ruary.
Our results to some extent also contradict those of
Dirr and Heuser (6), who suggested the use of NAA and
other chemicals to promote root initiation in /. opaca. In
fact, it appears that hormones may be useful only in im
provement of root quality when cuttings are taken in July
(cf Table 3), although they are instrumental in root initia
tion at other times of the year. Use of chemicals other than
IBA may be warranted during winter months and perhaps
for hardwood cuttings.
While vegetative propagation of specific cultivars is
common practice and maintenance of genetic diversity in
revegetated areas may be accomplished by taking the cut
tings from a range of mother plants, the importance of
seed-grown plants cannot be understated. Except for /.
glabra seeds, which germinated without difficulty, we did
not attempt germination studies of hollies. Future studies
are planned for other species. Nevertheless, it may be use
ful to briefly note the results of other seed germination
research.
The difficulty of seed germination of most species has
been repeatedly noted in the literature. Bonner (3), for
example, has implicated seed coat and embryo dormancies
as the primary causes of poor or no germination and rec
ommended stratification of seeds in alternating tempera
tures for unspecified time periods. The results of compara
tive studies by Goi et al. (8, 9) for whole fruit and stratified
cleaned seeds of /. crenata Thunb. (Japanese holly) and /.
serrata Thunb. (Japanese winterberry), indicated 88 and
40% germination of stratified seeds but 26 and 4% of
whole fruits, respectively. The review of several species by
Dirr and Heuser (6) clearly indicate the difficulty in germi
nation of seeds and the need for comprehensive research
to determine methods of treatment that would enhance
their rapid and uniform germination.
Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 101:293-296. 1988.
VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION OF FLORIDA NATIVE PLANTS: II. Acer rubrum,
Gordonia lasianthus, Magnolia virginiana, and Styrax americana
B. Dehgan, M. Gooch, F. Almira,
and B. Poole
IFAS, University of Florida
Department of Ornamental Horticulture
Gainesville, FL 32611
Additional index words. Red maple, loblolly bay, sweetbay,
storax.
Abstract. To foster greater utilization of native plants in the
landscape, four species capable of growth in a wide range of
conditions, from wet to relatively dry, are discussed. All four
Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 9536.
This project was supported by a grant from Florida Insistute of Phos
phate Research (Project No. 84-03-053R). The cooperation of Mr. Joel
Butler of the W. R. Grace Chemical Company and Mr. John Wester of
the Occidental Chemicals is gratefully acknowledged. We thank Dr. Alan
Meerow, Brenda Herring, and David Clayton for technical assistance.
Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 101: 1988.
Literature Cited
1. Blazich, F. A. 1978. Effect of 3 ambient temperatures on rooting of
Ilex crenata cultivar Convexa. HortScience 13:590-590.
2. Blazich, F. A., R. D. Wright, and H. E. Schafner. 1983. Mineral nu
trient status of cultivar Convexa holly Ilex crenata cuttings during
intermittent mist propagation as influenced by exogenous auxin ap
plication. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 108:425-429.
3. Bonner, F. T. 1974. Ilex L. Holly. In: Seeds of Woody Plants of the
United States. U. S. Dept. Agr. Handb. 450. pp. 450-453.
4. Childers, J. T. and W. E. Snider. 1975. The effect of time of taking
cuttings on the rooting of three cultivars of American holly {Hex opaca
Ait.). Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 70:445-450.
5. Dehgan, B., J. M. Tucker, and B. S. Takher. 1985. Propagation and
Culture of New Species of Drought Tolerant Plants for Highways.
Fed. Highway Adm./Calif. Division of Highways.
6. Dirr, M. A. and C. W. Heuser, Jr. 1987. The Reference Manual of
Woody Plant Propagation. Varsity Press, Inc., Athens, Georgia.
7. French, C. J. and W. C. Lin. 1984. Seasonal variation in the effects
of carbon dioxide mist and supplementary lighting for high pressure
sodium lamps on rooting of English holly Ilex aquifolium cultivar
Silver Variegated Standard. HortScience 19:519-521.
8. Goi, M., Y. Nishira, and A. Hasegawa. 1985a. Seed propagation of
Ilex species native to Japan. 1. Ilex crenata. Kagawa Diacagu Nogakubu
Gakujutsu Hokuku 36:95-100.
9. Goi, M., Y. Nishira, and A. Hasegawa. 1985b. Seed propagation of
Ilex species native to Japan. 2. Ilex serrata cultivar Dainagon. Kagawa
Diacagu Nogakubu Gakujutsu Hokuku 36:101-106.
10. Kramer, P. J. and T. T. Kozlowski. 1979. Physiology of Woody Plants.
Academic Press, New York.
11. Lanphear, F. O. and R. P. Meahl. 1963. Influence of indigenous
rooting cofactors and environment on the seasonal fluctuation in
root initiation of selected evergreen cuttings. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort.
Sci. 83:811-818.
12. Lin, W. C. and J. M. Molnar. 1981. Effects of carbon dioxide and
mist and high intensity supplementary lighting on selected woody
ornamentals. Can. J. Plant Sci. 61:965-970.
13. Livne, A. and Y. Vaadia. 1972. Water deficits and hormone relations.
In: T. T. Kozlowski (ed.); Water Deficits and Plant Growth. Vol. Ill:
255-275. Academic Press, New York and London.
14. Loach, K. 1977. Leaf water potential and the rooting of cuttings
under mist and polythene. Physiol. Plant. 40:191-197.
15. Tilt, K. M. and T. E. Builderback. 1980. Physical properties of prop
agation media and their effects on rooting of three woody ornamen
tals. HortScience 22:245-247.
species root fairly easily, although in some cases, time of year
when cuttings are taken has a profound effect on rooting
