PTNEARC T PEiSTS F7-. OP, NU~t'3ERYTI".vlk
p~orticuiture Series Y~o. 18
Agricultural Experiment Station
Auburn University
E. V7* Smith,9 DirectorAuut17AurnAlbm August r7272 Auburn, Alabama
COThTEIUTS
1. Evaluation of Several C-roxrTepulators on the Rooting of 
Three
Azalea Cultivars,
2. Comiarison of J.ffy Grom" and Various Growth Pegulators on the
Rooting of Cornus. florida and Cornus florida rubra Cuttings.
3. Effect of P1hotoperiod- on t~he Groth' of Empress Tree, PaulOT nia
tomentosa Seedlings.
4. Rooting Pesponse of Cuttings of Several Ornamentals Treated with
Various Gro7th Tegulators.
5. Comnarison of Various Torphctin Sprays and I1ode Position on Mean
Shoot Length of Azalea, cv. Kingfisher.
5. Effect of Various Grov:Tth Pegulator Sprays on Shoot Development of
4.zalea cv. Kngfisher.
7. Germination of Thrx.ee Woody Ornamentals in TM-uniciupal Compost and Peat
Medi a
8. Evaluation of Several Gr Pt etardants on Azaleas.
0', Photoperiodic Effecti.s on Shoot 
Development in Akzaleas.
11). Propagation of Juniper Cuttingrs in VrIious Tledia.
11. Factors Affecting Utilization and Expansi-on Potential 
for
Ornamental 'Plants and Turf .
1. Evaluation of Several Growth Tegulators on the
Rooting of Three Azalea Cultivar
By
i/
Terril A. Nell and Kenneth C. Sanderson
Nature of Work
The use of rooting inducing substances in the propagation of vegetative
cuttings has become an accepted commercial practice. Research in the 1930's
revealed that indole-butryic acid and napthalene acetic were the most effect-
ive root inducing chemicals however the search for new materials continues.
Several new chemicals have recently become available and this research's
objective was to evaluate several of these chemicals as root inducing sub-
stances on azaleas.
Four-inch softwood cuttings of the azalea cultivars Evensong, King-
fisher and Ped American Beauty were cut at an angle to the plane of the
stem and the base of the cutting dippe for 5 sec. in one of the follow-
ing treatments* 1) check, no treatmentz 2) 2,500 ppm B-Nine; 3) 50 ppm
Bayer 102612; 4) 40 ppm 2, 4-D; 5) ppm Ancynidol; 6) 1,000 ppm Ethephon;
7) 1,000 ppm Nia 10637; 8) 1,000 ppm NAA; 9) 5,000 ppm NAA; 10) 1,000
ppm Uni-F 529. Propagation was carried out in a lol sand and vermiculite
media under mist and with bottom heat. Cuttings were graded 8 weeks
after sticking as follows
? 
0 = no rooting, 1 - no rooting, 1 = callused,
no roots, 2 = poor rooting. 3 = average rooting, 4 = good rooting,
5 = excellent rooting.
Results
Bayer 102612 burned the apical meristem on Evensong and fed American
Beauty and curled the leaves on Kingfisher 3 weeks after treatment.
NAA at 1,000 nppm produced the largest cuantity of roots on Evensong and
i/ Former student and Associate Professor respectively, Department of
Horticulture, Agr. Expt. Sta., Auburn University.
intfisher 'hile Uni. F 529 had the highest 
rooting score on Red Ameri-
can Beauty. Bayer 102612 yielded the poorest 
rooting on all 3 cultivars.
Nia 10637, Ancyidol and Ethephon showed promise as root inducing sub-
stances and further research is warranted. Cultivars differed statistically
in rooting with Kingfisher and Evensong yielding the best and poorest root-
ing scores, respectively.
This investigation demonstrated the value of choosing a cultivar that
produces a good quick root system. The choice of a root inducing substances
was dependent on the cultivar. Other researchers have shown that growth
retardants such as B-Nine, Uni-F 529, Ethephon and Cycocel have root in-
ducing properties, however, more research is needed on these compounds
and materials such as AncymIdol and Nia 10637.
Publications:
Nell, T. A. 1971. The Effect of Several Growth Pegulators on the
Rooting of Three Azalea Cultivars. Proc. So. Agr. Workers. 68th Ann.
Conven. 189.
Nell, T. A. and K. C. Sanderson. 1972. Effect of Several GrowTth
Regulators on the Rooting of Three Azalea Cultivars. Florist Rev.
150: 21-22, 52-53.
2. Comparison of Jiffy Grow and Various Growth Regulators on the
Rooting of Cornus florida and Cornus florida rubra Cuttings
By
Kermit Morris, Jr., and Kenneth C. Sanderson
Nature of Work
Propagation of certain forms of flowering dogwood by softwood cuttings
has been tried by nurserymen for many years, yet none have ever reported
success on difficult species such as C. florida rubra at a commercial
level. Two experiments were conducted to 1) compare IBA and a commercial
root inducing compound containing both IBA and NAA on the rooting of C.
florida and C. florida rubra and 2) evaluate several growth regulators on
the rooting of C. florida. Experiment 1 compared 10 second dips of Jiffy
Grow and IBA and 24 hr. low concentration soaks of IBA on rooting during
July-September 1970. Treatments were as shown in Tables i and 2 and were
applied to the lower inch of the cutting prior to propagation under mist
in a 3:1 sand and peat medium. Experiment 2 evaluated the rooting inducing
properties of several growth regulators on C. florida during April-May.
