Vegetative Propagation of Chinese Pistache

Abstract

Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis, Bunge.) is a commonly recommended ornamental shade tree in the nursery andl landscape industry. Currently, Chinese pistache trees are propagated commercially from seed, resulting in highly variable branch habit and fall color. Mature Chinese pistache, have proven difficult to root, graft, or bud successfully. This study was initiated to investigate the effect of various timing, auxin, bottom heat, and bud position treatments on root formation of cuttings. It also investigated the potential of mound layering and tissue culture as alternative vegetative propagation methods for producing genetically identical clones of superior mature Chinese pistache trees.