Regeneration of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) from Rhizome Sections in Sand, Pine Bark, and Soil Substrates

Abstract

Regenerative potential of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) rhizome sections has not been quantified when rhizomes are transplanted into substrates encountered in landscapes and nursery fields, container nurseries, or propagation beds. Mugwort regeneration in pine bark, sand, and soil substrates was analyzed by rhizome color, length, and the presence or absence of a leaf scale. Color of rhizomes, which darken with time, did not account for differences in growth among treatments. Contrary to previous research, 85, 78, and 69% of 2 cm-long rhizome sections produced both roots and shoots when grown in pine bark, sand, and soil substrates, respectively, during 45-day trials. Slightly less than 31% of rhizome fragments 0.5 cm long without a leaf scale produced both roots and shoots in soil. Though fewer rhizomes survived in soil, root and shoot fresh weights were greater than in pine bark and sand. When rhizome sections included a leaf scale, survival, fresh weights of roots and shoots, shoot height, leaf number and root lengths were greater, regardless of substrate type. Root initials emerged both adjacent to leaf scales and in the internode between leaf scales. Shoot emergence preceded root emergence from rhizome sections.

Mugwort Control in an Abandoned Nursery Using Herbicides That Mimic Indole-3-Acetic Acid

“…The invasive potential of mugwort is often favored by conditions created in nursery environments. Klingeman et al (2004) found that as little as a 2-cm fragment of mugwort rhizomes would regenerate 69% to 85% regardless of whether planted in soil, sand, or pine bark media. This adaptability to various soil types allows mugwort rhizomes intermingled with the roots of nursery stock to survive transplant between field and container production areas.…”

“…However, few viable seeds are produced in the eastern United States (Holm et al, 1997), thus rhizomes are the primary method of mugwort reproduction. Since mugwort plants can grow from %6-mm long rhizomes; mechanical methods of control such as hand pulling or tilling are not desirable and may contribute to the spread of this species (Klingeman et al, 2004;Rogerson, 1964). In addition, Rogerson (1964) found that a 10-cm shoot of mugwort could create 23 m of rhizomes in 4 months, thereby, further explaining the aggressive invasive nature of this species.…”

Evaluation of p-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase-inhibiting Herbicides for Controlling Mugwort

“…In nursery fields, rhizomes are abundant in the upper 4 inches of soil (Pridham, 1963;Rogerson and Bingham, 1964). Tillage will exacerbate localized mugwort infestation because rhizome sections 2-cm long reproduce well when grown in pine bark, sand, and soil substrates (Guncan, 1982;Klingeman et al, 2004;Rogerson et al, 1972).…”