Treatments were as shown in Table 3 and were applied as concentrated 10
second basal dips.
Full strength Jiffy Grow and 5,000 ppm IBA 10 second dips produced
100 per cent rooting of both C. florida and C. florida rubra propagated in
July-September (Table 1). Significant differences in rooting r cores were
noted among treatments. Full strength Jiffy Grow produced the highest root-
ing scores and differed statistically from the check when species scores
were combined (Table 2). Jiffy Grow full strength did not differ in rooting
from the other Jiffy Grow and IBA treatments. For C. florida, 10 second dips
of full strength Jiffy Grow, 2,500 ppm IBA and 5,000 ppm IBA and 24 hr. soak
of 5 ppm IBA and 25 ppm IBA produced the highest scores and differed statisti-
1/ Former student and Associate Prof. respectively, Dept. of Fort., Agr. Expt.
Sta., Auburn Univ.
6
cally from other treatments. The best rooting scores for C. florida rubra
were produced by 10 second dips of 1:5 Jiffy 
Grow, full strength Jiffy
Grorw; 1,000 ppm IBA; 2,500 ppm IBA and 5,000 ppm IDA and 24 hour soaks of
10 ppm IBA and 50 ppm IBA. The check failed to root but was similar in
rooting score to 10 second dips of 500 ppm IBA and 24 hour 
soaks of 5 ppm
IBA.
Table 1. Rooting Percentage of Cornus florida and C. florida
rubra Cuttings Treated with Jiffy Grow and IBA
f~~ir~r"==urr~E-+~~~= ==-;i-----= =Z=~aZii -- o~t~=
Treatment Species Mean
C. florida C. florida
rubra
Check * . . * . . , * . . . . . . 17 72 44
1:10 Jiffy Grow . . . . . . * a . 75 100 88
1:5 Jiffy Grow . ........ 100 92 96
Full strength Jiffy Grow . , . . . 100 100 100
500 ppm IBA 10-sec. dip . . . . . 75 10018
1,000 ppm IBA 10-sec. dip . . a . 100 75 88
2,500 ppm IBA 10-see. dip . . . . 100 92 96
5,000 ppm IBA 10-sec. dip . . . 100 100 100
5 ppm IBA 24-hr. soak ... 72 100 86
10 ppm IBA 24-hr. soak. . a * . . 83 75 79
25 ppm IBA 24-hr. soak. * * . * 67 100 84
50 ppm IBA 24-hr. soak. . . . . . 83 92 87
Mean ... .... ,..... 81 91 86
Table 2. Rooting Scores of Cornus florida and C. florida rubra
Cuttings Treated with Jiffy Grow and IBA
Treatment Species Mean
C, florida C. florida
rubra
Check . . . . . . . , . . .. 2.00 c 2.67 e 2.33 b
1:10 Jiffy Grow No. 2 . . . . . * 3.58 b 3.58 de 3.58 ab
1:15 Jiffy Grow No. 2 . . . . . . . 5.00 a 4.01 bcd 4.54 a
Full strength Jiffy Grow No, 2 . . 5.17 a 5.17 a 5.21 a
500 ppm IBA, 10-sec. dip . . . . . 3.17 be 4.00 bcd 3.5q ab
1,000 IBA, 10-sec. dip . . . . . . 4,00 ab 3.67 cd 3.83 ab
2,500 ppm TIBA, 10-sec. dip . . . . 5.17 a 4.67 ab 4.92 a
5,0)0 ppm IBA, 10-sec. dip ,,... 5.00 a 4.58 abc 4.79 a
5 ppm IBA, 24-hr. soak . . . . . . 2.75 bc 4.67 ab 3.71 ab
10 ppm IBA, 24-hr. soak . . . . . 4.00 ab 3.25 de 3.63 ab
25 ppm IBA, 24-hr. soak . . . . . 3.42 b 4.75 ab 4.08 ab
50 ppm IBA, 24-hr. soak . , . . . 4.00 b 4.17 bcd 4.08 ab
Means in columns followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly
different at the 5 per cent level.
Table 3. Rooting Percentage and Scores of Cornus florida
Cuttings Treated with Various Growth Regulators
Rooting Rooting x/
Treatment percentage scores
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 2.20
1:4 Jiffy Grow No. 2 . .. . . . . 0 2.00
Full strength Jiffy Grov No. 2 . . . . . . 10 2.20
2,500ppmIBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 2.80
5,000 ppm IBA . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 2.00
10,000 ppm IBA . . . . . . ........ 40 2.70
2,500 ppm NAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 1.90
5,01,)ppm NAA . a . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1.90
10,001)ppm NAA . ............ . . 50 2.60
lon ppm El-531 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 2.10
1,000 ppm Ancymidol . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.11
2,000 ppm AncywJidol . , , . . , , . . . . 10 2.00
1,O00 ppm Nia 10637. ..... .. ..... . . . 30 2.30
5,000 ppm Nia 10637 . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.00
10,000 pnm Nia 10637 . . . . . . . . . . . 0 1.80
1:2 Jiffy Grow plus 500 ppm Ancymidol. . . 40 2.40
5,000 ppm IBA plus 500 ppm Ancyrnidol . . . 20 2.20
2,500 ppm IBA plus 2,500 ppm Nia 10637 . . 0 1.80
5,000 ppm Nia 10637 plus 500 ppm Ancyidol . . 40 2.40
/ ooting scores: 0 no rooting, 
dead; 1 = no rooting, not callused;
2= callused; 3 = light rooting; 4 = medium rooting; 5= heavy rooting.
