• Peer, Kyle R.
  University of Maine Graduate School
  

Larch sp. (Larix decidua Mill., L larcinia (Due Roi) K.Koch, and L leptolepis Gord.) and their hybrids represents the fastest growing conifers in the Acadian Forest with growth rates as high as 1.5 m per year. Larch wood has a higher specific gravity than spruces, while having comparable fiber length making it able to be used for pulp. Plus, the species can adapt to adapt to a variety of sites which allows for the potential of larch plantations. Larch plantations will result in an increase in fiber production with a decrease in northern length to 20-30 years from the present rotation length of 50-70 years. We are currently evaluating methods for optimizing rooted cutting production of larch species and their hybrids. Rooted cuttings allow for the mass production of hybrids that are difficult and costly to produce through controlled crosses. Our objectives are to compare the effects of mist quantity, maturation of the donor stock, and state of shoot development on rooting.