Improving Cutting Performance Through Improved Stock Plant Management and Propagation Techniques
Dr. James Faust, Clemson University, $34,000, 2 year project
Other Project Team Members -
John Dole, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, North Carolina State University
Vijay Rapaka, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Clemson University
Executive Summary
Vegetatively-propagated plants continue to be a growing sector of the floriculture industry. Although, the shoot-tip cuttings that are being produced at the offshore locations under favorable climatic conditions are of high quality, they are not able to perform well during propagation in the United States. This poor performance during propagation is mainly due to prolonged shipment under unfavorable conditions and lack of adaptation of the cuttings to the prevailing lower light levels in the US. The common problems that are observed during propagation are delay in rooting, increased labor due to leaf senescence (leaf picking), and lack of crop uniformity. The current economic climate has created a situation where profits are slim and the result is that a premium is placed on uniformity which allows for automation of growing processes and reduces the need for additional labor ‘touches’ during the production scheme.
For further information contact Dr. James Faust at jfaust@clemson.edu
