Greek strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachne L.) genotypes propagation

Abstract

In the period 2014-2015 possibility of generative and vegetative propagation of the rare fruit tree Greek Strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachne L.) genotypes, located in natural stands, on the middle course, from the left side of Konjska River, in South part of North Macedonia are investigated. The Type 2 is characterized with the largest seeds (in average, seed area 4.31 mm2, perimeter 8.72 mm and 1.81 mm width). The results show that the seed from the Greek Straw- berry tree genotypes (A. andrachne L.) has low germination percent and very low survival rate of the seedlings. The exception from this rule is the Type 2 with about 78 % survived exemplars after four months observations. The highest germination percent has the Type 4 (25 %). Rooting of cuttings gives the higher percent of live plants. Rooting in sand in average gives better results than the rooting in vermiculite. The Type 2 is characterized with the highest ability of rooting cuttings in sand (49.3 %).