ASHS 2025 Conference

Improving stem cutting propagation of grapevine species holds immense importance with the growing interest in grapevine cultivation in the region. Propagating these plants from stem cuttings can be a challenging endeavor. As a result, this research initiative seeks to address this issue by exploring methods to enhance the success rate of stem cutting propagation. By developing more efficient and reliable techniques, nurseries can increase their ability to supply grapevines to local growers, which not only expands the availability of grapevines in the market but also plays a pivotal role in bolstering the wine industry in Mississippi. By facilitating the growth of this industry, improved grapevine propagation methods contribute to economic development, agricultural diversification, and ultimately benefiting the local economy and wine enthusiasts. Hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings of four bunch grape varieties: ‘Miss Blanc’, ‘MidSouth’, ‘Norton’ and ‘Mamont Noir’ were subjected to 10 hormone treatments of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) alone and in combination with ascorbic acid. These treatments were applied as a basal quick dip. Sixty days after treatment, rooting percentage, growth index (new shoots), cutting quality (0-5, with 0 = dead and 5 = transplant-ready cutting), total root number, average root length (of three longest roots), and root quality (0-5, with 0=no roots and 5=healthy, vigorous root system) data were collected. Of the four varieties trialed, ‘Miss Blanc’ performed the best with the greatest rooting percentage of 95% as a hardwood cutting and ‘Mamont Noir’ performed the best as a semi-hardwood cutting with the greatest rooting percentage of 100%. ‘MidSouth’ and ‘Norton’ will both require further research to assess the best rooting option for these varieties.