Articles
PROPAGATION OF PROTEACEAE
Article number
316_5
Pages
27 – 34
Language
Abstract
The protea industry has advanced to the stage of growing registered cultivars and selected plant material.
Since a multitude of problems are normally experienced with specific soil requirements and certain root diseases of proteas, cultivation practice will probably soon advance to the extensive use of rootstocks.
Propagation by seed will probably be restricted to scientists and growers attempting to breed or select seedlings with improved characteristics such as resistant or tolerant rootstocks, improved or different cut flowers or for flowering pot plants.
The vegetative propagation of proteas is, however, still not considered easy, and this inhibits the development of a nursery industry.
This discussion introduces the techniques currently employed in the propagation of proteas, identifies some of their shortcomings and suggests research priorities.
Since a multitude of problems are normally experienced with specific soil requirements and certain root diseases of proteas, cultivation practice will probably soon advance to the extensive use of rootstocks.
Propagation by seed will probably be restricted to scientists and growers attempting to breed or select seedlings with improved characteristics such as resistant or tolerant rootstocks, improved or different cut flowers or for flowering pot plants.
The vegetative propagation of proteas is, however, still not considered easy, and this inhibits the development of a nursery industry.
This discussion introduces the techniques currently employed in the propagation of proteas, identifies some of their shortcomings and suggests research priorities.
Authors
Daniel G. Malan
Keywords
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