Aspects regarding the propagation of Thuja occidentalis ’Columna’ using

different rooting substrates

Abstract. Ornamental trees planted inside the urban places: in gardens or in parks, around the
buildings play an important role in ecology of human habitats. One of the most frecvently used
ornamental conifer in Romania is Thuja occidentalis ’Columna’, because it can be used in a wide
variety of urban landscapes. This paper adresses the study of propagation of Thuja occidentalis
’Columna’ using differente categories of rooting substrates. Choosing the ideal proportion and
composition of rooting substrate is crucial in the propagation of Thuja occidentalis ’Columna’.
Experiments were placed in the „Mihai Viteazu” Nursery Garden from Turda, in spring 2013. Types
and mixtures of rooting substrate used in the experiment are: 100% peat (V1); 100% sand (V2); 50%
peat + 50% perlite (V3); 50% peat +50% sand (V4); 50% sand + 50% perlite (V5). Peat is used to
improve the rooting substrate structure and to increase water retention. The sand drains quickly and
retains minerals efficiently. Horticultural perlite due to its porous structure has the ability to absorb
water and then releasing it over a long time. In order to obtain more meaningful results we planted 450
cuttings, 90 in each substrate type. Statistical analysis of the influence of rooting substrate on the
number of roots per cuttings shows significantly positive differences in substrate V5. Final results
indicate that V5 substrate is the best in production by cuttings of Thuja occidentalis ’Columna’.
Compared to the mean of experiment considered control the best V5 rooting substrate provided 100%
rooting and 10.7 average numbers of roots per cuttings, with an average length 5.7 cm per cuttings
after 18 weeks.

Keywords: cuttings, Thuja occidentalis ’Columna’, rooting substrate, average root number,
average root length

INTRODUCTION

Ornamental trees planted inside the urban places: in gardens or in parks, around the
buildings play an important role in ecology of human habitats. One of the most frequently
used ornamental conifer of Cupressaceae family is Thuja occidenatalis ’Columna’ in
Romania, because it can be used in a wide variety of urban landscapes.
Thuja occidentalis ’Columna’ is an ornamental cultivar of Thuja occidentalis
specie, cataloged and described by Spaeth in 1904 and 1905 (Den Ouden and Boom, 1965).
Thuja occidentalis ’Columna’ can reach a height up to 4-5 m, the shoots and leaves are
smaller than the variety 'Compacta pyramidalis' has. Compared to other columnar forms like
'Fastigiata' or 'Pyramidalis Compacta' is the most recommended for vegetative propagation
(Den Ouden and Boom, 1965).
Other traits of 'Columna' cultivar are identical with the traits of original species, it
has a linear trunk, the bark has a brown-reddish color and peel into strips, the shoots are
compressed and has a dark green color on dorsal surface and pale green color on ventral
surface. The scale-like leaves encompass the shoots, the flowers are unisexual and
monoecious, the cones are small, 1-1.5 cm long, narrow and ovoid with overlapping scales.
The small and flat seeds has wings on both side, two seeds are situated on the armpit of a
scale (Stănescu, 1979; Curtu and Șofletea, 2007).
Generative reproduction through seeds does not ensure faithful transmission of
ornamental traits always (Ragonezi et al., 2010), some varieties and forms of Thuja
occidentalis (Fastigiata, Piramidalis, Globosa) fructify rarely, others tend to escape through
generative reproduction (Negruţiu, 1980). Vegetative propagation by cuttings, remove all
these shortcomings and is far the cheapest solution to produce ornamental seedlings
(Ragonezi et al., 2010).
This paper addresses the study of propagation of Thuja occidenatalis
’Columna’ using different rooting substrates. Choosing the ideal proportion and composition
of rooting substrate is crucial in the propagation of Thuja occidenatalis ’Columna’. Some
studies addressed the propagation of Thuja occidentalis and varieties (Florincescu et al.,
1997; Griffin et al., 1998; Davidescu et al., 2003; Stan, 2008; Vlad et al., 2008a; Iglesias Díaz
et al., 2009; Ciubotaru and Roscha 2011), but little has been reported on propagation of
'Columna' cultivar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were placed in „Mihai Viteazul” Nursery Garden in Production Unit VIII
belonging to Turda Forestry Department. The experiment was set in a modern Rovero
greenhouse on 480 m2, with double polyethylene coating and with a 75 kW heating system.
The „Mihai Viteazul” Nursery Garden annually producing about 70 000 rooted cuttings.
Experiment started in 30 January 2013 and was finished in 4 June 2013 and it took 126 days
(18 week). Due to market demands, columnar form being one of the most popular, that is the
reason why we started to study the 'Columna' variety of the arborvitae Thuja occidentalis.
Nowaday Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' is quite common and widespread in Transylvania.
Cuttings were taken from young parent plants in the field of nursery in winter dormant period
(Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Young parent plants of Thuja occidentalis 'Columna'

