ENDOGENOUS ROOTING INHIBITORS IN MATURE CHESTNUT CUTTINGS

Chestnut cuttings from mature trees are very difficult to root.
The presence of rooting inhibitors was evaluated as the possible cause of rooting failure.
Two derivatives of ellagic acid were isolated and positively identified: 3.3′, 4-tri-0-methylellagic acid (I) and 3.4.4′-tri-0-methylellagic acid (II). Compound (I) significantly inhibited rooting as measured by the bean test, also reducing the rooting activity of indole acetic acid (IAA).

A seasonal variation of these compounds in mature chestnut was observed.
Concentration of both (I) and (II) was higher during the rest period, decreasing during flushing.

International Symposium on Vegetative Propagation of Woody Species

J. Vieitez, A. Ballester

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1988.227.26