Rooting of C. florida in Experiment 2 (April-May) was slower
and poorer than in Experiment I (July-September) thus indicating a
seasonal variation. While treatments such as 5,000 ppm Nia 10637,
1,000 ppm Ancymidol and 5,000 ppm IBA plus 500 ppm Nia 10637
callused early, roots failed to initiate promptly and the experiment's
mean rooting percentage !was also much lower (21% vs. 91%) oBest
root percentage treatments (50%) were 2,500 ppm IBA and 10,000 ppm Nia
(Table 3). Experimental compounds Ancymidol and Nia 10637 produced
lower rooting percentages with increased concentrations, however only
1,000 ppm Nia 10637 and 2,500 ppm Nia 10637 exceeded the check in
rooting. A mixture of 5,000 ppm Nia 10637 plus 500 ppm Ancymidol pro-
duced a greater rooting percentage than either material alone thus
indicating an additive effect. None of the treatments averaged light
rooting and there was no statistical differences in rooting scores.
This study showTs the importance of seasonal variation in the
rooting of C. florida and confirms the use of high 
concentration IBA
dips for successful rooting of C. florida and C. florida rubra.
Jiffy GroTw, a commercial formulation of IBA and NAA, produced superior
rooting, in some cases and NAA yielded one ot the best rooting per-
centages on C. florida, thus indicating a combination of IBA 
and NAA
may be more successful in rooting C. florida. Further studies on
the experimental growth regulators, Ancymidol and Nia 10637 should
be carried out, however Nia 10637 seemed to stimulate rooting in this
study. Pesults for Ancymidol at 500 to 2,000 ppm were poorer than
the check, however lower concentrations should be tried since both
Ancymidol and Nia 10637 usually reduced rooting with increased
concentrations. A combination of 500 ppm Ancymidol and 5,000 ppm
Nia 10637 produced better rooting than when the materials were used
alone.
9
Publications
Norris, K. P. Jr., and K. C. Sanderson. 1972. Effects of
various growth regulators on the rooting of Cornus florida and C.
florida rubra cuttings. Am. Nurseryman. 
136(5):12-13, 83-90.
3.
l10
7 ffe ct of Wi37otopneritod on., the Growrth of Empress
T re%,eP auloav-Tni a t onen.t o s a 0ee C-li:ngs.
Menne th (F. andcerso
~ature of F~or!.
Ef fect of Photoperiod on th e groT'rth o f FPmpress tree, PAulorTrnia
tomientosa was studied in a greenihouse experiment conducted during
TeceT.9b-er 1971~ and April 1071. The o'jective 7was to deter-mine 
if
photoneriodic treatmtients speed. ti e developnent of thj:e seedlings. nNwo -
i-n ch- Paulox.rnia seedlings wrvas- tra-nasnlanted into l-gallon plastic con--
tainers contailning equal narts of soil, peat and perlite on IDecem'Ner
1 97n~. A r~xture consisting of equal portions of S~~Osmocote
14-14-1l4 T'agaAmip 7-40-6 and Sta-G3reenl2-r as incorporated pre-
piant into the media at the rate of ? tabolespoons -pIer bu. Four Plants
e a c7, Iere placed under three photoneriodic treatmnsaOtetet
rents Term replicated trTice. A 9- hr. natural day lengrth betT e e n 7 -3I
a.m. and 4 '30n m. "as used. P'lants T,,ere covered 7,T-th black -loth
from 4 3In n.m. to 9-.00 a.Tm. and. given the follorring supplenental
ligh: t treatm-ents 1) no 1lighnt 2) 15 h r. (continuous li ghpt) and .1)
4 'hr. of 110ht in the niddle of thie nigh~-t (
9
light brealk-,).Tw!o r-- iatt
incandescenrt bu]2hs, (light intensity aprox. 25-311) ft. at pot level)
w,,..ere used to providle supple-mental light. Iininmr night teminerature
in the greenhouse wras maintained at 6 8 F. The heighpt of the seedlings
w-as recorde,._d after 14 "! eeks.
nesults
under the light break treatment average 2.8 cm in height. The hr.
day treatment produced the shortest mean height (15.6 cm). Plants
receiving supplemental light had larger and lighter green leaves than
plants growTn without supplemental light. Unlighted plants had small
dark green leaves.
Publications Mone
12
4. Pootng 'Response of Cuttings of Several Ornarentals
Treated writh Varous Grovifth Regulators
By
Kennet Ci C, Sanderson
Nature of ork.
Four ex-Aperiments on root inducing cot-pounds ere conducted during
"ay to October 1070 in a lightly shaded greenhouse. 
