CUTTING PROPAGATION OF AN OLD ITALIAN GENEPOOL OF EVERGREEN AZALEAS

Cuttings of evergreen azaleas were collected from 73 old mother plants, present in historical parks and gardens in Northern Italy, in July 2003. The apical cuttings, 4-10 cm long, were selected on the base of their degree of lignification, with 4-7 leaves. The cuttings were treated with an antibacterial solution (ossichinoline 5 g L^-1) and planted in perlite + peat (1:1) substrate. No treatments with growth regulators were applied. Rooting was performed in a greenhouse with basal temperature of 20°C. Air humidity was kept constant (80-85%) by nebulisation. Cultivation lasted 2 years, according to the usual practice. Percentage of rooted cuttings, and quality and dry weight of roots were recorded in order to evaluate rooting aptitude. Rooting percentage ranged between 34% and 95%. Cluster analysis separated the cultivars in five main groups based on root quality. At present, the propagated plants are kept in catalogue fields.