Influence of propagation temperature, photosynthetic photon flux density, auxin treatment and cutting position on root formation, axillary bud growth and shoot development in Schlumbergera ‘Russian Dancer’

SummaryThe effects of propagation soil temperature and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentration, and cutting position on root formation, axillary bud growth, and further growth were investigated in Schlumbergera ‘Russian Dancer’. Temperatures between 21.3oC and 24.7oC were optimal for root formation, whereas increasing temperature promoted axillary bud growth (onset of new phylloclade growth). At temperatures below 24.7oC, root formation and axillary bud growth occurred more or less simultaneously, whereas at higher temperatures axillary bud growth occurred before roots were visible. Temperature also affected the number of phylloclades on the second and third levels of stem segments produced after propagation. On increasing PPFD from 46 to 72 µmol m–2 s–1 during propagation, time to axillary bud growth was reduced by 15%, and more phylloclades were produced at high PPFD combined with high temperature. Rooting ability and axillary bud growth were affected by cutt...