Leaf Cutting Research Articles

Vegetative Propagation of Wild Prometheum sempervivoides (Fischer Ex M. Bieb.) H. Ohba by Leaf Cutting: Effects of Auxin and Some Substances

The aim of the research is to determine the effects of different rooting contents [control (water), plant growth regulator-rooting hormone (H1: 0.25 g l-1, H2: 0.50 g l-1 and H3: 1.0 g l-1), cinnamon powder (T) and Aloe vera gel (AV)] and two different planting times on the rooting of leaf cuttings prepared from the stock mother plants of wild Prometheum sempervivoides (Fisch. ex Bieb.) H. Ohba taxon. Observations and measurements of vitality rate (%), number of rooted cuttings (NR), number of callusing cuttings (NC), maximum root length (MRL), rooting rate (%) and rooting scale (1-5) were made on cuttings whose rooting was completed. The results were evaluated statistically. The most positive rooting effect was determined in the H3 application, which is the highest dose of the commercial rooting hormone tested in the study. Cinnamon powder application was determined as a more effective natural extract for rooting leaf cuttings of P. sempervivoides when compared to Aloe vera gel application. At the end of our study, in which the effects of different planting times were also examined, it was determined that planting the leaf cuttings of P. sempervivoides as soon as they were taken from the stock mother plant had a positive effect on rooting. The very good quality roots were observed in H1 (0 h), H2 (0 h), H3 (0 h) and H3 (24 h) applications. These applications can be recommended for rooting the leaf cuttings of P. sempervivoides succulent plant. It was also concluded that P. sempervivoides can be reproduced by vegetative propagation method using leaf cuttings.

Pengaruh Berbagai Jenis Aplikasi Auksin Dan Bahan Setek Daun Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

Peperomia watermelon (Peperomia argyreia) ornamental plant, its existence is still quite rare, due to the long propagation time, so efforts are needed to help the growth of Peperomia plants to be faster. This study aims to determine the growth response of peperomia plant leaf cuttings to various types of auxin application treatments with the leaf cutting materials. This research was conducted at the Screen House of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya in January – April 2022. The design used to be a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors. The first factor giving synthetic auxin application consisted of 4 levels, namely: control, solution, paste, flour, and the second factor was the type of leaf cuttings consisting of 3 levels, namely: intact leaves, half lower part of leaves, half top part of leave (S3). There were 12 treatment combinations, repeat 3 times, each experimental unit consisting of 3 plants so that the total plants were 108 plants. The results of this research show that there is a significantly different interaction between the treatment of the variable percentage of survival and the percentage of cuttings sprouting. Auxin treatment and the type of leaves cuttings each gave a significant effect on the variable length of the root, that is in the treatment of the type of solution application (R1) by showing the longest root value of 6,26 cm and the treatment of the intect leaves (S3) is by showing the root value of 6,49 cm. While the treatment did not give significantly different results for the number of leaves, the number of main roots, root branches, and shoots

Growth of leaf cutting of malay apple (Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr & Perry) with coconut water treatmen

Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr & Perry) is a fruit plant in the Myrtaceae family, which has high economic value and nutritional content. The aim of this study was to determine the growth response of guava leaf cuttings to treatment with coconut water concentrations. The research design used was a randomized block design with 5 treatment levels and 5 replications. The treatment consisted of 5 levels namely control, water immersion, 25% coconut water, 50% coconut water, and 75% coconut water. Coconut water treatment was given to cuttings by soaking for 2 hours. Furthermore, leaf cuttings are planted in polybags that have been doused with water and then given a plastic cover. Parameters observed included the percentage of live cuttings, the percentage of formed roots, the percentage of shoots formed, the percentage of petiole damage, the percentage of petiole swelling and the percentage of petiole callus formation, the percentage of damaged leaves, and the symptoms of leaf damage. The results showed that the control treatment, water immersion and coconut water treatment showed the percentage of live cuttings was 100%, the leaf cuttings had not yet formed roots and shoots. Coconut water treatment reduced the percentage of petiole and leaf blade damage, increased the percentage of petiole swelling and increased callus formation, but was not able to stimulate root and shoot formation. Treatment of 75% coconut water showed the lowest percentage of damage to leaf cuttings with the highest percentage of swelling and callus formation.