To study the effect of rooting substrate on rooting capacity of cuttings we used five
experimental rooting substrate (Tab. 1). Cuttings were planted in 10-11 cm height edaphic
layer in boxes with 56.5 x 36.5 cm size.

Tab. 1. Composition of rooting substrate

Rooting substrate Composition

Variant 1 (V1) 100% peat
Variant 2 (V2) 100% sand
Variant 3 (V3) 50% peat + 50% perlite
Variant 4 (V4) 50% peat +50% sand
Variant 5 (V5) 50% sand + 50% perlite
Peat is used in vegetative propagation to improve the substrate structure and to increase water
retention. The sand drains quickly and retains minerals efficiently. Horticultural perlite due to
its porous structure has the ability to absorb water and then releasing it over a long time (Cole
et al., 2002). In order to obtain more conclusive results we planted 450 cuttings, 90 cuttings
in the above described five rooting substrate with 4-4.5 cm distance between rows and 3.5 cm
distance between cuttings. During the rooting period, air temperature varied between 16-22
°C and substrate temperature varied between 18-20°C , and the humidity varied between 75-
90% in the air and 65-75% in the substrate. Light was directed by shading above the cuttings.
For the rooting of cuttings has not been used any rooting stimulants or soil fertilizer. The
rooting process was monitored in the 12th and 18th week and results were noted in the field
book. It was noted the number of rooted cuttings, the cuttings without roots and the number of
roots and their size. The measurements were carried out with the graduated scale and with
callipers, the accuracy is about 1 mm. Data were processed as mean values, calculating the
variability of mean root length and mean root number. Statistical analysis of variation was
performed, using DL test and the mean of the experience was considered as control.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Rooting percentage

The total number of rooted cuttings varied from one substrate to another. Rooting percentage
was 0 in the V4 substrate. We obtained a low rooting percentage (42.22%) of Thuja
occindentalis "Columna" cuttings in V1 and V3 substrates. The rooting percentage of the
cuttings in substrate V2 reached 92.22%, in V5 reached 100% (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. Rooting percentage of Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' cuttings in the rooting substrates

In our experiment rooting percentage was the highest in rooting substrate made of 50% sand +
50% perlite (V5) and in 100% sand (V2). In a previous study Thuja occidentalis cuttings had
90% rooting percentage in the substrate made from sand, and 93,3% in the perlite substrate
(Stan, 2008). Ciubotaru and Roscha (2011) compared the effects of different rooting
substrates (100% perlite, 50% peat + 50% perlite, 100% sphagnum) with vegetative
propagation of the cultivar Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’. The highest rooting percentage was
found in the case of 100% perlite rooting substrate. Vlad et al. (2008a) found that Thuja
occidentalis ‘Danica’ cuttings had a 89.3% rooting rate in a rooting substrate made of 50%
peat coal + 50% perlite, while in 100% sand substrate had a 58.6% rooting rate. Thuja
occidentalis 'Smaragd' cuttings with K-IBA 0.6% in talc powder reached 100% rooting
percentage in substrate peat:perlite (2:1) under low polytunnels greenhouse without misting
(Bielenin et al., 2003). The untreated Thuja occidentalis 'Fastigiata' cuttings has 82,7%
rooting percentage in the sand substrate, and 70,7% rooting percentage in the perlite rooting
substrate (Florincescu et al., 1997). Davidescu et al. (2003) found that propagation by
cuttings of Thuja occidentalis L. ‘Columna’ and Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ was best in peat
substrate. The rooting success of the Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’ cuttings ranged from 75% to
90% in substrates made of composts (100% compost) or in mixes with coarse sand and pine
bark compost (Iglesias-Díaz et al., 2008).
In the experiment carried out by Nouaim et al. (2002) with argan tree (Argania spinosa)
softwood cuttings,Terragreen substrates gave the highest level of rooting (33%), whereas it
was low on vermiculite (17%) and zero on ‘Oil dri’ siliceous substrate. According to a study
conducted by Ngo Mpeck (2009) sand substratate and 50:50 mixture of sand and sawdust had
significant effects on the rooting percentage of African whitewood (Annickia chlorantha)
leafy stem cuttings.

