ISHS Acta Horticulturae 227: International Symposium on Vegetative Propagation of Woody Species
IN PURSUIT OF A MINIMUM STRESS ENVIRONMENT FOR ROOTING LEAFY CUTTINGS: COMPARISON OF MIST AND FOG |
| Authors: | R.S. Harrison-Murray, R. Thompson |
| Abstract:
For leafy cuttings dependent on photosynthetic assimilation during rooting, a propagation environment is required which minimises transpiration demand without excessive reduction of light intensity. The effectiveness of open mist, polythene-enclosed mist, and ventilated fog was compared by studying the relationship between evaporative potential, measured with a novel evaporimeter, and irradiance. In all three systems, evaporation rate was closely correlated with irradiance, but the additional effect of the vapour pressure deficit of the air was evident in the consistently higher evaporation rates in open mist. Even dense fog did not prevent evaporation, indeed the rate was only 15% lower than in enclosed mist. However, potometer measurements showed that net water loss from some cuttings was almost 50% lower than in enclosed mist, probably as a result of more even wetting of the foliage. Data are discussed in relation to the theoretical and practical potential of fog. | |
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