I took these pics last season and just found them digging around. They show a cutting that had rooted and suddenly collapsed. What follows is a dissection of that cutting showing that a microorganism invaded the pith, causing all roots in the lowest section to die. It happened to several that were cut with a half inch or more below the bottom node.
X
-
Thanks for starting this Topic...
Its been my observation that,
The bottom end of the cuttings should be cut just below a node, because the pith will die
and create a hollow which will be an opening for microbes. If you are using a liquid rooting
hormone it should be applied at the start of the rooting process and only on the cut bottom end
of the cutting.
In the early stages of rooting and growth organic additives and fertilizers will introduce microbes
and spores which may cause molding and rot on the cuttings. In this case remember the
motto "Less is More".
All were cut with excess material below the node and a few were also cut on the diagonal...Pete R - Hudson Valley, NY - zone 5b
-
Good advice, I learned from my losses.
Comment
-
Even when following all the rules, sometimes sudden cutting death(from bottom rot) occurs anyway. I just had one today that I had to intervene with. I knew it was going to happen, over the last week or so that cupped treeling was exhibiting the classic behavior. (We're talking about a cutting which is hardened off to dry air) During the day it would wilt slightly and once the light levels went down it would regain good turgor pressure, previously it had been fine. Anyway, I'll start a thread all about if it works, nothing unprecedented..just a way to save a cutting, hopefully.Calvin, Wish list is to finish working on the new house, someday.
Bored? Grab a rake, paint roller, or a cordless drill and come over!
Comment
Comment