percentage. Acer rubrum (red maple) may be propagated at
any time of the year when not dormant. Best rooting, how
ever, occurs in May and July-September, regardless of IBA
treatment. Rooting percentage of Gordonia lasianthus (lob
lolly bay) gradually increased from April (60%) to November
(100%). Although rooting percentage was not affected, root
ing quality was much superior when IBA was used. Magnolia
virginiana (sweet bay), had up to 38% rooting in June when
treated with IBA alone, but addition of NAA increased the
rooting percentage to 65%. The rooting at all times was poor
irrespective of treatment. Styrax americana (storax) rooted
well all year with only a slightly lower percentage in the
winter months.
Florida is endowed with the richest floristic diversity of
the 48 contiguous states. Of the 652 native tree species
293
listed by Elias (6), nearly two-thirds are indigenous to
Florida. Yet only a limited number of native species are
used in public and private landscapes. Meager knowledge
of propagation techniques and cultural practices for the
native taxa has effectively thwarted their consideration.
For ecological, aesthetic, and economic reasons, accessibil
ity of a greater assortment of indigenous plants is advan
tageous and essential. In an attempt to foster greater use
of native plants both in revegetation of disturbed sites and
in landscaping, several woody species were considered.
Propagation of hollies has been reported in this issue of
the proceedings and four other taxa will be discussed here.
Considerable research has been performed on propa
gation of Acer rubrum L. (red maple) and related species.
In some of the more recent studies, various unconven
tional methods have been used to promote rooting of cut
tings. Maynard and Bassuk (9) utilized etiolation and
blanching with Velcro adhesive fabric strips to significantly
improve rooting of A. griseum (Franch) Pax, A. platanoides
L. and A. saccarum Marsh. Cuttings of A. saccharinum L.,
and A. griseum rooted up to 100% when treated with a
combination of Catechol (a phenolic compound) and IAA,
for 24 hrs. (8). Dirr and Heuser (4) have described the
appropriate methods for propagation of several Acer
species.
Although to our knowledge no one has studied propa
gation of Magnolia virginiana, the related M. grandiflora has
been well investigated. Perry and Vines (10) found that
terminal cuttings from young plants treated with 2%
(20,000 ppm) IBA resulted in significantly better rooting
than cuttings from older plants treated with lower concen
trations of IBA. Lateral cuttings from older plants rooted
better than flowering terminal cuttings. Cuttings collected
on July 3 and treated with 10,000 ppm IBA and 10,000
ppm NAA rooted 100% when stuck in perlite (3). Good
rooting also has been reported for the deciduous Magnolia
species. Curtis (2), reported satisfactory rooting of M. X
soulangeana cultivars and M. stellata cuttings in 90-120 days
when cuttings were taken in mid-July and treated with
Hormodine #3 (8,000 ppm IBA). Similar results were ob
tained by Fenicchia (7) for M. X soulaneana and M. quin-
quepeta.
Other than a brief mention by Dirr and Heuser (4),
there has been little or no data published for Gordonia
Iasianthus and Styrax americana.
Materials and Methods
Semi-hardwood cuttings of Acer rubrum (red maple),
Gordonia Iasianthus (L.) Ellis (loblolly bay), Magnolia vir
night. Cuttings were examined weekly for rooting and
final data were collected when at least some cuttings had
sufficient roots for transplanting. Ratings for root quality
and quantity were based on their general appearance and
are listed in tables as averages for all replications within a
treatment. Only one result is shown in tables when rooting
percentages were nearly the same for consecutive collect
ing times.
Results and Discussion
Acer rubrum (Table 1), exhibited variation in rooting
based on time of year when cuttings were taken and con
centration of IBA. The highest rooting (86.67-88%) oc
curred in cuttings taken on May 2, irrespective of the IBA
concentration. This was followed by a considerable reduc
tion in June but a subsequent increase when cuttings were
stuck during the months of July-September. With the onset
of the cooler, drier fall and winter, eventually culminating
in the dormant season, rooting gradually declined so that
none occurred from December through March. IBA had
no significance in root development but was instrumental
in initiation speed. Plants treated with 5000 ppm IBA
rooted faster and had a larger number of roots. These
results contradict those of Struve and Arnold (12), where
cuttings of A. rubrum 'Red Sunset' rooted up to a maximum
of 70% when treated with 30,000 ppm IBA. The authors
noted that concentrations of 10-, 20—, and 40,000 ppm
were not as effective. Although such high concentrations
of auxins are far above the accepted standard, morpholog
ical, anatomical, and ecotypic variation may play a role in
rooting response. In this respect, our studies indicate that
Florida ecotypes of A. rubrum are not difficult to propagate
from cuttings.
There is probably an annual cyclic production and ex
penditure of hormones and carbohydrates which directly
influences root initiation in A. rubrum. The reserved car
bohydrates and endogenous auxins are exhausted by the
early profuse development of flowers and fruit. This is
followed immediately by intense activity of the vegetative
buds and expansion of leaves. Rooting percentage is high-
Table 1. The effect of time of year and IBA on rooting of Acer rubrum
L. cuttings.
Date Date Collection Treatment Mean % Root
stuck rated site (ppm) rooting condition2
4/09/87 6/08/87 WSy Control 37.33 ±14.36 2.0
4/09/87 6/08/87 WS 2,500 57.33±21.33 3.0
4/09/87 6/08/87 WS 5,000 45.33 ±23.63 2.0

