Rooting microcuttings is the third phase of micropropagation. The objective for this stage is to develop roots on the base of the stem in a similar fashion to other types of stem cuttage.

Some microcuttings root easily when placed on a basal medium without hormones.

More difficult-to-root species are treated with auxin.

Photo of microcutting with roots.

Microcuttings can either be rooted in vitro or ex vitro.

In general, microcuttings rooted ex vitro have a more normal root system and acclimatize to a normal growing environment better than cuttings rooted in vitro.

However, the propagator has more control over the rooting environment in vitro and this method may fit their production scheme better.

Two photos showing examples of microcuttings rooted in vitro and ex vitro.

Microcuttings are inserted directly into the rooting substrate often using forceps to handle the small cuttings.

Photo of worker inserting microcuttings into rooting substrate.

Photo of trays of microcuttings inserted into rooting substrate.

At each work station the technicians have their rooting flats, a syringe bottle to spray microcuttings periodically to keep them from drying out.

Photo of technicians sticking microcuttings.

Technicians sticking microcuttings at a workstation.

Photo of microcuttings after the agar has been washed off.

Microcuttings after the agar has been washed off.

Photo of a worker sticking cuttings into rooting substrate.

Sticking microcuttings.




Click on the button below to see microcutting video.


Auxin can be applied to microcuttings prior to sticking.


Photo showing first of four steps in applying auxin before sticking.
Photo showing second of four steps in applying auxin before sticking.
Photo showing third of four steps in applying auxin before sticking.
Photo showing fourth of four steps in applying auxin before sticking.