Rhizome Segments Form Shoots, Whereas Leaf Cuttings Form Shoots and Rhizomes in Eucodonia ‘Adele’ Treated with Benzyladenine

Eucodonia ‘Adele’ initiates seasonal shoot growth from a scaly rhizome. Larger rhizome segments (>2.5 cm) produced shoots at a greater percentage compared with smaller rhizome segments. Shoots produced on larger segments were initiated sooner and had a longer length. However, when shoot formation efficiency was calculated as the number of potential shoots per original stock rhizome, smaller rhizome segments were more efficient, producing three to four times as many shoots. Rhizome segments (2.5 cm) soaked overnight in benzyladenine (BA) produced three to four times more shoots per rhizome (four shoots) compared with untreated or water-soaked rhizomes (0.3 and 0.7 shoot, respectively). The scaly rhizome consists of a central stem-like core surrounded by numerous leaf-like scales. Scales appear to be storage leaf tissue based on anatomy and presence of numerous amyloplasts. New shoots initiate as axillary shoots formed from the central core at the scale attachment. Isolated individual scales also have the capacity for adventitious shoot formation, but only form in about 25% of isolated scales. Leaf cuttings were capable of producing adventitious shoots, roots, and rhizomes. Untreated petiole and lamina cut leaf cuttings formed approximately three rhizomes per leaf cutting compared with less than one adventitious shoot per leaf cutting. Benzyladenine-treated leaf cuttings did not show an increase in rhizome initiation, but soaking lamina cut leaf cuttings in water or BA increased shoot formation to ∼1.5 shoots per cutting. This work with isolated rhizome segments and leaf cuttings presents efficient systems for regenerating rhizomes that can be used to produce stock plants for a stem cutting system for Eucodonia ‘Adele’ as a seasonal pot plant.

Growth of leaf cutting of orange lemon (Citrus limon L. Osbeck) with red onion extract treatment

Cultivation of lemons needs to be increased due to the increasing demand for lemons. This requires a large amount of seedling. One alternative material for cuttings for lemongrass nurseries with lots of supplies is leaf cuttings. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of onion extract concentration on the growth of leaf cuttings and to determine the best concentration of shallot extract on the growth of leaf cuttings. The experimental research was in the form of extract treatment, which consisted of 5 levels, namely control (without immersion), immersion in water, 10% onion extract, 20% onion extract and 30% shallot extract. Leaf cuttings were soaked in onion extract at various concentrations for 2 hours. The observed variables included the percentage of living cuttings, the percentage of roots formed, the number of roots, the length of the roots, the percentage of damaged leaves, the percentage of shoots formed and the length of shoots. All treatments showed 100% survival rate and root formation percentage. Treatment of 20% onion extract can increase the number of roots, root length, percentage of shoots formed and shoot length from lemon lime leaf cuttings at 60 days after observation. The results of this study provide information that cuttings from leaves can be used as an alternative in the vegetative propagation of lemon and onion extracts as an alternative to growth regulators.

