The Effect of Stem Segment Cuttings of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) on Growth of Root and Leaf Sprout

Abstract

Robusta coffee plant propagation is recommended to be performed by vegetative methods, one of which is cuttings. Among plant organs that can be used for cuttings is the stem. The research objective was to determine which stem segment from cuttings was able to provide the best root and leaf growth. The layout study used a completely randomized block design (RBD) with an experimental treatment consisting of five stem segments, namely (1) the first stem segment from the upper shoot (A); (2) the second stem segment from the upper shoot (B); (3) the third stem segment from the upper shoot (C); (4) the fourth stem segment from the upper shoot (D); and (5) the fifth stem segment from the upper shoot (E); each treatment had five replications. Data analysis was performed statistically with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD (honestly significant difference) test with a significance level of P < 0.05. Robusta coffee cuttings stems from the second stem segment from the upper shoot were able to provide the optimal root growth (root length) and shoot growth (leaf sprout height and leaf sprout growth rate). Leaf sprout number derived from the cuttings was not affected by the stem segment.