Abstract
This paper examines the effects of using natural and synthetic rooting hormones for cuttings propagation. The study used Saxegothaea conspicua Lindl, a Near Threatened conifer native to Chile and Argentina. A trial was set on 80 semi-ripe cuttings of S. conspicua applying both synthetic (IBA) and natural hormones derived from willow and lentils. This study evaluates and measures the rooting success of using different types of hormones at the end of the trial (such as development of roots, length, etc). It also aims to examine the level and type of auxins found in the lentil and willow rooting solution, if present. After evaluation of results of the present trial and the wider literature, this paper discusses the potential use of this type of natural hormones in future.
 This article is an extract from the author’s HND Specialist Project written for the RBGE Diploma in Horticulture with Plantsmanship in June 2018.
Highlights
Plant hormones, or ‘phytohormones’, are defined as ‘chemical messengers that control plant growth and development’ (Hurný & Benkova, 2017)
Based on the present study and wider literature, willow could be a reliable alternative to synthetic treatments in both agriculture and horticulture
The use of synthetics such as Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is not authorised in organic agriculture (Montero-Calasanz et al, 2013)
Summary
‘phytohormones’, are defined as ‘chemical messengers that control plant growth and development’ (Hurný & Benkova, 2017). Auxin (from the Greek auxein, to increase) was the first phytohormone to be discovered, and it has a principal role in the production of adventitious roots. Since they were first isolated in 1928 by F.W. Went, synthetic auxins have been further researched and used in plant propagation (Hopkins & Norman, 2009). Monoecious evergreen tree to 25–30 m tall (Fig. 1) distributed through southern Argentina (Chubut, Neuquén, Rio Negro) and Chile (Aisén, Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Lagos, Maule). It mainly occurs in the wet Valdivian rainforests. Most conifer cuttings are taken in late autumn or early winter as exposure to the cold temperatures of that time of the year helps in rooting (Ruter, 2008).
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