The potential for propagation of wild rose by breaking seed dormancy, rooting stem cuttings and callus production through in vitro techniques was investigated. Mature wild achenes were separated into viable and non-viable categories via specific gravity with greater success than immature achenes, and therefore were used in further experimentation. Dual stratification ($
m25spcirc C pm 2spcirc C/5spcirc C pm 2spcirc C$) provided a means of breaking dormancy. Germination of achenes exposed to warm conditions followed by cool conditions was less than 25%, while achenes exposed to the reverse situation resulted in less than 10% germination. In vitro techniques using cut and whole achenes was not successful. Complete contamination of the cultures resulted in failure of the achenes to germinate. The effect of cutting the achenes in half transversely, acid scarification and mechanical abrasion of the seed coat on breaking dormancy and enhancing germination was also studied. Cutting the achenes was the only treatment that produced substantial germination.
Rooting of stem cuttings provided an effective means of establishment, but success in rooting varied with the supply of rooting hormones, the type of rooting media, the seasonal status of stem cuttings, and stem defoliation.
Despite progress in developing procedures for in vitro propagation of wild rose, successful regeneration of whole plants from callus cultures was not achieved. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)