Effects of Source Strength and Sink Size on Starch Metabolism, Starch Properties and Grain Quality of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The source strength and sink demand as well as their interaction have been demonstrated to co-regulate the synthesis of starch and determine the grain quality, but the knowledge of the underlying physiological mechanisms is limiting. An indica variety, Yangdao 6, and a japonica variety, Jinxiangyu 1, were planted with three treatments, including normal growth plant (CK), leaf-cutting (LC) and spikelet-thinning (ST). The transcript levels of starch metabolic genes, physicochemical characteristics of starch and appearance, milling, cooking and tasting qualities of rice under different treatments were determined. The ST treatment increased the relative expression of genes related to the synthesis of short branch-chains of amylopectin (SSI, BEI, BEIIb) and amylose (GBSSI) and reduced the relative expression of medium-long to long branch-chains of amylopectin synthesis genes (SSIIa, SSIIIa, SSIIIb, ISA1). When comparing ST with the CK treatment, starch granules became smoother with higher contents of short branch-chains and lower ratios of medium-long and long branch-chains of amylopectin; the crystallinity and the value of 1045/1022 cm−1 was decreased; for pasting properties, the setback and pasting temperature were decreased; the peak viscosity, hot viscosity, breakdown and final viscosity were significantly increased. Meanwhile, the ST treatment improved the appearance, milling and cooking and tasting qualities. The opposite results were observed under the LC treatment. These results indicated that source strength and sink size would regulate expression levels of starch metabolic genes, which is pivotal for the contents of amylose and short/long branch chains ratio of amylopectin, thus changing the structure and physicochemical properties of starch and grain quality. Here, we speculated that the improved source strength in terms of higher leaf/canopy photosynthesis and small sink size, such as small panicle size, would be preferred traits in high grain quality rice breeding.

Morphological phylogeny of Megachilini and the evolution of leaf-cutter behavior in bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

A unique feature among bees is the ability of some species of Megachile Latreille s.l. to cut and process fresh leaves for nest construction. The presence of a razor between the female mandibular teeth (interdental laminae) to facilitate leaf-cutting (LC) is a morphological novelty that might have triggered a subsequent diversification in this group. However, we have a limited understanding of the phylogeny of this group despite the large number of described species and the origins and patterns of variations of this mandibular structure are unknown. Herein, using a cladistic analysis of adult external morphological characters, we explored the relationships of all genera of Megachilini and the more than 50 subgenera of Megachile s.l. We coded 272 characters for 8 outgroups and 114 ingroup species. Depending on the weighting scheme (equal or implied weighting), our parsimony analyses suggested the monophyly of Megachile s.l. and that either Noteriades Cockerell or the clade Coelioxys Latreille + Radoszkowskiana Popov is the extant sister group of all other Megachilini. In addition, we conducted Bayesian total-evidence tip-dating analyses to examine other possible hypotheses of relationships and patterns of variation of the interdental lamina. Our analyses suggest that interdental laminae developed asynchronicaly from two different structures in the mandible, and differ in their phenotypic plasticity. Character correlation tests using phylogenetic pairwise comparisons indicated that the presence of interdental lamina is not associated with head size, mandible size and shape, and pubescence on the adductor interspace. We discuss the implications of our findings for the classification of Megachilini and the development of novel evolutionary, ecological, and functional hypotheses on this behavior. New taxa established are Pseudoheriadini Gonzalez & Engel, new tribe, Ochreriadini Gonzalez & Engel, new tribe, Cremnomegachile Gonzalez & Engel, new genus, Rozenapis Gonzalez & Engel, new genus, and Saucrochile Gonzalez & Engel, new genus, along with the following new combinations: Cremnomegachile dolichosoma (Benoist), new combination, Rozenapis ignita (Smith), new combination, and Saucrochile heriadiformis (Smith), new combination.

Клональное микроразмножение и сохранение в условиях in vitro двух сортов хурмы восточной (Diospyros kaki thunb.)

