Indolebutyric acid and light quality in the rooting of african mahogany minicuttings

Abstract

The vegetative propagation of african mahogany allows the formation of more uniform seedlings, at a lower cost and with greater productive potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of indolebutyric acid (iba) and light quality on the rooting of african mahogany minicuttings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using an experimental design in randomized blocks, in a 3x4 factorial scheme and 4 replications, totaling 48 experimental units. The treatments consisted of light supplementation (period between 7 and 9 p.m.), with 2 luminous spectra (white and red), one control (kept in the dark) and 4 concentrations of iba (absence, 1500, 3000 and 4500 mg l-1). Each experimental unit consisted of 8 minicuttings, and the experiment was conducted for 80 days. The combination of iba (4500 mg l-1) and light supplementation in the red spectrum yields a greater root system growth of african mahogany minicuttings.