giniana L. (sweetbay), and Styrax americana Lam. (storax), 5/02/87 7/10/87 WS Control 86.67 ±5.96 5.0
were collected at approximately six week intervals from 5/02/87 7/10/87 WS 2,500 74.67 ±13.60 4.5
5/02/87 7/10/87 WS 5,000 88.00± 10.67 4.5
the Occidental Chemical Company Mine at White Springs,
6/10/86 8/5/86 WS Control 30.67 ±20.04 2.0
Hamilton County, and W. R. Grace and Company at
6/10/86 8/5/86 WS 2,500 40.00 ±24.22 2.5
Bonny Lake and Four Corners Mines, Polk County, 6/10/86 8/5/86 WS 5,000 52.00 ±19.50 3.0
Florida. Five replications of 15 cuttings each were used per
7/30/86 10/8/86 WS Control 66.67 ±20.22 2.5
trial. All cuttings were dipped in 0, 2500, and 5,000 ppm 7/30/86 10/8/86 WS 2,500 81.33± 17.59 3.5
IBA for 5 sec, except for M. virginiana cuttings, which 7/30/86 10/8/86 WS 5,000 78.67 ±25.79 3.5
were treated with a factorial combination of IBA at 2500 9/25/86 11/10/86 WS Control 33.33 ±13.98 2.0
or 5000 ppm for 5 sec, followed by NAA at 1000 or 2000 9/25/86 11/10/86 WS 2,500 66.67 ±23.09 3.0
9/25/86 11/10/86 WS 5,000 73.33±11.16 3.5
ppm for 5 sec These were stuck in 1:1 (v:v) mixture of
perlite and vermiculite and placed randomly under inter z<2: Unacceptable, 2:Inferior, 3:Good-Acceptable, 4:Very Good, 5:Ex-
mittent mist of 5 sec/5 min. The propagation greenhouse cellent
temperature was maintained at 23 ±5° C day/18 ±2° C = White Springs