The study is aimed at improving the microsprout regeneration method for the 'Suvenir Oseni' and 'Yuzhnaya Krasavitsa' Diospyros kaki (persimmon) cultivars of the Botanical Gardens. The breeding of and optimising the conditions for non-stop 12-month in vitro deposition of kaki persimmon was carried out for the purpose of creating a gene bank of valuable subtropical crops. The explanting of in vitro culture and the regeneration of persimmon microsprouts was carried out in the laboratory of plant biotechnology and virology of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens National Scientific Centre RAS. For regeneration of microsprouts, Murashige and Skoog medium (MSO) containing 6-benzylapinopurin (BAP) and 3-(1,2,3-Thiadiazolin-5)- 1-phenylurea (TDZ) growth regulators was used. In order to ensure in vitro preservation, microsprout segments were placed in a nutrient medium composed by ¼ of normal MS, sucrose and chlorocholinchloride (CCC). The culture vessels were placed in refrigerators to maintain a low positive temperature (4–14 °С). In the course of the experiments, the inducing role of BAP (2–4 mg/L) in the MS nutrient medium at the induction stage of spout formation was established to ensure stable direct regeneration of microsprouts from the vegetative burgeons of kaki persimmon. The maximum number of normal microsprouts having no visible changes was obtained in MS medium having a BAP concentration of 4 mg/L and equal to 2.0±0.4 and 2.7±0.4 pcs. for the 'Suvenir Oseni' and 'Yuzhnaya Krasavitsa' cultivars, respectively. The average length of microsprouts reached 1.90±0.04 cm for the 'Suvenir Oseni' cultivar, while, for 'Yuzhnaya Krasavitsa', this value was equal to 3.1±0.07 cm. The presence of TDZ in the MS medium facilitated the formation of microsprouts through indirect organogenesis in the leaf cutting culture of the studied cultivars. The frequency of spout formation from leaf cuttings reached 65–79 % following 6 weeks of cultivation on media with 1.1 and 1.7 mg/L concentration of TDZ. Differences in the morphogenetic potential of explants were traced throughout all stages of development. Data from histological callus studies confirm the presence of proliferatively active cells giving rise to microsprout meristems. The concentration of 60.0 g/L and 0.2–0.4 g/L for sucrose and CCC, respectively, contained in ¼ MS medium was shown to stabilise the viability of persimmon explants at a storage temperature of 8–10 °С for 12 months.

Effect of Leaf Clipping on Yield Attributes of Modern and Local Rice Varieties

Impact of five different types of leaf clipping on the yield attributes of modern (Binadhan-8) and local (Terebaile) rice variety was evaluated on pot experiments following a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Leaves were cut according to the treatment. Data were collected on panicle length (cm), filled grain panicle-1, unfilled grain panicle-1, thousand grain weight (g), grain weight panicle-1 (g). In Binadhan-8, flag leaf alone or flag leaf with 2nd leaf and 2nd and 3rd leaves cutting showed profound reduction in grain number panicle-1 (35.14, 62.62, and 51.83%, respectively) and grain weight panicle-1 (29.18, 58.37 and 48.93%, respectively) while, cutting of 2nd leaf and 3rd leaf alone exert no significant impact compared to control. Number of unfilled grain increased with higher intensity of leaf cutting. In Terebaile, only flag leaf cut showed non-significant impact on grain number panicle-1 and grain weight panicle-1. Profound impact was observed by cutting flag leaf with 2nd leaf (55.47 and 48.98%, respectively) and flag leaf with 2nd and 3rd leaf (58.96 and 63.13%, respectively). Leaf clipping had non-significant effect on thousand grain weight of modern variety Binadhan-8 while, it had significant effect in TerebaileBangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(1): 101-104

Effect of selection agents to Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) callus growth after Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation

Genetic transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens requires an efficient selection method for successful progress of transformation. This study aims to determine the concentration and kind of antibiotics and selection agents used during transformation to formulate standard protocol of chrysanthemum in the process of propagating disease resistant Chrysanthemum mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105 (pEKB-WD). The experiments were performed by planting chrysanthemum explants leaf cutting (5 mm diameter on NAA medium 2 mg L-1 BAP 2 mg L-1) with addition of Kanamycin: 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 (mg L-1); Hygromycin: 5, 10, 25, 50 and 75 (mg L-1); Paromomycin: 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 (mg L-1). Experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was repeated five times thus 75 bottles of culture were used; each bottle consists of 5 pieces of leaf cuttings, resulted in total of 375 pieces. The results showed that selection agent had a critical value for Hygromycin 25 mg L-1 and Kanamycin 100 mg L-1 which can make explant experienced necrosis better than Paromomycin. Paromomycin at 100 mg L-1 was only able to kill explant’s periphery. Remained callus stayed fresh more than 50% so that when used as the selection agent could produce more escape cell. The optimum transformation with concentration of 10% Agrobacterium (vol/vol) with 30 minutes co-cultivation can produce more efficient transformed callus. Considering the high price of Hygromycin, it was best to use Kanamycin as selective agents.

