Study Plan: A study of Trillium luteum vegative propagation using terminal bud decapation techniques.

Objective 1: Study and Test Decapitation Techniques.

• Quarter Cuts
• T Cuts
• Fracture Cuts
• Ring Cuts

Objective 2: Study hormone effects(GA-3, IBA, and Cytokinins)

• Bulblet/Offset Production
• Planting Media Effects
• Decapitated Terminal Bud Growth

Study Findings: (In Process).the average bulblet production observed in Jan 2005 was 1.7 bulblets per rhizome. There showed no statistical difference for different treatments with 0-3 bulblets observed. There were 10 cases of 10 rhizomes decaptitated and treated differently.

All cases were initally planted in 100% decomposed leaf mulch which compacted and Which I feel did not allow enough oxygen for strong root growth and good drainage.

In Jan 2005 I replanted the rhizome peices in a 1-1-1 mix of mulch-sand-pinebark for later observations.

In November 2005 There were no new offsets, but the initial offsets had grown well in size and root growth had increased.

Scientific Name: LUTEUM
Common Name(s): Yellow Toadshade, Yellow Trillium, Wax Trillium, Lemon toadshade.
Location: SE USA
Description: These 4 rhizome were cut and planted in Nov 2003 and observations made in Jan 2005. The 4 peices on the left are the terminal buds and the 4 peices on the right are the Decap peices with 1-2 bulblets each. Picture 4 illustrates Natural Offset Production.

Photograph: Harold Holmes

Scientific Name: LUTEUM
Common Name(s): Yellow Toadshade, Yellow Trillium, Wax Trillium, Lemon toadshade.
Location: SE USA
Description: Photos 4-8 are November 2005 observations and show no new offsets, but increased root growth and offset size growth. Photo #4 shows a natural offset for comparison.

Photograph: Harold Holmes