Propagation techniques for three Mediterranean native shrubs with potentential as ornamental outdoor plants

Abstract

Grande are three Mediterranean shrubs with interesting ornamental features. The exploitation of wild plants for ornamental purposes implies knowledge on the factors influencing the propagation methods. To study the influence of temperature on germination, seeds of Teucrium flavum, Prasium majus and Micromeria fruticulosa were germinated in incubators at constant temperatures of 14, 20, 24 and 28°C. Highest germination, 45 % and 86%, occurred at 20°C in Teucrium flavum and Prasium majus, respectively. Micromeria fruticulosa seeds subjected at 24 or 28°C had a germination percentage significantly higher than at 20 or 14°C. To study the influence of auxin treatments on vegetative propagation, cuttings of each species were either dipped in a 500 ppm 1H-indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) solution or not treated (control). Rooting percentage and root number of the three species were strongly affected by IBA treatments.