So where does Stage 2 end? Once roots have emerged and are starting to elongate (just reaching the edge of the cell), we’re at the end of Stage 2 and misting is likely finished. Mist Strategy Stage 2 is where most crops are receiving minimal or no night mist and the daytime mist has been reduced greatly from the first few days of propagation. If you don’t reduce the mist during Stage 2, will your cuttings still root? Sure, many of the cuttings will start to root, but the uniformity and speed of rooting will be reduced, and disease and
insect pressure can increase quickly. Because we want to get them off mist as quickly as possible, this weaning process is crucial, and propagators should know when to begin this process and have a strategy in place. You should always have an end date in mind for when Stage 2 will be complete and the mist will be off so that you’re working toward that throughout the Stage 2 timeline. If you feel that Stage 2 ends on day 12 after stick, then gradually reduce your misting/humidity each day until you get to the goal.
Some of the problems that are caused by over-misting or not weaning cuttings off mist in Stage 2: • Increased instance of fungal diseases like botrytis • Increased algae growth and more fungus gnat and shorefly pressure • Reduced fertility in the cutting, as well as low EC in the propagation media • Saturated soil that slows root initiation and rapid root growth, and decreases the uniformity of root initiation
STAGE 2: Mist Strategy • Cuttings should be aggressively weaned off mist during this stage • Night mist should be off during Stage 2!
Day
Stage
Morning
Day
Evening
Overnight
1-3 4-5
1 1 1 2 2 2 2
Mist
Mist Mist Mist
Mist
Mist
Mist Reduced
Mist Reduced
Mist Off Mist Off Mist Off Mist Off Mist Off Mist Off
6 7 8 9
As Needed As Needed As Needed
Mist Reduced/Off Mist Reduced/Off
Mist Reduced Mist Reduced
Mist Off Mist Off Mist Off
Mist Off Mist Off
As Needed As Needed
10
As a URC roots, the light, water and temperature requirements change. A good VPD system and appropriate curve will make the moisture management easy. 11
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