Effect of different substrates on rooting and shoot development of juvenile stem cuttings of Nauclea diderrichii (De Wild & T. Durand) Merrill

Abstract

The effects of substrates on rooting of juvenile stem cuttings of Nauclea diderrichii (De Wild & T. Durand) Merrill were investigated in non-mist high humidity propagators. Rooting ability, root development and shoot characteristics were assessed. Nine weeks after setting (WAS) of cuttings, 92% rooted on fine sand, against 73% on saw dust. Callus production was 4.5% and 5.5% on fine sand and saw dust. Cuttings on 2:1 soil/sharp sand mixture died by the second week after setting. Mean results revealed that number of main roots (10.31) on fine sand was significantly higher than on saw dust (5.63) (P = 0.00). A significant difference was observed between the longest main roots on fine sand (7.68 cm) and saw dust (6.68 cm) (P = 0.00). Number of first branch sub roots was significantly higher on fine sand (33) than saw dust (13) (P = 0.05). The longest sub root (6 cm) on fine sand did not differ significantly from that on saw dust (5.43 cm) (P = 0.07). Shoot characteristics, measured 3, 5, 7 and 9 WAS all increased progressively. Highly significant (P © 2009 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Vegetative propagation, rooting ability, shoot characteristics, non-mist high humidity propagator.