Eadh exeriment
involved different comtbinations of species and treatments. Propagation
w-'as carrIed out under mist (.5 sec. every 100sec. 83asm. to 
4C30 pom.)
using a 1 sand and peat media wvith bottom heat 
(70 degrees F.). All
licuid treatments rlere applied as 5 sec* dip except 
in Experiment 4
whtich used a 1) sec. dip. Volloing rooting, cuttings were scored for
rooting using the follorring relative scoring system for each experi-
ment and species! 0 = dead; I = alive, not callused- 
2 = calluse,! 3=
light rooting; 4 = medium rooting and 5 = heavy rooting.
Experiment 1. Cuttings of azaleas, 7Rhododendron hybrlda cv. Even-
Dawn Redwiood, Tfetasequola LpyTtostroboides and Shore Juniper, Juniperus
conferta received the follorring basal dip treatments (10 per treatment)
rior to sticking I) none 2) Foriodin No. 2,, 3) 1,000 ppmn ,Ethephon
4) '2,5,00 ppm B-4ine, .5) 50 pprr 1Eay 102612 -and 6) 1,000 ppm IBA. Cuttings
were treated and stuck. on "flay 21, 1971. Treatments w-ere replicated
tw ,ice, Records w ere talken on azaleas and Shore Jun-iners after 8
Tr7eeks and on 17wn edt-yood after 16 w-eeks.
Auburn UnIve rs Ityr .
13
Ethephon; 3) 2,500 ppm B-ine; 
4) 1,000 ppm Uni-F 529; 5) 40 ppm
2,4,5-TP; 6) 50 ppm Bay 102612: 
7) 1,000 ppm Nia 10637 8) 125 ppm
Ancymidol (A-rest) 9) 
1,90 ppm IBA and 10) 5,000 ppm 
IBA. Five
cuttings were used in each 
treatment which was replicated 
twice. Root-
ing scores w'rere recorded 
after 8 weeks on October 
7, 070.
Experiment 3. Various 
strengths of 3 comercial 
root inducing
comoounds were compared TWith 
2,4,5TP, B--ine and Ethephon 
in root
inducing activity on 
cuttingsof azalea, Phododendron 
hybrida cv. Even-
song and Camellia, Camellia 
japonica. Treatments 
applied on Nay 14,
117, w ere 1) check; 2) Hormodin 
No. 1 3) Hormodin No. 
2; 4) Hormodin
No. 3. 5) Rainbow-r Tender: 
6) Painbow TH oody 7) Pootone 
8) Rootone
No. 10; 9) 5 ppm 2,4,5-TP; 10) 
40 ppm 2,4,5-TP; 11) 1,000 ppm 
Ethephon;
12) 2,500 ppm B-Nine. Treatments 
were replicated twice using 
5 cuttings
per treatment. Rooting 
scores were recorded after 
approximately 8 weeks.
Experiment 4. Cuttings 
of Shore Juniper, Juniperus 
conferta were
stuck on Nay 14, 1970 using 
5 cuttings per treatment 
and 4 replications.
Treatments rwere 1) none- 2) Hormodin No. 
1; 3) Hormodin No. 2; 4)
Hormodin No. 3- 5) Rootone; 
6) Pootone No. 10; 7) Cutstart 
'; 8)
Cutstart 7X; 9) Cutstart 
XXXX 10) Ferbam; 11) Rainbow 
Tender; 12)
Rainbow Woody, 13) 50 ppm Bay 
102612; 14) 1,000 ppm IBA 
11 sec. dip;
15) 50 pnm 24 hr. soak, 
16) 1,000 ppm Ethephon. 
Four replications of
5 cuttings each were 
used per treatment 
Cuttings were scored 
for
rooting 8 weeks after treatments.
Results
Morimodin No. 2 and 1,000 
tpm Ethephon treatments 
yielded the
highest rooting scores 
in Experiment 1, 
(Table 4). Cuttings 
treated
with Bay 102612 averaged 
the poorest rooting scores. 
Azaleas rooted
best when treated with 
Pormodin No. 2. Ethephon 
treated Dawn Redwood
cuttings had higher 
rooting scores 
than cuttings receiving 
other treat-
ments. Untreated, 
Hormodin No. 2 and 
Ethephon treated 
cuttings yielded
14
the best rootinoz scores for Shore 
Juniper.
Ethenhon rrs thte 7best overall root 
inducing substance in Experi-
ment 2 (Table -5) .. tZ-alea cuttings 
rooted 
1
-est we treated rwith 125
ppm Ancyndol, V ppm 2,4i 5-4P and l,0,I'Y 
p-m Ethephon. Ilighest rooting
scores for lYtarf Burford T7olly cuttings 
Tyere obtained --!th 5.11 pm Bay
102612, 41 ppm 2,4 5-TP and 1,0 
rpp. Nia 10637 treatm-ents. rthephon
yrielded the T-est rooting score on T4ahonia. 
Sh-ore Juniper rooted best
wi~th no treatment, l('00 n p r 
thephon and l,0 'D n Wi1a 10637.
..! treatment, Torrodi n T~o . 1,17-ormodin 
Tb. 3, ".ootone and 2,510,pm
B#T7ine produced
1 
the best overall rooting scores in Experiment 
3 (Tahle 6).
"Pootone and the &-%echr scored the h-Ighest 
rooting for azalea cutti-ngs.
Ibormodin N'o. 3 wras th-,,e b-est root indcucing material 
for camellia cuttings.
