Application of Actiwave® for Improving the Rooting of Camellia Cuttings

Biostimulants are generally able to improve mineral use efficiency, enhance plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and stimulate some physiological processes related to development. In our studies, Actiwave® was tested in floricultural crops such as Camellia japonica L. to speed up growth reducing the nursery. The experiments were performed on flowering camellia, using non-rooted cuttings treated with Actiwave® (Valagro Spa) and gibberillic acid (GA3). The Actiwave was applied providing 0.015 or 0.03 ml per cutting, while the GA3 was applied 1.25 or 2.5 mg per cutting. Treatments were repeated each month with eight applications in total. The biostimulant was distributed on the substrate with a volume of 100 ml. The GA3 instead was nebulized on the leaves and on the substrate of each cutting. Rooting was monitored during the whole experimental period. The measurements of fresh and dry weight were taken after 127 days. Results showed that both Actiwave® and GA3 stimulated the rooting compared with control. The two concentrations of Actiwave® had the same effect, with an average fresh root mass of 0.5 g. The treatment with GA3 was observed for a dose-effect response. The differences in dry weight were observed only on roots, and values were significantly higher in the treatments compared to the control.