Optimization of methods for growing rooted viburnum cuttings in terms of growth and seedling yield

Abstract

Objective. Study of the timing of transplanting rooted cuttings for growing, their effect on the growth and development of the above-ground part and root system. Materials and research methods. The experiment to study the methods of growing rooted cuttings included the following options: without transplanting, autumn transplanting, spring transplanting. The experiment was established in 2023 (rotation 2023-2024) and repeated according to the same scheme in 2024 (rotation 2024-2025). The repetition of the experiment is fourfold – 12 plants of each variety in each. The research was conducted according to methodological recommendations. When establishing the experiment and subsequently, the survival rate of cuttings during transplantation, as well as the death of cuttings during wintering and separately during the growing season, were recorded. Research results. The highest percentage of death of rooted cuttings of common viburnum of all studied varieties was observed in the variant where the cuttings were grown at the rooting site. In this variant, significant death from 18.7 % to 35.4 %, depending on the variety, occurs during the growing season. In the variant with transplanting rooted cuttings in the fall, death is observed during overwintering from 10.4 % to 18.7 %, depending on the variety, less during transplanting and during the growing season. During spring transplanting, the death of rootowning plants was observed mainly during overwintering and transplanting, to a lesser extent during the growing season. The records conducted in early October 2023 and 2024 showed that the development of the root system and the above-ground part of the seedlings depends on the method of growing. Rooted cuttings of almost all varieties that were planted in containers had a better developed root system and above-ground part compared to cuttings grown at the rooting site and in open ground. Autumn records of 2023 and 2024 showed that the container method of growing has the best performance in terms of standard seedlings, the lowest percentage of standard seedlings was observed in the control variant. Conclusions. The study revealed the complete unsuitability of growing rooted cuttings of common viburnum of the studied varieties at the rooting site, as it leads to the lowest yield of seedlings among the studied methods of growing, and during the growing season, the death of rooted cuttings is 16.6-27.1 %, depending on the variety. Autumn transplanting of rooted cuttings in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine has advantages compared to spring, since plants planted in autumn begin to grow earlier the following spring than during spring transplanting. Therefore, the most effective way to grow rooted cuttings of common viburnum of the varieties Velykoplodna, Koralova and Kyivska sadova № 1 when transplanting – for growing – into open ground in autumn should be to cover the cuttings with leaves. Growing at the rooting site is ineffective due to the lowest yield of standard seedlings, and therefore cannot be recommended.