Rooting of Leafy Stem Cuttings of Baillonella toxisperma

Abstract

Abstract Rooting ability in Moabi was examined using 972 single-node leafy stem cuttings set in each of three blocks of a split-split plot experimental design in nonmist propagators. Each main plot contained three rooting media (sand, sawdust, and a 50:50 mixture of sand and sawdust), whereas three auxin types (indole-3-acetic acid [IAA], indole-3-butyric acid [IBA], and 1-naphthalene acetic acid [NAA]) and a control (alcohol) were tested at the subplot level. At the sub-subplot level, three leaf areas (25, 50, and 75 cm2) were investigated. Significant (P = 0.05) and nonsignificant substrate × hormone × leaf area interactions on rooting percentage were found at week 8 and during the rest of experiment, respectively. Significant sand versus sawdust × IBA versus IAA and NAA × quadratic components of leaf area interaction on rooting percentage was identified from week 10 to week 14 (P = 0.0462–0.038), and the highest rooting percentage (85.2 ± 7.24%) was found in 75 cm2 × IBA × sand-treated cuttings at week 14. Significant substrate × leaf area interaction on rooting percentage was observed throughout the experiment. Interacting substrate × leaf area significantly influenced the number of roots per rooted cutting at week 22. This study indicated that Moabi is amenable to vegetative propagation within 14 weeks.