Comparison of Rootability of Stem Cuttings from Seedlings of Aesculus sp. and Mature Aesculus × arnoldiana ‘Autumn Splendor’

Rootability was evaluated for stem cuttings taken at varying positions and developmental stages from seedlings of Aesculus and from the mature trees of Aesculus × arnoldiana ‘Autumn Splendor’. Rooting was 100% for cuttings taken from 2-week-old seedlings and 0% for those obtained from the crown of the mature tree 2 months after commencement of spring growth flush. Intermediate rootability was found for cuttings taken from 1-month-old seedlings and from the 2 week-old growth of suckers at the base of the mature tree. Rooting of cuttings with intermediate rooting potential was increased by a quick dip treatment with 2500 ppm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or by using apical rather than basal stem segments. Commercially acceptable rooting was not achieved using cuttings from root suckers or the crown of Aesculus ‘Augumn Splendor’.