physorg.RetrievedJuly 31,2012.
  31. ^abcd"Perfecting Perennial Propagation".www.growertalks.com.
  32. ^abcd"Moisture management during vegetative cutting propagation".MSU Extension.2 February 2018.
  33. ^"Getting The Most Out Of Cuttings".Greenhouse Product News.
  34. ^"Cuttings: softwood".www.rhs.org.uk.
  35. ^ab"Does Temperature Affect Rooting of Cuttings?".Home Guides | SF Gate.
  36. ^"Tips on Successful Young Plant Propagation | PRO-MIX Greenhouse Growing".www.pthorticulture.com.
  37. ^Hansen, Jürgen (November 1989). "Influence of cutting position and temperature during rooting on adventitious root formation and axillary bud break of Stephanotis floribunda".Scientia Horticulturae.40(4): 345–354.Bibcode:1989ScHor..40..345H.doi:10.1016/0304-4238(89)90108-8.
  38. ^"Managing temperature during propagation"(PDF).
  39. ^"How to Propagate Plants".Planet Natural.Dec 8, 2012.
  40. ^"Managing Light During Propagation".Greenhouse Product News.
  41. ^"Managing Light to Improve Rooting of Cuttings".Greenhouse Product News.
  42. ^"Propagating Foliage & Flowering Plants - Ornamental Production Ornamental Production".aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
  43. ^Roethke, Theodore (1948).The Lost Son: And Other Poems.
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