Cutting propagation of Victorian smoke-bush, Conospermum mitchellii (Proteaceae)

Rooting and death of vegetative tip cuttings of Victorian smoke-bush, Conos permum mitchellii Meisn., taken from softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood m aterial, were examined using formulations of auxins (IBA and NAA) at three air temperatures (20 degrees C/16 degrees C, 25 degrees C/20 degrees C and 28 degrees C/23 degrees C; day/night). This species was found easy to propa gate, particularly if softwood material is used or cuttings are treated wit h an IBA-based formulation. Formulations containing NAA should be avoided a s they result in few rooted cuttings and a high incidence of cutting death. Air temperature had no significant impact on rooting under conditions of h igh relative humidity and root-zone heating.