Propagation of American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch.)

Abstract

American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch) is an underutilized ornamental landscape tree with limited species improvement partially as a result of a lack of a clonal propagation protocol and its slower growth rate as compared to other commercially produced trees such as maple (Acer spp.) and ash (Fraxinus spp.). A recent decline in ash and the potential decline in maple have increased American Hophornbeam's importance. Currently, American Hophornbeam is seed propagated (sexual), with no clonal propagation (asexual) reported within the species. The objective of this research was to reduce the precise germination requirements of seed propagation as well as developing clonal propagation methods for commercial production. Seed treatments were examined to determine if precise stratification requirements could be simplified. Results indicated that scarification eliminated the precise stratification requirements for seed germination. Asexual propagation was successful with respect to tissue culture (micropropagation and organogenesis) but not with rooting cuttings.