294 Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 101: 1988.

Table 2. The effect of time of year and IBA on rooting of Gordonia Table 4. The effect of IBA and NAA on rooting of Magnolia virginiana
lasianthus L. Ellis cuttings. L. cuttings.

Date Date Collection Treatment Mean % Root Col- Root

stuck rated site (ppm) rooting condition7 Date Date lection Treatment Mean % condi-
stuck rated site (ppm) rooting tionz
4/22/87 6/29/87 Control 24.00± 17.18 <2.0
4/22/87 6/29/87 ws 2,500 58.67 ±19.96 3.0 7/31/86 10/15/86 WSy Control 18.33 ±8.16 <2.0
4/22/87 6/29/87 ws 5,000 49.33 ±29.39 2.5 7/31/86 10/15/86 WS 2,500 IBA 38.33± 19.14 <2.0
5/28/87 7/28/87 ws Control 70.67 ±21.75 3.5 7/31/86 10/15/86 WS 5,000 IBA 35.00±20.68 <2.0
5/28/87 7/28/87 ws 2,500 76.00 ±23.32 3.5 7/31/86 10/15/86 WS 1,000 NAA 31.67± 17.80 <2.0
5/28/87 7/28/87 ws 5,000 58.67 ±33.04 3.0 7/31/86 10/15/86 WS 2,000 NAA 35.00± 17.00 <2.0
7/31/86 10/15/86 WS 2,500 IBA + 1,000 NAA 28.33± 13.54 <2.0
7/30/86 10/10/86 ws Control 72.00 ±13.60 3.5
7/31/86 10/15/86 WS 2,500 IBA+ 2,000 NAA 61.67±17.16 2.5
7/30/86 10/10/86 ws 2,500 89.33 ±9.04 4.5
7/31/86 10/15/86 WS 5,000 IBA + 1,000 NAA 40.00± 13.33 <2.0
7/30/86 10/10/86 ws 5,000 90.67 ±5.33 4.5
7/31/86 10/15/86 WS 5,000 IBA+ 2,000 NAA 65.00± 14.34 2.5
9/25/86 11/10/86 ws Control 58.67 ±15.43 2.5
9/25/86 11/10/86 ws 2,500 98.67 ±2.67 4.0 z<2:Unacceptable, 2:Inferior, 3:Good-Acceptable, 4:Very Good, 5:Excel-
9/25/86 11/10/86 ws 5,000 88.00 ±11.47 3.5 lent
11/25/86 2/23/87 ws Control 97.33 ±5.33 4.5 yWS = White Springs
11/25/86 2/23/87 ws 2,500 100.00 ±0.00 5.0
11/25/86 2/23/87 ws 5,000 100.00 ±0.00 5.0
Presence of actively photosynthesizing leaves and fee
ble development of woody tissue, in concert with genetic
z<2: Unacceptable, 2:Inferior, 3:Good-Acceptable, 4:Very Good, 5:Ex-
cellent potential for initiation of root primordia are most likely
y\VS = White Springs responsible for rapid root emergence. As is the case with
most plants, the lowest rooting occurs during the flowering
est at this time (mid-April to May) because levels of en season (April through June). In contrast, the highest root
dogenous auxins are high. These become exhausted once ing occurred during a period of least active growth when
again by the expanding leaves. During the summer the food reserve and endogenous auxins are at a peak.
months, however, both auxins and carbohydrates are re Magnolia virginiana — Vegetative and seed propagation
plenished, hence the rise in rooting. This hypothesis is sup of magnolias are known to be difficult. As indicated in
ported by Spellerberg's (11) study in which the best rooting Tables 3 and 4, the effect of time of year when cuttings
of A. palmatum Thunb. 'Atropurpureum' was obtained are taken is paramount on their rooting capacity. The
when plants were forced into active growth prior to taking highest rooting occurred in July (65%), when cuttings were
cuttings. Similarly, Chalupa (1) had a high rooting percent treated with 5,000 ppm IBA, followed by 2,000 ppm NAA,
age of A. pseudoplatanus L. when cuttings were taken from each for 5 seconds (Table 4). Cuttings treated with IBA
