Optimization of factors affecting the rooting of pine wilt disease resistant Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) stem cuttings

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 10;16(9):e0251937. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251937. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a devastating disease affecting trees belonging to the genus Pinus. To control the spread of PWD in the Masson pine forest in China, PWD resistant Masson pine clones have been selected by the Anhui Academy of Forestry. However, because Masson pine is a difficult-to-root species, producing seedlings is challenging, especially from trees older than 5 years of age, which impedes the application of PWD resistant clones. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting rooting of PWD resistant clones and established a cheap, reliable, and simple method that promotes rooting. We tested the effects of three management methods, four substrates, two cutting materials, two cutting treatments, and three collection times on the rooting of cuttings obtained from 9-year-old PWD resistant clones. Rooting was observed only in stem cuttings treated with the full-light automatic spray management method. Additionally, stem cuttings showed a significantly higher rooting rate and root quality than needles cuttings. Compared with other substrates, stem cuttings planted in perlite produced the longest adventitious root and the highest total root length and lateral root number. Moreover, stem cuttings of PWD resistant clones collected in May showed a significantly higher rooting rate and root quality than those collected in June and July. Moreover, stem cuttings prepared with a horizontal cut while retaining the needles showed significantly higher rooting rate and root quality than those prepared with a diagonal cut while partly removing the needles. This study promotes the reproduction of seedlings of PWD-resistant Masson pine clones which helps control the spread of PWD, meanwhile, provides a technical reference for the propagation of mature pine trees via cuttings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture / instrumentation
  • Agriculture / methods*
  • Disease Resistance*
  • Pinus / growth & development*
  • Pinus / microbiology
  • Plant Breeding
  • Plant Proteins
  • Plant Roots / growth & development*
  • Plant Roots / microbiology
  • Plant Stems / growth & development
  • Plant Stems / microbiology
  • Seasons
  • Selective Breeding

Substances

  • Plant Proteins

Grants and funding

Xu L. [2017YFD0600301] National Key Research and Development Program of China https://service.most.gov.cn/index/ The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Xu L. [No. T000522] Fifth Batch of "Special Support Plan" of Anhui Province http://www.ahxf.gov.cn/ The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.