Stem Cutting Propagation of Ilex rotunda Thunb

Ilex rotunda Thunb. is widely cultivated in the landscapes around warm temperate regions for its loaded red fruits. To asexually propagate it, effects of collection time, rooting media, cutting length, and rooting hormones on the rooting of Ilex rotunda stem cuttings were investigated. Timing had significant influence on rooting percentage and quality. Cuttings collected in October rooted at 79.7%, which was significantly higher than these collected in March (42.5%) and May (38.6%). Rooting quality, as indicated by number of roots and mean root length, was significantly better if the cuttings were collected in October. Number of roots per cutting was 14 in October and 5 in March and May. Rooting media should be perlite and peat moss (3:1 by volume), which produced the highest rooting percentage at 71.7% and better root quality. Each cutting should be 8-10 cm long. The root percentage was significantly lower (20.7%) if cutting was 5 cm long. Root quality showed the similar trend as the rooting rate. Rooting hormone concentrations (hormodin#1, #2, and #3) had significant impact on rooting of cuttings. Stem cuttings treated with hormones had better rooting rate and rooting quality. The highest rooting percentage (83.3%) was obtained under the treatment of hormodin #1 (1000mg • L^-1). To produce the quality cuttings, growers should collect stem cuttings in October, prepare cuttings at 8-10cm, treat with hormodin #1, and place the cuttings on perlite and peat moss media.