!7t-herThon, 7b'ormod-in 7o.1 and Pootone 
7To. 10 Produced the best root
for Shore Junioer I-nExerliment 4 
(abe7).
Table 4. R.ooting Scores of Aalea, Phnododendron 
hyby~rida cv. Evensongr,
pawnPcdood ?'etasmoubia 
glyn-tostrooides 
and Shore Juniper,
Juniperus conferta Cuttings Treated TwTi th X-ari ous
Gror-Tth Pegulators, rxperiment 1
Treatment Species 
Treatment
m.e an
Iawn ,- Sh:-ore
Azale a Pedwood Juniper
callused, 3 = lighat rooting, 4 = mediumr.rooting, 5= heavy 
rooting.
15
Table 5. Pboting Scores of A11zalea, TPhododendron hyIbrida cv. Evensong
Di~7ar Burfrd ,oI l ex cornuta burfordi, Leatherleaf Mahona
TIahonia bealei and Shore Junirier. JunirDerus conferta Cuttings
Treated wi4tl!h Sev%.eral Grwo'.Ytlh 7.egulators , Experiment 2
Treatment Secies 1Vean
Shore
Azalea IIIol1ly TWhonia Juiiper
Gheck, none 0...... ... 44.1 2.7 'Is 
3.7
l/900PPM Ethephon , 0.0. 4.2 .09 
4,o.0 3.8 4.0
2,500 ppm B4Iine . .. 305 4.0 2.2 2.4 3/)
1,11)000 ppm TTII-P 520'. . , 41)o, 4's') 3.2 2.6 3.5
40 Ppm 2.4 5-~TP * . a . 4.3 4.2 2.3 2.9- 3.4
50 prm Bay 10261?2.0 a.a. 3.5 4.3 2.7 3.1 3.4
1,000 iDPm ia 1OA37 0 .0. 3.*8 4.2 2.04 3/*3 
3.6
125 ppDm Ancymn*dol . .. 4*4 3.7 .2 2.5 3.5
19000 ipn IBA.............. 4e. 3.3 3.7 2.7 3.5
5,900-1-ppm IBA 0.0*0* 0 .0 .a t01 4.0 3.2 3.3 3o7
'Mean .. . .,,.,. 4. 0 4/ 3/.)0 3.1 3.5
Cuttings w-ere rated,,0 de ad,1 I alive, -not rooted or callused, 2=
callused, 3 = light rooting, 4 = mediumn rooting , 5 = heavy rooting.
Table 6. Rooting Scores of Azalea, Phododendron hybrida c v. Evensong and
Camellia, Camje lla Iaonica. Cuttings treated with Vrious Commercial
and Expmerim-ental Pnot Inducing Substances, Experiment 3
Treatment Species -!ean
, zalea Cantellia
Check. 0 0. . ..... 0 0 3a7 2.o4 3.1
Hormodin 7.o. 1 0.0 . , 3.3 2,6 3.0--
Hormodin No. 2................2.6 2.4 2.5
Hormodin No. 3...............2 of) 3.0 3,0
TRainbowrr Tender............3,0 2.0 2.5
PaineboiT woody .. . .. .2.8 2.2 2.5
R o o t o n e 0To.D1a)0. . . . . . . . 3 .0 2 ,2 2.6n
16
The outstanding root inducing properties of Ethephon on most species
is the most important finding of this research. Ancynidol, Bay 102612,
Nia 10637, 2, 4 5-TP and B-Nine had exceptional root inducing properties
on some species. Bay 102612 was inhibitory in some instances. Further
testing of all these materials is needed.
Publi cations None
17
5. Comparison of Various rTorphactin Sprays and Node Position
on ean Shoot Length of Azalea, cv. Kingfisher'
By
I/
Kenneth C. Sanderson and Tilliam E. Barrick
Nature of tTork
orphactins constitute a newi group of plant grorTth regulators -Thich
influence growth patterns of plants. Concentration determines effect,
how7ever morphactins have been reported to dwarf, delay and inducing branch-
ing in plants. Six-inch pot size VKingfisherV azaleas were sprayed with
the rorphactins listed in Table 8 on arch 23, 1970. The plants were
sheared four rTeeks prior to spraying. Six lateral branches on six plants
were selected for data at six node positions (node position 1 was closest
to the shearing point and node 6 the furtherest). Data on shoot length
Tas taken r'Iay 19, 1970. The plants were grown in a shaded fiberglass
greenhouse during the experiment.
Res ults
orphactins at the concentrations used in this experiment caused
severe distortion of the leaves on azaleas. The distortion was still
evident approximately 9 months after treatmient. Leaves appeared crinkled
and misshapen. New leaves were smaller in size and initially light green
in color. The Bayer 102614 had the greatest shoot length (Table 8).
Ortho's "aintain" had the shortest shoots. The Bay 10261L produced longer
shoots at node 2 than at node 1 (counting from the shearing point) at
both 50 and 100 ppm. However, in most cases, an inverse relationship
between node position and shoot length existed. Shoot length decreased
with increases in node position. Further research is warranted on the
influence of morphactins on shoot development in azaleas.
/ Associate Professor and former student, respectively,Department of
Horticulture, Agr. Expt. Sta., Auburn University.
