Pistikuteks

Pistikuteks refers to plant fragments taken from a donor plant that are used to propagate new individuals vegetatively. Cuttings can originate from stems, roots or leaves and are intended to develop roots or shoots to form a genetically identical clone of the parent plant. This method is widely used in horticulture to preserve desirable traits such as flower color, fruit quality or growth habit.

Types of cuttings commonly used include stem cuttings (green, semi-hardwood and hardwood varieties), leaf cuttings, root cuttings and heel cuttings, as well as layered cuttings in some cases. The choice depends on the species, season and the desired propagation rate. Stem cuttings are the most common and are often prepared by selecting healthy, non-flowering shoots and trimming them to lengths typically ranging from 5 to 15 centimeters, with several nodes.

Preparation involves using clean, sharp tools and removing lower leaves to reduce water loss. Many propagators apply rooting hormone to the cut end to enhance root initiation. The cuttings are placed in a well-draining, sterile medium such as a peat-based mix, perlite or sand, and kept in a humidity-controlled environment. Temperature and light conditions vary by species but steady moisture and adequate light are generally important for successful rooting.

Advantages of pistikuteks include rapid propagation of true-to-type plants, preservation of cultivar characteristics and the ability to produce many new plants from a single donor. Limitations include variable rooting success among species, potential transmission of disease, and the need for careful monitoring of moisture and environment. Commonly propagated plants include roses, grapes, berries and many houseplants. See also vegetative propagation and rooting hormone use.