Abstract
The vegetative propagation methods of alfalfa by stem cutting using the sand rooting medium were studied and the varietal differences for rooting ability were investigated. Eight varieties used in this experiment were Du Puits, Common, Williamsburg, Moapa Grimm, Rambler, Rhizoma and Narragansett. Data were taken on the rate of living cuttings, the length of the longest root and the number of roots at two weeks after planting and on the rate of living cuttings, the diameter of the cuttings, the habit of root development and the weight of leaves at five weeks after planting in the sand rooting medium. The results are as follows ; 1) The rate of living cuttings at two weeks after planting was over 80.0% in seven varieties (Rambler, Narragansett, Du Puits, Rhizoma, Williamsburg, Grimm and Common), but only 74.0% in Moapa. 2) The rate of living cuttings at five weeks after planting was over 80.0% in five varieties (Rambler, Narragansett, Du Puits, Rhizoma and Williamsburg), but less than 80.0% in the other three varieties (Grimm, Commom and Moapa). 3) The length of the longest root was apparently longer in the two varieties (Du Puits and Rambler) as compared with the other varieties. 4) In most cases, roots initiated to develope from the cutting surface of the lower part of stem. 5) Correlation coefficient, r=0.852, was found between the weight of roots and the weight of leaves, therefore it seemed that growth of roots was closely related to the regrowth.