Successive Intercropping of Potato and Mungbean with Sugarcane

The experiment was carried out at the Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute (BSRI) farm at Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh during2008-2009 and 2009-2010to investigate the growth and yield of main crop sugarcane, and companion crops potato and mungbean as successive intercrops. Row to row spacing (RRS) of sugarcane were 80 (S1), 100 (S2) and 120 cm (S3) and sugarcane was intercropped with 1, 2 and 3 rows of potato as 1st intercrop and followed by mungbean with same row ratio as 2nd intercrop. Sugarcane and companion crops potato and mungbean were cultivated following the cultivation methods of BSRI and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), respectively. To provide more light to intercrops bended leaves of sugarcane on both sides of rows were cut at middle and compared with non-cutting of leaves in respect of growth and yield of main crop and intercrops as well. The total dry matter production, cane yield and sugar yield were the highest at 120 cm RRS of sugarcane (non-leaf cutting=C0) intercropped with 3 rows of potato followed by 3 rows of mungbean (S3C0). The number of tiller and millable canes, and leaf area index (LAI) were the highest at 80 cm RRS of sugarcane (C0) with one row of potato and one row of mungbean (S1C0). The effect of light interception on growth and yield of first intercrop (potato) was insignificant whereas it was significant for second intercrop. Yield of mungbean (2nd intercrop) and light interception ratio (%) was the lowest in S3C1 where sugarcane RRS was 120 cm + 3 R potato followed by 3 R mungbean with leaf cutting (LC). The results of the experiment indicated that sugarcane transplanted at RRS of 120 cm with 3 rows of potato followed by 3 rows of mungbean can be grown as intercrops for increased yield of sugarcane as well as for increased cropping intensity and might be recommended for farmers practice in High Ganges River Flood Plain soils under AEZ 11 of Bangladesh. The Agriculturists 2016; 14(2) 67-76

Effects of Auxin and Cytokinin Application on Leaf Cutting Propagation in Echeveria Species

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of auxin, cytokinin, and their combined application to hasten their propagation using leaf cuttings. Different hormone levels were evaluated on two Echeveria species (E. subsessilis and E. runyonii). Three levels of auxin as represented by the use of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0, 100, and 500 ppm), three cytokinin levels as represented by Kinetin (Ki) (0, 100, and 200 ppm) and their combination were applied and observed for 8 weeks. The use of 100 ppm IBA resulted in the highest shoot height, diameter, and rooting and shooting rate. Using 500 ppm IBA led the roots to develop the earliest but both species also had the highest mortality. The application of 100 ppm Ki significantly affected the majority of leaf cuttings of E. runyonnii which exhibited the highest and thickest shoots, and the number of leaves. The application of 100 ppm IBA and 100 ppm Ki is recommended to obtain increased shoot growth and development for leaf cuttings. In the case of single hormone use, the application of 100 ppm IBA may be preferable. The combination of auxin and cytokinin significantly stimulated the hastening of production of succulents using leaf cuttings.

ASEXUAL PROPAGATION OF ARAÇÁ (Psidium cattleianum Sabine) BY LEAF AND YOUNG BRANCHES CUTTINGS

