DA-15-00001 Palomino Fields Master File

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cuttings are stored at higher temperatures, a fungicide should be applied to prevent damage caused by pathogens or saprophytes (personal communication, D. Darris, Corvallis PMC, 1993). Treatment of Cuttings Testing at Aberdeen PMC using fertilization, treatments with rooting hormone, or treatments with a fungicide have not significantly affected the rooting or establishment of willow and cottonwood et al. 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988; Ogle 1990). Many willows and cottonwoods are very easy to root without special treatment. These treatments increase cost, labor requirements, and time necessary to plant without significantly increasing survival. Pre -plant Soaking of Cuttings 001, 450 Soaking the cuttings prior to planting will increased survival in addition to root and shoot production. Pre-soaking improves stem water content and early root and shoot initiation (Phipps et al 1983; Schaff et al 2002). Phipps et al (1983) indicated that pre-soaking in water is beneficial under hot, dry conditions that induce high moisture stress. The increased water content from pre-soaking allows the cuttings to cope with planting in dry conditions by delaying desiccation and loss of cell turgor (Schaff et al 2002). Pre- soaking that results in early root and shoot fon-nation can also extend the growing period during the establishment year, which is important when establishing plants in colder climates (Phipps et al 1983). Soaking is important because it initiates root growth processes within the inner layer of bark in willows and cottonwoods. Prior to planting, all cuttings should be soaked for a minimum of 24 hours (Hoag 1991; Hoag et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992). Some research recommends soaking the cuttings for as long as 10-14 days (Briggs and Munda 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988). The main criterion is that cuttings should be removed from water prior to root emergence from the bark. This normally takes 14 days or longer depending upon species (Peterson and Phipps 1976). The entire cutting should be covered with water. Any part of cutting that is exposed will start sprouting as the soaking date comes closer to bud break. Soaking can be accomplished in a garbage can, irrigation ditch, stream, pond, lake, or other body of water that is deep enough as long as the cuttings are protected from sun and wind exposure during the soaking process. Soaking significantly increases the survival rate of the cuttings (Briggs and Munda 1992; Fenchel et al. 1988; Hoag 1991; Hoag et al. 1991; Hoag et al. 1992; Peterson and Phipps 1976). Spacing Considerations 14