Impact of burial depth and root segment length on vegetative propagation of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

Abstract

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) is widely planted as part of monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) conservation efforts. Vegetative propagation is an alternative to planting A. syriaca from seed, which offers advantages such as high emergence rates. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal planting depth and initial root segment length to vegetatively propagate A. syriaca. In a greenhouse trial with two runs, A. syriaca was grown from seed and then 3, 8 and 15-cm segments were harvested. These segments were then planted at depths of either 3, 8, or 15 cm. Planting depth did not impact A. syriaca growth, but an initial root segment length of 15 cm was associated with greater above- and belowground biomass and height in both runs of the experiment. Emergence rates were not impacted by either factor. Overall, A. syriaca was likely to establish regardless of the initial root segment length or planting depth, but plants grown from root segments of 15 cm were more vigorous than plants grown from shorter segments.