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 H2SO4 (98 %) for 5 and 6 h, gibberellic acid immersion (1 000 ppm), cold stratification (4 degrees C for 30, 60 and 90 days) and heat shock (100 degrees 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 H2SO4 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 H2SO4. 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.