Effect of Aloe Vera, Wood Ash, and Indole-Butyric Acid on In-Vivo Macro Propagation of Robusta Coffee Stem Cuttings

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the influence of Aloe Vera, Wood ash and a synthetic growth hormone Indole-butyric acid (IBA) on root and shoot in the proliferation of Coffee Wilt disease-resistant (CWD-R) Robusta coffee stem cuttings. Methodology: Stem cuttings of CWD-R Robusta coffee were treated with five levels of rooting natural substances and IBA independently and in combination. The treated cuttings were propagated in a uniform potting medium under humidity chamber conditions. Data was collected on the number of surviving cuttings, shoot and root number, and root and shoot lengths. At 90 days after planting, data on root proliferation, the number, and lengths of roots were collected and analyzed for variance (ANOVA) using GenStat 11th Edition. Findings: The survival, root, and shoot development were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the rooting substances applied. A combination of Aloe Vera and IBA, 0.8% IBA, and Aloe Vera gel applied alone gave the highest percentages (90, 70 and 70%, respectively) of stem cuttings that survived to form roots and shoots. A mixture of aloe Vera and IBA, 0.8% IBA, and Aloe Vera gave the highest mean number of shoots and roots per cutting; that is (8.75, 8.5, and 8.5 cm) and (13.87, 12.85 and 12.39 cm) for shoots and roots respectively. Cuttings treated with wood ash and control gave the lowest mean number of shoots and roots that formed per cutting; that is (5.25 and 4.50 cm) and (11.75 and 11.38 cm) for shoots and roots respectively. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Propagation of Coffea canephora, by stem cuttings can be adequately achieved by using Aloe Vera, IBA, or their mixture, but not with wood ash.