2018 ASHS Annual Conference

The relative merits of different propagation techniques of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) were investigated. Single node cuttings of three cultivars of two varieties (var. assamica and var. sinensis) of the tea plant were rooted separately in raised beds of native Cecil clay-loam soil, or in a layer of sand laid on flat ground, in shaded low tunnels outdoors with mist nozzles. Percentage of rooted propagules were recorded and rooted plants were evaluated 18 weeks after sticking for root dry weight and root length measurements. Cuttings propagated with a sand substrate on flat ground had higher rooting percentages (85%) than cuttings placed in native soil (78%). Cultivar had no influence on percent rooting. Root length was influenced by substrate and cultivar. Root dry weight was affected by an interaction between substrate and cultivar. Rooting plants in the ground may be a good alternative to traditional container propagation systems.