Journal of Hunan Ecological Science

【Objective】This study aims to accelerate the propagation process of Rhododendron rivulare by optimizing the combination of basic media and plant growth regulators, thereby providing scientific jus- tification and technical support for its large-scale and industrialized production. 【Method 】A comprehensive assessment and quantification of growth performance across various cultivation stages were conducted through systematic exploration of effective sterilization methods for stem segment explants, effi- cient axillary bud induction, optimization of proliferation culture conditions, implementation of robust seedling strategies, refinement of root induction techniques, and improvement of acclimatization and transplanting methodologies. 【Result】The results indicated that a combination of 75% ethanol immersion for 30 seconds followed by 2% sodium hypochlorite disinfection for 8 minutes effectively sterilized the ex- plants while minimizing damage to the stem segments. During axillary bud induction, the optimal media formula consisted of WPM supplemented with 3. 0 mg / L ZT and 0. 5 mg / L NAA. For proliferation, WPM media fortified with 2. 0 mg / L ZT, 0. 1 mg / L GA3, and 0. 1 mg / L NAA yielded a high proliferation coef- ficient of 9. 11. During the seedling strengthening phase, WPM media combined with 0. 5 mg / L ZT and 0. 5 mg / L NAA promoted robust seedling growth. For root induction, the optimal formula involved WPM media enriched with 20 g / L sucrose, 1. 0 mg / L NAA, 1. 5 mg / L IBA, and 1. 0 g / L AC, achieving a high rooting rate of 80. 09% . Furthermore, in a substrate mixture of peat, perlite, and river sand at a ra- tio of 2 ∶1 ∶1, the survival rate of transplanted seedlings reached 83. 33% . 【Conclusion】This study suc- cessfully identified a series of highly effective media formulations and cultivation conditions, significantly enhancing the tissue culture and rapid propagation efficiency of R. rivulare. These findings laid a solid foundation for its industrialized and large-scale development and provided a valuable technical paradigm for the rapid propagation of similar plant species.

Rhododendron rivulare; propagation; strong seedlings; rooting; hardening and transplan- ting seedlings