Influence of rooting substrate on average root number of Thuja occidentalis 'Columna'

cuttings

Rooting quality could be given by the average root number per cutting. In substrate V5 the
average number of roots per cuttings had the highest values both in the 12 th (5,3 average root
number) and 18th (10,7 average root number) week. Cuttings in V2 substrate had many roots
also. The rooting process of cuttings in V1 and V3 substrates after a good start in the 12 th
week, stopped to the 18th week (Tab. 2).
Statistical analysis of the influence of rooting substrate on the number of roots per cuttings
shows significant differences in V5 substrate. The influence of seedbed on rooted cuttings in
V4 substrate show a significantly distinctly low difference (Tab. 2).

Tab. 2. Influence of rooting substrate on average root number of Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' cuttings

No. Substrate type Averag ±d Sig CV% Averag ±d Sig CV%

e root nifi e root nifi
number can number can
in the ce in the ce
12th % 18th %
week week
1. V1 peat 3,0 115,4 0,4 - 57,7 5,0 89,3 -0,6 - 40,0
2. V2 sand 2,7 102,6 0,1 - 21,7 8,0 142,9 2,4 - 25,0
3. V3 peat+perlite 2,0 76,9 -0,6 - 50,0 4,3 77,4 -1,3 - 13,3
4. V4 peat+ sand 0,0 0,0 -2,6 o 0,0 0,0 0,0 -5,6 oo 0,0
5. V5 sand+perlite 5,3 205,1 2,7 * 28,6 10,7 190,5 5,1 ** 14,3
Mean of experiment - 31,6 18,52
(Control) 2,6 100,0 - 5,6 100,0 - -
DL 5% 2,3 DL 5% 2,9
DL 1% DL 1%
DL 3,3 DL 4,2
0,1% 5 0,1% 6,3

The average root number per cutting had different values for each studied rooting
substrate in the 12th week, resulting an average root number per cutting between 2 (V3
substrate) and 5.3 (V5 substrate). Compared with the experience average (2.6) considered
control, the average root number in rooting substrates V1, V2 and V5 showed higher mean
root numbers 3, 5.3, respectively 2.7. The coefficient of variability calculated for the average
root number per cuttings had superior values except V4 substrate. The mean CV% in the
experience was 31.6% and the extreme limits of CV% for the average root number ranged
between 0% (V4) and 57.7% (V1).
The average root number per cuttings in the 18th week was different in each studied
rooting substrate, resulting a variation between 4.3 (V3 substrate) and 10.7 (V5 substrate).
Compared with the experience average (5.6) considered control, the average root number in
rooting substrate V2 and V5, showed higher values 8 and 10,7. The coefficient of variability
calculated for the average root number per cutting showed high values except V4 substrate.
Mean CV% on experience was 18.52% and the extreme limits of CV% for the average root
number ranged between 0% (V4 substrate) and 40% (V1 substrate).
We concluded that rooting substrate composed of 50% sand + 50% perlite (V5)
positively influence the number of roots formed per Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' cuttings
(Fig. 3). In a previous study Ciubotaru and Roscha (2011) observed that the average root
number per Thuja occidentalis 'Danica' cuttings was positively influenced by rooting substrate
made of 50% peat + 50% perlite.