18
Table i8. Coms-rison of 71
T 
arious Torplhactin Sprprs on T-Tean Shoot
Length (mm.) at Various Nodes on Azalea, cv. Kingfisher
TreatmentMNo de Mean
1 2 3 4 5 6
Gheck , 0 0 .6. 34.5 30.7 15.7 296 5.6 3.0 15.4
100 p - i. -)ay 10n2 612 . a 0 7.1 6.0 1.3 0*0 0.0 191 2,6
100 -p-m Bay 102613 . 1.1 100) 0.4 O.7 1.6 1.51.
100n npm Bay 102614 o 28.3 34.7 15.5 6.6 1.P0.03 14.5
100 ppm Ortho 0., 08 0.4 0.1 000.0000 0 . 2
50 ppm Bay 102612 .*.0 00*0.2 .2?"0. 30).4 0.3 0,o4
50 ppm Bay 102613 . . 0 2.1 A.1 6.6 3.0 2.7 1.3 4.0
51 ptm Bay 102614 &.0. 36.2 44.1 14. 1*10 1.2 0.2 16.1
5n -.Tr-0r..tho a, 0 10 1.,6 0.30.1n 0 . 0 n-, o0.5
Mean .. .. . .12.3 1.P4 , 6.0
P ub licati ons0 None
19
6. Effect of Various Growth Pegulator Sprays on Shoot
Development of Azalea, cv. 'Kingfisher'
By
1/
Kenneth C. anderson-
iFature of jWork
Several growth regulator sprays were evaluated on shoot development
of azaleas. Bayer 102613, a morphactin, Twhich had shown retardant and shoot
stimulatory properties in tests on chrysanthemum was tested at 10 and
50 ppm. B-Nine, a standard groTrth retardant was applied at 5,000 ppm.
Ethelhon, a neTT grow th regulator w.as sprayed at 2,500 ppm. Ancymidol a
new growth retardant was applied to the plants at 6 and 23 ppm. Niagara
10637, tas sprayed at 6,00 ppm. Uniroyal's new growth retardant F-529
was used at 2,500 ppm. Liners of the azalea cultivar 'Kingfisher' were
sprayed ,7ith a mist blowver until the leaves glistened. The spray appli-
cations w ere made approximately 4 Tweeks after the plants had been sheared.
Five lateral shoots were measured prior to retardant spraying and then
remeasured at the end of the experiment. There were four plants per
treatment and two replications. The experiment was conducted in a fiber-
glass greenhouse with a light intensity of anproximately 5,000 ft-c.
The retardant sprays wTere applied on July 31, 1970 and measurements were
made on October 7, 1970.
Pesults
Bay 102612 and Niagara 10637 distorted the leaves of the azaleas. Bay
102613 at 50 ppm yielded the least increase in shoot length (Table 9).
Check plants had the greatest mean increase in shoot length (2.11 cm).
All retardants except Ancymidol at 6 ppm reduced shoot length.
I/ Associate Professor, Horticulture Department, Agr. Expt. Sta.,
Auburn University.
20)
Tab-,le 9 . C omnp aris9on of Various Gro~lth Petardant 
Sprays
on Shoot Develop~ment of Azalea, cv. 'Kingfisher'
increase in shoot
length (cm)Treatment
1-0 ppm lBayer 102613............. . . . 0 . .9.0. 1.74
50 ppm BayerlOn26l3....................0..0 .0 54
5,OnO ppm3B-!Une o.... ..... 9 .o.9.ao* l170
2 350A. pmu Ethepho1 .0.0 . 4. 0.0.0. . 1. .0.0.0. 1.33
6 PprmAncvmnidol ,. . . . ....... 2.10
23 pnnncymido1.............. 1.*84
1,nnO ppm 
"Tiagara 1-1637 
.. .
. ... 
1.17
6,goonppr..,
1
llagara 10637 .. ,0 .,. 0 15
2,500) ppm Uhl.royal F 520 .. . ... 1.33
Publications0 none
21
7. Germination of Three Woody Ornamentals in
Municipal Compost and Peat 
Media
By
1/
YKenneth C. Sanderson
Nature of Work
Municipal compost which had been treated with and without raw sewage
prior to 12-16 weeks composting wTas compared with imported german peat
moss as a germination media. Compost consisted 
of ground paper, metal,
plastic and assorted trash of the City of Mobile, Alabama. Compost which
did not receive sewTage treatment will be referred to as obile Aid.
Previous work revealed the compost to contain considerable boron and heavy
metals, have a high pH wThich was resistant to change and high soluble
salts. Seed of Catalna bignonioides, Sophora japonica and Pinus taeda
were sown in the following media I) Sewage Compost, 2) Mobile Aid,
3) Sewage Compost and sand, 4) Mobile Aid and Sand, 5) Peat Moss and
Sand, 6) Sewage Compost and Soil, 7) 'obile Aid and Soil, 8) Peat Moss
and Soil. Media was steam pasteurized prior to seed soring. Equal volumes
of materials were used in media combination. Ten seeds of each species
were sown into the media treatments on April 17, 1968. Treatments were
replicated 5 times. Germination was carried out in a greenhouse using
mist and a night temperature of 70 F. eekly records were taken on
germination until the termination of the experiment on May 15.
