Abstract

Nothofagus glauca (Phil.) Krasser is a endemic tree of the mesomorphic zone of Chile. Because of anthropogenic action, currently this species has a delicate conservation status and yet the factors that affect vegetative propagation are not well known. In this study, the rooting capacity of stem cuttings was analyzed. Vegetative material was collected from stump sprouts of adult trees (20 years or older) in the Andean foothills of the Talca province. The effect of indolebutyric acid (IBA = 0, 0.5, and 1.5%), and leaf presence (with and without leaves) on rhizogenesis was analyzed using cuttings collected in January of 1996 and November 1997. The trials were carried out in a plastic covered greenhouse located in the forest nursery of the Universidad Católica del Maule in Talca-Chile. The greenhouse was equipped with a mist system and bottom heating that maintained a constant temperature of 21-25°C at the base of the stem cuttings. Each trial was kept under observation for between 2.5 and 4 months, depending on the response of the cuttings to the different treatments. Results indicate that maximal rooting (66.7%) was obtained with stem cuttings from root sprouts collected in November and treated with IBA 1.5%. The mortality of vegetative material collected in January was complete. The presence of leaves was fundamental for the survival and rhizogenesis process in stem cuttings. The presence of leaves during the vegetative period of maximum growth may be an important factor in obtaining adequate rooting.