Light Reduction, Banding, and IBA Treatments Influence Adventitious Rooting of Lindera benzoin Stem Cuttings

An investigation was undertaken to determine whether various light reduction and shoot banding treatments could increase rooting on stem cuttings of Lindera benzoin [(L.) Blume] (northern spicebush), a difficult-to-root woody plant. Stock plants were grown under one of three light conditions (light, shade, or etiolation). Emerging shoots received either no treatment or a banding treatment that involved adhering a hook- and-loop fastener coated with varying concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) around the shoot base to create a localized etiolated zone before taking cuttings. Data on rooting percentage and number of roots per cutting were analyzed using logistic and Quasi-Poisson regression, respectively. Etiolated cuttings treated with a band without IBA had the highest rooting probability and number of roots; however, etiolated cuttings across all banding treatments had similarly successful results. Additionally, there were several significant differences in rooting probabilities and root numbers between banding treatments within the shade- and light-grown groups. This research evaluated asexual propagation approaches for use with northern spicebush and provides a framework for the adoption and development of this taxon as a nursery crop.