ROOTING HERBACEOUS CUTTINGS OF GENISTA-MONOSPERMA LAM - SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN PHENOLS AFFECTING ROOTING ABILITY

Genista monosperma Lam. can be propagated by herbaceous cuttings, but seasonal fluctuations in rooting ability can be observed. These appear to be correlated with the ratio of two main endogenous phenols, 3-hydroxymandelic acid and luteolin-7-0-glucoside, accumulating in the tissues, the first acting as an inhibitor and the second as a promoter of adventive rhizogenesis. Their biological activity has been tested and evaluated on G. monosperma in vitro micropropagated explants. The inhibitory effect on rooting of 3-hydroxymandelic acid accumulation in cutting basal tissues can be lessened by a soaking treatment with distilled water, applied to the basal part of the cuttings before planting in rooting benches.