A Study on Clonal Propagation by Cutting of Native Boxwood Species Buxus balearica

The aim of the study was to determine the reproductive parameters of the endangered Buxus balearica species, which is naturally distributed in Türkiye, under in vivo conditions. The effect of 0, 2000, 4000, and 8000 ppm doses of indole acetic acid (IAA) and indole butyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of semi-wood cuttings of B. balearica was investigated. As a result, it was the 4000 ppm IAA application that increased the root length (5.4 cm) and root width (5.6 cm) the most compared to the control. In both hormone applications, 8000 ppm was the most effective application on root number (6 per plant) and root quality (3.1 and 3.0). In addition, the most effective application on shoot length (1.8 cm) and the number of leaves on the shoot (7.5 per shoot) was found to be 8000 ppm IBA application. Regarding the callus rate, 4000 ppm (21%) was the most effective application in both hormone applications. In terms of rooting rate, 8000 ppm IBA provided a 98.5% higher rooting rate compared to the control. Although hormone applications had different effects on root morphologies, IBA showed a better performance than IAA on rooting rate. Additionally, phytohormone applications had a positive effect on rooting. The data obtained can be used to propagate existing boxwoods in landscape areas and for the rehabilitation of disappearing forests.