Angela Carlson

http://www.wsu.edu/~ibarclay/eucintro.html#grow

Abstract

Eucalyptus can be propagated in a variety of ways.Propagation by seeds is most common; grafting and micropropagation are also used.Cuttings are difficult to start, but can be used in some species.

Introduction

Eucalyptus is native of Australia.The name “eucalyptus” is derived from the Greek "eu" meaning well and "kalyptos" meaning covered. The Greek "Eu kalyptos" refers to the flower buds of the species which

are covered with a cup-like membrane structure with a hard lid that is thrown off as the flower expands. The fruit is covered by a woody conical cup shaped skin and contains many minute seeds (http://users.netaccess.co.nz/ambleside/eucalypt.html).

Over two-thirds of Australia’s vegetation is eucalyptus.The genus Eucalyptus is of the family Myrtaceae, and it has over 700 species.Eucalyptus has been known to help control aphids and other insects.It will grow rapidly even in poor soil conditions.It is most commonly known for its use in cut flower arrangements (“How to Grow a Eucalyptus: Get it in the Ground as Soon as Possible!”).

Eucalyptus can be propagated using a variety of methods.Among them are seeds, grafting, micropropagation, and cuttings.

Methods of Propagation

Seeds

This is the most preferable method that is used. It is mostly done in the spring when the capsules are mature and just about ready to open. Seeds are able to germinate immediately because no dormancy conditions occur. Any seeds that are not sown immediately should be stored at 35-40°F (“Growing Eucalyptus From Seed”).
Some of the seeds may require stratification for two months at 4°C (Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices).
The seeds are usually planted in flats of pasteurized soil and placed in a shady location or covered with white plastic. From there they are transplanted into small pots and later moved into a lined-out nursery row. The seeds may be sown directly into containers in which the seedlings are grown (Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices).

Grafting

oA side-wedge method is used most successfully.The seedling rootstocks are grown in containers and placed under very high humidity conditions.Using scions that have been girdled for at least a month will increase the success of the graft (Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices).

Micropropagation

oEven with mature plant tissue this is done routinely (Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices).

Cuttings

oMost species are difficult to start from cuttings; however, there are some that can obtain good rooting. Treatments such as 4000ppm IBA + 4000ppm NAA are used with mist and bottom heat for some species.Others respond best to four-node cuttings treated with IBA.In this case leaf retention is important, so older shoots should not be used.Rooting is best when cuttings are taken from rapidly growing stock plants (Plant Propagation: Principles and Procedures).

Future Work Needed

Future work should probably be pursued in cutting propagation to find more species that are found that can obtain good rooting.

References

“Growing Eucalyptus From Seed.”13.Online.4 May 2001.

Hartmann, Hudson T.; Kester, Dale E.; Davies, Fred T. Jr.; and Geneve, Robert L.Plant Propagation:

Principles and Procedures.6^th ed.New Jersey: Simon and Schuster, 1997.

“How to Grow a Eucalyptus: Get it in the Ground as Soon as Possible!”Eucalyptus Introduction and

Cultural Information.26.Online.4 May 2001.

“Propagation and Establishment of Eucalyptus.”Eucalyptus Propagation and Growing.5.Online.

4 May 2001

http://users.netaccess.co.nz/ambleside/eucprop.htmlhttp://users.netaccess.co.nz/ambleside/eucprop.html