Propagation of Arctostaphylos pungens Kunt from temperate forests of north-central Mexico

Introduction: Arctostaphylos pungens Kunt is a species with significant characteristics for restoration; however, there are few studies on its propagation. Objective: To evaluate the effect of pre-germinative treatments and the use of vegetative propagation methods in A. pungens. Materials and methods: Eight pre-germinative treatments were evaluated, consisting of scarification with H2 SO4 (98 %) for 5 and 6 h, gibberellic acid immersion (1 000 ppm), cold stratification (4 °C for 30, 60 and 90 days) and heat shock (100 °C for 5 min), as well as combinations of these. Vegetative propagation was analyzed by cuttings and air layering. Results and discussion: The highest germination (73.33 ± 15.63 %) was for immersion in H2 SO4 for 5 to 6 h; heat shock and cold stratification treatments showed low or no germination. Root formation was not achieved in cuttings but was achieved in 37.50 ± 25 % of 20-week air layering. Conclusion: The best treatments consisted of immersion in H2 SO4 . It is recommended to continue experimenting with vegetative propagation by leaving air layering for more than the 20 weeks used in this study to achieve complete root development.