Fig. 3. Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' cuttings in substrate V5 in the 12th and 18th week of rooting
period.

Griffin et al. (1998) found that mean root number per cutting was 6 in the 6th week of
vegetative propagation of semi-hardwood Thuja L. x 'Green Giant' cuttings (hybrid of Thuja
plicata J. Donn ex D. Don x Thuja standishii (Gord.) Carriere). The average root number of
untreated Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ cuttings planted in January was 6,19 in 100% perlite
substrate, 7,6 in peat and perlite (1:1) substrate and 8,18 in 100% Sphagnum rooting sbstrate
(Ciubotaru and Roscha, 2011). Vlad et al. (2008b) found that mean number of roots per Thuja
orientalis 'Aurea' cuttings varied in the different rooting substrates: 7,2 in 100% perlite
substrate, 9,2 in 100% peat substrate and 11,8 in 50% peat + 50% perlite substrate after 150
days of rooting period.

Influence of rooting substrate on average root length of Thuja occidentalis 'Columna'

cuttings
The enhanced rooting capacity of cuttings mark out also from the length of roots of newly
formed plantlets. The root length varies according to developing period and depend on the
rooting substrate. The evolution of rooting process of Thuja occidentalis "Columna" cuttings
shows that those cuttings which had the longest roots in the 12 th week were not necessarily
have in the 18th week. In the 12th week cuttings of V1 and V3 substrate had the longest
average root length, 3 cm and 2.7 cm. In the 18th week cuttings in V3 and V5 had the longest
average root length, 7.6 cm and 5.7 cm (Tab. 3).
After analyzing the influence of rooting substrate on the root length of Thuja occidentalis
'Columna' cuttings, no significant difference was shown to the mean of experiment (Control).
Toward rooting substrate V4 was found as significantly distinct lower difference. Based on
the calculated coefficient of variability it can be stated that the root length variability is large,
except V4 substrate (Tab. 3).

Tab. 3. Influence of rooting substrate on average root length of Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' cuttings

No Substrate type Average ±d Sign CV% Average ±d Signifi CV%

root ifica root cance
length in nce length in
the 12th the 18th
week % week %
(cm) (cm)
1. V1 peat 3,0 167,9 1,2 - 33,3 4,5 103,5 0,2 - 11,1
2. V2 sand 1,5 84,0 -0,3 - 33,3 4,0 92,0 -0,3 - 43,3
3. V3 peat+perlite 2,7 149,3 0,9 - 47,2 7,6 174,1 3,2 - 37,9
4. V4 peat+ sand 0,0 0,0 -1,8 o 0,0 0,0 0,0 -4,3 o 0,0
5. V5 sand+perlite 1,8 98,9 0,0 - 38,5 5,7 130,4 1,3 - 27,0
Mean of experiment - 30,46 23,86
(Control) 1,8 100,0 - 4,3 100,0 - -
DL 5% 1,7 DL 5% 3,5
DL 1% 2,4 DL 1% 5,1
DL 0,1% 3,6 DL0,1% 7,6

Mean CV% in the 12th week was 30.46% and the extreme limits of CV% for average root
length ranged between 0% (V4 substrate) and 47.2% (V3 substrate). In the 18 th week the
average value of CV% was 23.86% and the extreme limits of CV% for average root length
ranged between 0% (V4 substrate) and 43.3% (V2 substrate).
We observed that in the case of Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' the four rooting substrate
(V1,V2,V3,V5) did not influenced the root length per cutting. In contrast we found that V4
rooting substrate influenced negatively the root length.
In our experiment the average root length per Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' cutting did
not show any significant differences between rooting substrates. According to Florincescu et
al. (1997) the untreated Thuja occidentalis 'Fastigiata' cuttings had 9,76 cm average root
length in sand substrate and 21,31 cm average root length in perlite substate after 130 days
from the planting. Chen et al. (2003) found that the total root length per cutting of Dwarf
Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola) after 21 days of sticking was significantly affected by
rooting substrates. According to the results of Danehloueipour et al. (2006), chickpea (Cicer
arietinum L.) cuttings in sand and potting mix substrate produced higher rooting rate (79.4%)
and root length (2.9 cm).

