The Effect of Shading Rhododendron Stock Plants On Flowering and Rooting1

Abstract

Partial shading, as a means of preventing or decreasing flower development, was used to study the influence of flowering on leaf rootability. Reduced light intensity decreased the size of flowers and sugar levels in leaves. The rooting-potential of leaves from plants grown under 25 percent shade was reduced compared to full sunlight controls; but was increased in the ones from under 95 percent shade. Exogenous hormone application improved rooting of leaves from full sunlight and 25 percent shade treatments, but reduced rooting in those from 95 percent shade. It was suggested that the reduction or prevention of flowering improves rooting-potential because of less active competition for materials necessary in rooting.