?esults
The highest mean germination percentage occurred in sewage compost and
soil (59%) and peat and sand (58%), (Table 10). Seeds sown in peat and
soil (28%) yielded the poorest germination Catalpa bignontoides germi-
nated best in sewage compost (62%) and poorest in Mobile Aid (48%). Sophora
1/ Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Agr. Expt. Sta.,
Auburn University.
japonica yielded the lowest germination in sewage compost (36%) and the 22
highest germination in Tobile Aid and soil (60%) and peat and soil (60%).
Pinus taeda germinated best in peat and sand (70%). Poor germination
occurred with pine seed so.,n in obile Aid (24%) and peat and soil (28%).
Table 10. Influence of ?Municipal Compost and Peat-Amended Media
on the Germination of Three Woody Ornamental Species
Germination percentage
Catalpa Sophora Pinus
bignonioides japonica taeda Mean
Sewvage compost . . . . . 62 36 48 49
Mobile Aid ....... 48 44 24 
39
Sewage compost and
sand .... 54 50 36 47
Mobile Aid and sand . . 46 44 36 42
Peat and sand . . . . 56 48 70 58
Sewage compost and
soil .... 60 56 60 59
Mobile Aid and soil . . 56 60 48 53
Peat and soil. . . . . 56 60 28 28
Publications: None
23
8. Evaluation of Several Growth Petardants on Azaleas
By
Kenneth C. Sanderson
Nature of Work
Two experiments were conducted on growth retardants and azaleas
during 1970-71. Experiment I was established on November 11, 1970 and
Experiment 2 was established 
on August 16, 1971.
In Experiment 1, 4 inch potted liners of the azalea cultivar Evensong
were treated on a bright sunny, November 11, 1970 as follows: I) check,
no treatment, 2) 2,500 ppm B-Nine spray, 3) 1,000 ppm Uni-F 529 spray,
4) 3,000 ppm Cycocel spray, 5) 1,259 ppm B-Nine plus 1,500 ppm Cycocel
spray, 6) 100 ppm Ancymidol spray, 7) 100 ppm Ancymidoi drench, 8) 3,000
ppm Cycocel drench, 9) 1 teaspoon per 6 qt. 10% Phosfon L. drench, 10)
1,000 ppm Ethephon drench. Spray treatments were applied until runoff.
Drenches were applied by filling the pot to rim with the retardant solution,
Two shoots on each plant were measured prior to treatment and tagged for
later measurement.
Kingfisher azaleas, 6 inch potted plants, received the following spray
treatments in Experiment 2: 1) check, none, 2) 100 ppm Ancymidol, 3) 200
ppm Ancymidol, 4) 3,000 ppm Cycocel, 5) 1,500 ppm B-Nine, 6) 1,500 ppm
Uni-F 529, 7) 750 ppm B-Nine plus 750 ppm Uni-F 529, 8) 200 ppm Nia
(Niagra) 10637, 9) 200 ppm Nia 10656, 10) 1,500 ppm Cycocel plus 750 ppm
B-Nine, 11) 2.5g/flter Dupont DPX and 12) 1.25g/liter DPX.
Both experiments were conducted in lightly shaded greenhouses. Normal
greenhouse culture was used in both experiments.
Results
The Evensong azaleas in Experiment i outgrewt the treatments before
growvth could be measured. This cultivar also exhibited a witchesbroom-type
/ Associate Professor:, Dept. of Hort., Agr. Expt. Sta., Auburn Univ,
24
growth wThich might be related to nutrition (experiments are being con-
ducted on this problem). The distorted growth made it difficult to
assess the treatments. Sprays of Cycocel,A-rest Uni-F 529 and B-Nine plus
Cycocel and drenches of Ancymidol were observed to reduce growth more
initially than sprays of B-Nine and drenches of Cycocel, Ethephon or Phosfon
L.
In Experiment 2, phytotoxicity was observed with Cycocel and DPX.
Cycocel caused a severe chlorosis of the leaves when applied alone or
in combination with B-Nine. Dupont's DPX caused the new leaves to be
rolled upward, off color and severely dwarfed. DPX treated plants had
a wilted appearance 4 weeks after treatment. At the rate of 2.5g/liter
DPX reduced leaf size an estimated 75 per cent on shoots developing after
treatment. DPX treated plants produced shoots approximately half the length
of the untreated check plants (Table 12). Differences among most of the
retardants were not great. NIA 10637 produced considerable reduction without
injury and deserves further study.
Table 11. Mean "hoot Length of Kingfisher Azaleas after
Treatment with Various Growth Petardants
Treatments-
x /  
Mean shoot length (cm)
/
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5
100 ppm Ancymidol . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.2
200 ppm Ancymidol n .... o......... 7.9
3,000 ppm Cycocel . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6.0
1,500 ppm B-Nine. . . . . .. . .. ... 9.0
1,500 ppm Uni-F 529 . . . . . . . . . . . 8.3
750 ppm B-Nine plus 750 ppm Uni-F 529 . . . 7.4
200 ppmpNia 10637 . ........... 6.4
200 ppm Nia 10656 ............. 7.0
1,500 ppm Cycocel plus 750 ppm B-Nine . . . 6.3
2.5g/L DPX . . . . . . . . .......... 4.0
1 .25g/L DPX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.4
x/ Plants sprayed until run-off.
y/ Wean of 25 shoots from 5 plants selected at random from 3 replications.
