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stem also has the flowering parts (Kay and Chadde 1992). By cutting it off, energy is also <br />redirected to the root and branch primordia in the older parts of stem. <br />* Trim off all side branches so cutting is a single stem. <br />* A processing consideration is to cut the top of cutting with a horizontal cut and bottom of <br />cutting with a 45 degree cut. This allows quick recognition of cutting top (see also Sealing <br />Harvested Cuttings). <br />* Care should be taken to select materials free of splitting, disease, and insect damage. <br />Painting Harvested Cuttings <br />One of the most important steps in this process is the identification of the TOP of the cutting. If cutting is <br />planted upside down, significant mortality can occur. To identify which end is the top of cutting, look at <br />the leaf scar and emerging buds. Buds emerging from leaf scar always point up. In addition, the stem is <br />usually smaller diameter near top of cutting, but this is not always obvious. The leaf scars are the most <br />reliable key. <br />When the top of cutting has been identified, it can be painted. Dipping the TOP 1-2 inches of cutting into <br />a 50:50 percent mix of light colored latex paint and water, does a number of things. Perhaps the best <br />reason for painting the top of cuttings is it helps inexperienced planting crews plant cuttings properly, <br />with the top up! It also helps locate the cuttings more easily for future planting evaluations. It may also <br />prevent excessive transpiration of water from cutting (the literature is mixed on this point, but Aberdeen <br />Plant Materials Center research shows a higher establishment rate can be expected) This technique is <br />inexpensive, easy, and effective. <br />Storage <br />The preferred timing for harvesting willow and cottonwood cuttings is when they are dormant. To <br />minimize storage time, harvest cuttings in late winter to early spring and plant immediately when <br />possible. If this is not possible, cuttings can be harvested in late fall or winter and stored in a large cooler <br />at 33-407 until just before planting. Cuttings can be stored for 3-4 months in a cooler. In Illinois, <br />cuttings are stacked outside and covered with snow until they are planted in the spring (personal <br />communication, D. Roseboom, Illinois State Water Survey, 1993). Whether cuttings are kept in a cooler, <br />root cellar, garage, or shop floor, make sure the storage area is dark, moist, and cool at all times. If <br />13 <br />