Physiological taxonomy of willow species - dormancy, rooting of cuttings, reaction on auxins
Abstract
Cuttings of six willow species were rooted in water
(control) and after auxin (indole-3-acetic acid 150
mg/l) treatment. The intensity of the dormancy was
determined by the following data: Root formation,
shoot development, and reaction on auxin. Silky,
weeping, and pussy willows do not have deep dormancy
and were sensitive to auxin. The cuttings of
purple, autumn and white willows were less active
in the rooting process and less sensitive to auxin.
These species do not open their buds in favorite
laboratory conditions.
These physiological characteristics – rooting,
bud opening, and reaction to auxin could be used
as taxonomic features for willow identification. The
rooting of poplar was connected with the position
of cutting on the mother plant. The highest intensity
of rooting was specific for the basal part of the
twig of poplar (Populus nigra).
