Auxin Application Duration and Concentration Govern Rooting of Hibiscus Stem Cuttings

Abstract

The interactions among IBA concentrations and durations of treatment and propagation medium temperatures on the rooting of stem cuttings were compared for cultivars of Hibiscus rosa-sinensk L. Cultivar rooting was rapid with extensive root development for `Pink Versicolor', average for `Jim Hendry', and slow with few roots per cutting for `Silver Anniversary'. The IBA concentration and duration of treatment that cuttings required to reach maximum rooting declined with increase in medium temperature (from 18 to 34C). `Pink Versicolor' stem cuttings receiving 4- to 6-minute basal dips required 8000 ppm IBA with the medium at 18C, 6000 ppm at 26C, and 2500 ppm at 34C, to achieve 100% rooting of the cuttings. `Pink Versicolor' stem cuttings had the most roots at 10,000 ppm IBA, with 10-min stem dips best at 18C, 4 to 8 min at 26C, and 7 to 8 min at 34C. Maximum dry weights per root were achieved at 6000 ppm IBA, with longer basal stem dip durations needed at 18C than 26 or 34C. Lower IBA levels were required for 100% rooting of `Pink Versicolor' than for `Jim Hendry', with highest levels needed for `Silver Anniversary'. The results indicated that the benefits in rooting achieved from higher IBA levels greatly exceeded those that could be achieved by increased medium temperature. Chemical name used: indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).