CONCLUSION
Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' are often used in urban landscape as ornamnetal conifer
in Transylvania and in other part of the country.
 In the vegetative production of Thuja occidentalis 'Columna' it is recommended to use
50% sand and 50% perlite rooting substrate (V5). This will bring to obtain in a relatively
short period of time many viable and healthy seedlings.
Final results indicate that V5 rooting substrate is the best in the production by cuttings
of Thuja occidentalis ’Columna’. Compared to the mean of experiment considered control the
best V5 rooting substrate provided 100% rooting and 10.7 average numbers of roots per
cuttings, with an average length 5.7 cm per cuttings after 18 weeks.

REFERENCES

1. Bielenin M (2003). Rooting and gas exchange of conifer cuttings treated with
indolebutyric acid. Journal of Fruit and Ornamental Plant Research 11:99-105.
2. Chen J, McConnell DB, Robinson CA, Caldwell RD, Huang Y (2003). Rooting
Foliage Plant Cuttings in Compost formulated Substrates. HortTechnology 13(1):110-114.
3. Ciubotaru A, Roshca I (2011). Vegetative propagation from cuttings of the cultivar
Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ in plant trays. Rev. Bot., Vol.III, Nr.3, 115-121.
4. Cole JC, Dunn DE (2002). Expanded Polystyrene as a Substitute for Perlite in Rooting
Substrate. J. Environ. Hort. 20(1):7–10.
5. Curtu L, Șofletea N (2007). Dendrologie II. Editura Universității Transilvania, Brașov
6. Danehloueipour N, Yan G, Clarke HJ, Siddique KHM (2006). Successful stem cutting
propagation of chickpea, its wild relatives and their interspecific hybrids. Australian Journal
of Experimental Agriculture, 46:1349–1354.
7. Den Ouden P, Boom BK (1965). Manual of cultivated conifers: hardy in the cold – and
warm – temperature zone. Editura Academică Kluwer, pagina 417
8. Florincescu A, Pui A, Nicoară A (1997). Cutting propagation in Thuja occidentalis
'Fastigiata' using rooting stimulators. Not. Bot. Hort. Agrobot. Cluj, XXVI-XXVII:57-63
9. Griffin JJ, Blazich FA, Ranney TG (1998). Propagation of Thuja x 'Green Giant' by
Stem Cuttings: Effects of Growth Stage, Type of Cutting, and IBA Treatment. J. Environ.
Hort. 16(4):212-214.
10. Negruţiu F (1980). Spaţii verzi, Editura didactică şi pedagogică. Bucureşti.
11. Ngo Mpeck ML, Atangana AR, Omgba AM (2009). Temporal variation in rooting of
Annickia chlorantha leafy stem cuttings. New Forests 38:273–283.
12. Nouaim R, Mangin G, Breuil MC, Chaussod R (2002). The argan tree (Argania
spinosa) in Morocco: Propagation by seeds, cuttings and in-vitro techniques. Agroforestry
Systems 54:71–81.
13. Ragonezi C, Klimaszewska K, Rui Castro M, Lima M, de Oliveira P, Zavattieri MA
(2010). Adventitious rooting of conifers: influence of physical and chemical factors. Trees
24:975–992.
14. Stan I (2008). The influence of the rooting substrate at 5 Gymnosperm species.
Bulletin UASVM, Agriculture 65(1):264-267
15. Stănescu V (1979). Dendrologie. Editura Didactică şi Pedagogică, Bucureşti
16. Vlad M, Vlad I, Mester DG (2008a). The influence of the substrate on striking roots at
the cuttings of Thuja occidentalis Danica. Bulletin UASVM, Horticulture 65(1): 494
17. Vlad M, Vlad I, Meşter I, Meşter D, Smit I (2008b). The influence of the subsoil layer
on the rooting of Thuja orientalis "Aurea" plants. Analele Universităţii din Oradea, Fascicula:
Protecţia Mediului, XIII:234-236.