plants which were young or treated with GA3 (a growth alone had 38% rooting (Table 4). The potential for root
stimulator). initiation is indicated in the control where 18.33% of the
Gordonia lasianthus — Perhaps one of the most attrac cuttings also rooted. In contrast, none of the trials during
tive native evergreen trees, this species is surprisingly easy winter months were successful. Although for commercial
to propagate. Table 2 gives the rooting percentages for production purposes 65% rooting is considered acceptable,
this plant throughout the year. Auxin treatments were more research with species of Magnolia is needed to deter
generally necessary for rapid root initiation and develop mine, with greater precision, the best time of year and
ment of greater number of roots. Most cuttings rooted appropriate treatments for promotion of root initiation
within the first two weeks when dipped in IBA, but un and elongation. It is interesting to note that the cuttings
treated cuttings rooted much later, although little or no for this experiment were taken from large mature trees.
effect was observed on root quality. Some inhibition was Accordingly, these results somewhat contradict the asser
apparent with 5000 ppm IBA. These results agree with tion by Dirr and Heuser (1987), that cuttings from mature
high rooting percentages reported by Dirr and Heuser (4). trees are not easily rooted.
Styrax americana — A very attractive but infrequently
used plant, storax can be propagated without difficulty
Table 3. The effect of time of year and IBA on rooting of Magnolia throughout the year (Table 5). The number of cuttings
virginiana L. cuttings.
that root insignificantly decrease in late fall and winter
months. Application of IBA was most effective in March
Date Date Collection Treatment Mean % Root
stuck rated site (ppm) rooting condition2 and to some extent in October, indicating a low supply of
endogenous auxins during active growth and flowering.
3/5/87 4/12/87 WSy Control 0.00 ±0.00 <2.0 The best root quality was found later in the season, from
3/5/87 4/12/87 WS 2,500 9.33 ±9.04 <2.0
April to July. These results agree with Dirr's findings (4).
3/5/87 4/12/87 ws 5,000 5.33 ±10.67 <2.0
The unexpected success of this species is somewhat sur
6/11/86 7/28/86 ws Control 2.67 ±3.27 <2.0
6/11/86 7/28/86 ws 2,500 33.33 ± 11.93 <2.0 prising. At least superficially, the woodiness of the stem
6/11/86 7/28/86 ws 5,000 34.67 ±19.50 <2.0 and the coriaceous leaves give the false impression of a
9/25/86 12/29/86 ws Control 0.00 ±0.00 <2.0 difficult to root plant. In fact even flowering has little ef
9/25/86 12/29/86 ws 2,500 28.00 ±20.40 <2.0 fect on its rooting capacity. According to Dirr and Heuser
9/25/86 12/29/86 ws 5,000 14.67 ±10.67 <2.0 (4), seeds also can be germinated without difficulty after
three months of stratification.
z<2:Unacceptable, 2:Inferior, 3:Good-Acceptable, 4:Very Good, 5:Excel-
lent All four species discussed in this paper are primarily
yWS = White Springs adapted to wet sites. They are also frequently seen in sea-

Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 101: 1988. 295

Table 5. The effect of time of year and IBA on rooting ofStyrax americana growing without irrigation on a phosphate mine site in
Lam. cuttings.
Bartow, Florida.

Col Root
Date Date lection Treatment Mean % condi Literature Cited
stuck rated site (ppm) rooting tion7
1. Chalupa, V. 1982. Vegetative propagation of broad-leaved trees by
3/27/86 5/6/86 FCMy Control 53.33± 18.86 <2.0 cuttings. Lesnictivi (Prague) 28:21-30.
3/27/86 5/6/86 FCM 2,500 68.00± 20.83 2.0 2. Curtis, B. 1981. Magnolia propagation. Inter. Plant Prop. Soc. Proc.
3/27/86 5/6/86 FCM 5,000 81.33±11.47 2.5 31:619-620.

4/23/87
3. Dirr, M. A. 1986. Successful cutting propagation, overwintering and
6/2/87 FCM Control 90.67 ±15.55 3.5
4/23/87 6/2/87
containerization of Magnolia grandiflora L. 'Bracken's Brown Beauty'.
FCM 2,500 85.33± 15.43 4.0
Proc. S.N.A. Res. Conf. 31:200-203.
4/23/87 6/2/87 FCM 5,000 84.00 ± 11.62 3.0
4. Dirr, M. A. and C. W. Heuser, Jr. 1987. The Reference Manual of
5/8/86 7/10/86 FCM Control 84.00 ±11.62 3.0 Woody Plant Propagation. Varsity Press, Inc. Athens, Georgia.
5/8/86 7/10/86 FCM 2,500 80.00 ±23.85 3.5 5. Dirr, M. A. and B. Brinson. 1985. Magnolia grandiflora: A propaga
5/8/86 7/10/86 FCM 5,000 90.67 ±6.80 4.0 tion guide. American Nurseryman 162:38-50.
7/21/86 10/8/86 FCM Control 81.33± 14.85 3.5 6. Elias, T. S. 1980. The Complete Trees of North America. Van Nos-
7/21/86 10/8/86 FCM 2,500 77.33 ±20.48 3.5 trand Reinhold Company. New York.
7/21/86 10/8/86 FCM 5,000 73.33 ±27.00 3.0 7. Fenicchia, R. D. 1978. Propagation of magnolias by softwood cut
10/27/86 2/20/87
tings. Inter. Plant Prop. Soc. Proc. 28:570-571.
FCM Control 26.67 ±11.93 <2.0
10/27/86 2/20/87 FCM
8. Kling, G. J. and M. M. Meyer. 1983. Effect of phenolic compounds
2,500 62.67 ±18.67 2.0
10/27/86 2/20/87 FCM
and IAA on adventitious root initiation in cuttings of Phaseolus aureus,
5,000 62.67 ±9.04 2.0
Acer saccarinum, and Acer griseum. HortScience 18:352-354.
9. Maynard, B. K. and N. L. Bassuk. 1987. Stock plant etiolation and
x<2:Unacceptable, 2:Inferior, 3:Good-Acceptable, 4:Very Good, 5:Excel
lent blanching of woody plants prior to cutting propagation. J. Amer.
Soc. Hon. Sci. 112:273-276.
yFCM = Four Corners Mine
10. Perry, F. B. and H. M. Vines. 1972. Propagation of Magnolia grandif
lora (L.) cuttings as related to age and growth regulators. J. Amer.
sonally dry or well-drained areas. Such wide tolerance of Soc. Hort. Sci. 97:753-756.
varying habitats is not unusual for Florida native plants 11. Spellerberg, B. 1986. Improved propagation of difficult-to-root de
and, is in fact of common occurrence. However, the notion ciduous ornamental shrubs. II. Effect of date of sticking and growth
stimulating treatments on bud burst and overwintering of rooted
that native plants thrive with little or no care must be dis
cuttings. Gartenbauwissenchaft 51:159-165.
carded. All plants require some initial care regardless of 12. Struve, D. K. and M. A. Arnold. 1986. Aryl esters of IBA increase
their origin and must be irrigated when planted in the rooted cutting quality of red maple. HortScience 21:1329-1393.
landscape. Nevertheless, all species mentioned here are

Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 101:296-298. 1988.

PROPAGATION OF WEST INDIES, HONDURAN AND HYBRID MAHOGANIES

BY CUTTINGS, COMPARED WITH SEED PROPAGATION
F. W. Howard, S. D. Verkade
tings will be useful for clonal propagation and as a research
and J. D. DeFilippis
tool for tree improvement.
IFAS, University of Florida
3205 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 West Indies mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni (L.). Jac
quin) (Meliaceae) is native to southern Florida, the
Bahamas and the Greater Antilles except Puerto Rico.
Additional key words. Swietenia, Meliaceae, vegetative prop
Originally the source of the premier cabinetwood, West
agation, tree improvement.
Indies mahogany has been largely replaced in world
timber trade by Honduran mahogany (S. macrophylla King)
Abstract. Propagation of mahoganies by cuttings is reported.
(4). West Indies mahogany remains an important shade
The inclusion of older growth in the cuttings was apparently
tree in southern Florida (5) and many places in the tropics
important in obtaining successful root production. Success
and has excellent qualities for reforestation of certain sites
rates were 67.7% for West Indies mahogany {Swietenia
in the Caribbean (4). Mahoganies are susceptible to a
mahagoni (L.) Jacquin), 33.3% for Honduran mahogany
number of insect pests (4,5) and we wish to investigate
(5. macrophylla King) and 5.6% for a 5. macrophylla X 5.
cultivar selection as a possible means of managing these
mahagoni hybrid. The survival and growth of cuttings potted
pests. A vegetative propagation technique for mahoganies
in a soil medium was satisfactory. However, for both species
is needed for this line of research. A great deal of informa
seed propagation was far easier and the percentage of seed
tion is available concerning seed propagation of
germination was higher than the percentage of cuttings that
mahoganies (1). Vegetative propagation of mahoganies has
rooted. West Indies mahogany seedlings grew faster than cut
been reported only by Chinte (2), who stated that 17-36%
tings. Seed propagation remains the preferred method for
of his cuttings of Honduran mahoganies survived after
nursery production of mahoganies, while propagation by cut-
2J/2 months, but gave no information on his methods.
We recently reported that through trial and error we
Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 9448. had found a method of propagating West Indies

296 Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 101: 1988.