Clonal propagation of scented geraniums using leaf/petiole cuttings

Understanding the cultural and propagation requirements of scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) may have an impact on the highly sought-after oil which has annual global market demand of about 400 tons per year. Ten cultivars of scented geraniums (Pelargonium sp.) were propagated from individual leaves with their attached petiole and grown under greenhouse conditions to determine their ability to produce both adventitious roots and shoots. This study was conducted for 62 days using 20 replicates per cultivar and assessed the differences in root and shoot production among the different cultivars. Leaves within each cultivar were selected from a stock plant where the leaves on each cultivar were fully expanded, of similar size, and the petioles of similar length. The petioles of each propagule were treated with Hormodin 1® auxin rooting powder and grown in an a standardized rooting medium of 1:1 perlite:vermiculite. When using a leaf/petiole cutting, the cultivar \u27Concolor Lace\u27 produced the most shoots while the cultivar, \u27Orange\u27 produced the most roots. The cultivars ‘Lemon’ and ‘Strawberry’ were least effective when using a leaf/petiole cutting as they produced neither roots nor shoots