Publications: None
25
9. Photoperiodic Effects on Shoot Development in Azaleas
By
1/
Kenneth C. Sanderson-
1Nature of Work
Four-inch liners of the azalea cultivar Kingfisher were placed under
the following treatments on November 23, 1970: 1) controlled day, 9 hr.
of natural light, 2) controlled day plus 15 hr. incandescent light,
continuous illumination, 3) controlled day plus 15 hr. of darkness with
a light break of 4 hr. in the middle of the dark period, and 4) natural
day occurring during November-January in Auburn, Alabama. Ttio shoots
on each plant were sheared to six nodes prior to treatment. There were
4 replications with 4 plants per replication. The plants were grown 
in
peat moss amended with 28 g of limestone and 28 g of gypsum. Fertilization
consisted of applications of 25-10-10 at the rate of 908 g per 100 gal.
every 2 wk.
Results
Shoot growth was similar to prev4ous research conducted at Auburn by
Barrick. Shoot development occurred sooner on the 9 hr. controlled day
than on the other photoperiods. Increases in photoperiod increased the
length of the shoot. Overwatering and disease terminated this experi-
ment before shoot length could be measured. Shoot number was less on
long photoperiods than short photoperiods.
Publications: None
I/ Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Hort., Agr. Expt. Sta., Auburn University.
26
10. Propagation of Juniper Cuttings in Various Media
By
Kenneth C. Sanderson
Nature of Work
Cuttings (9 cm long) of Junipers chinensis pfiteriana were pro-
pagated in the following steam pasteurized media: 1) imported German peat
moss, 2) sand and peat moss, 3) Mobile Aid ( a slow composted municipal
refuse product of the City of mobile, Ala.), 4) Alive (a rapidly composted
municipal refuse product of the city of Houston, Texas), 5) '1;1 soil,
peat moss and perlite, 6) vermiculite, 7) calcined clay (turface) and
peat moss, 8) sand. Propagation was carried out in a lightly shaded green-
house under mist. Five cuttings were used per treatment and treatments were
replicated 5 times. Cuttings were treated and stuck on June 23, 1970
and root scores obtained 8 weeks later as follows: 0 = dead, I = alive, not
callused or rooted, 2 = callused, 3 = light 
rooting, 4 = medium rooting,
5 = heavy rooting.
Results
Cuttings rooted in vermiculite averaged the highest rooting score
(3.8), however, Mobile Aid yielded a comparable result (3.7). Poorest
rooting occurred in imported German peat moss (2.1). Mean rooting scores
for the remaining media were: sand and peat (3.5), Alive compost (3.2),
1:1:1 soil, peat and perlite (3.4), calcined clay and peat (2.8) and sand
(2.6). Water relations nutrition, pH or other factors probably were
responsible for the results obtained.
Publications: None.
FACTORS AFFECTING UTILIZATION AND EXPANSION
1POTENTIAL FOR OPRNAENTAL PLANTS AND TURF
Fred B. Perry, Jr., and Henry P. Orrl
Department of Horticulture
Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station
Auburn, Alabama
Nature of Work: This work was designed to characterize major final 
consumers of
ornamental plants and turf and to analyze the regulations of the various levels
of government controlling plant use. Attempts will be made to project future
changes in production, marketing and merchandising procedures.
Information was collected from 104 single unit owner occupied homes and 26
multi-unit apartment complexes in Alabama. The sample was drawn from the Standard
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSA) of Montgomery, Birmingham, Gadsden,
Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama part of Columbus, Georgia market
area, as based on the 1970 census.
Information on kinds and amounts of plants purchases, family income,
education and interest in the use of plants was tabulated and will be combined
with that from eight other states of the Southern Region.
Results: The total ornamental purchases (plants for outdoor use) in the Alabama
SMSA's in 1971 was $4 million by single unit home owners alone. Approximately 68%
of purchases were from nurseries and garden centers, 26% from chain stores, 2%
from mail order, 1% from florists, and 3% from all other sources.
The amount of plant purchases according to education, income and home value
are shown in Table 1. Heads of families with less than a high school education
generally fell into the lower income group and 
lived in homes of less than $25,000.
I/ Associate Professor and Professor: Respectively, Department 
of Horticulture,
Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, Alabama.
People with at least a high 
school education earning over 
$10,000 per year and
living in middle average 
homes of $25,000 value 
or more, account for 
the greatest
portion of the plant purchasing 
public.
Table 1. Amount of purchases 
in relation to education, 
income and home value
Education Income 
Value of home 
Average amt. of purchase
12 yr. & under $10,000 
& less under $25,000 
$40.00
over 12 yr. 
over $10,000 $25,000 
& over 
$228.00
Very little advantage is being taken 
of the opportunity to reach the plant
buying public through radio 
and TV. hen asked to evaluate 
the importance of
source of information for the 
best selection of plants and their 
proper use
and culture in the landscape it was 
found that the homeowner9s own experience
was primary. In the order of decreasing 
importance as plant information sources
were: nurseryman, garden magazines, neighbors, 
garden books, newspapers, and
lastly county agricultural agents. 
Very few products were constantly 
in view
to the public as are ornamental plants. 
There is probably no period in time
when there has been a greater awareness 
of our ecological surroundings. This
emphasis on our environment offers an 
unequalled opportunity to the plant
industry to further educate the public 
and to inform them on the materials
and methods available to them for 
improvement of their outdoor environment.