ABSTRACT Psidium cattleianum Sab., from Mirtaceae family, commonly known as araçá, is a native species form the South of Brazil, present in biomes such as the Atlantic Forest, a deciduous forest of Brazilian cerrado, strongly affected by the expansion of areas for agricultural and industrial production. Researches on plant breeding area, nutraceuticals and other areas have validated its potential and it detaches the need to promote it on a commercial scale. Mechanisms, that allow exploiting its genetic potential while maintaining its conservation areas, require adjustment in cloning techniques for fixing interest characteristics. In this investigation, seedlings of leaf cutting and young branch were assessed, with three treatments in leaf cutting (H2PO4 0.2 gL-1, AIB 100 mg L-1 and AIB and powder-based applied over cutting region). Moreover, leaf cuttings of five cm length and the two leaves were treated with AIB (0, 1,500, 3,000 and 6,000 mg L-1) in the absence and presence of BAP (500 mg L-1). Treatment with AIB (powder) in leaf cuttings showed higher survival of leave; however, there were callus formation, especially compared to other treatments of H2PO4 and AIB that showed average rooting percentage of 18%. In plant cuttings, there were no significant difference for the variables evaluated between AIB doses; however, the use of cytokinin (BAP 500 mg L-1) was inhibitory. There was no difference at rooting percentage (98%) without treatment with regulator, maintaining similar with BAP doses.

Leaf processing behaviour in Atta leafcutter ants: 90% of leaf cutting takes place inside the nest, and ants select pieces that require less cutting

Leafcutter ants cut trimmings from plants, carry them to their underground nests and cut them into smaller pieces before inoculating them with a fungus that serves as a primary food source for the colony. Cutting is energetically costly, so the amount of cutting is important in understanding foraging energetics. Estimates of the cutting density, metres of cutting per square metre of leaf, were made from samples of transported leaf cuttings and of fungal substrate from field colonies of Atta cephalotes and Atta colombica. To investigate cutting inside the nest, we made leaf-processing observations of our laboratory colony, A. cephalotes. We did not observe the commonly reported reduction of the leaf fragments into a pulp, which would greatly increase the energy cost of processing. Video clips of processing behaviours, including behaviours that have not previously been described, are linked. An estimated 2.9 (±0.3) km of cutting with mandibles was required to reduce a square metre of leaf to fungal substrate. Only about 12% (±1%) of this cutting took place outside of the nest. The cutting density and energy cost is lower for leaf material with higher ratios of perimeter to area, so we tested for, and found that the laboratory ants had a preference for leaves that were pre-cut into smaller pieces. Estimates suggest that the energy required to transport and cut up the leaf material is comparable to the metabolic energy available from the fungus grown on the leaves, and so conservation of energy is likely to be a particularly strong selective pressure for leafcutter ants.

Rhizobium inoculation and leaf cutting management impact assessment on seed quality of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

An experiment was conducted during 2013–14 at Vegetable Research Farm and laboratories of Department of Seed Science & Technology, CCSHAU, Hisar. The factorial experiment laid out in randomized block design (RBD) as well as in completely randomized design (CRD) was conducted for field and laboratory parameters, respectively. The fenugreek genotypes (HM-257, HM-273, HM-291, HM-293, HM-346, HM-348, HM-355, HM-444, Hisar Suvarana and Hisar Sonali) were sown with two sets of treatments (Rhizobium inoculation and without Rhizobium) and three levels of leaf cuttings (no cutting, one cutting at 30 days, two cuttings at 30 and 40 days after sowing). Test weight appeared slightly better in no cutting than one and two cuttings in both the treatments irrespective of the genotypes. Seed inoculation with Rhizobium culture influenced the seed test weight and the maximum test weight was observed with genotype HM-348 (13.83 g) with Rhizobium treatment. The maximum standard germination observed at HM-355 (97.99%) with Rhizobium treatment at no cutting and without Rhizobium treatment maximum standard germination was recorded by genotype HM-355 (96.90%) with no cutting. The maximum seedling vigour was observed for genotype HM-291 (2524.47) with Rhizobium treatment in no cutting and without Rhizobium treatment maximum seedling vigour was recorded by genotype HM-348 (2314.07) no cutting. The genotypes HM-348, HM-291 and HM-355 were observed superior for the seed quality parameters. Seed inoculation with Rhizobium culture influenced the test weight and germination percentage. In successive leaf cutting treatments irrespective of genotypes, there was decrease in seed quality parameters. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for almost all seed quality parameters.

Influence of spacing and number of leaf cuttings on seed yield in fenugreek

A field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute Regional Station, Karnal, Haryana to evaluate the effect of spacing and frequencies of leaf cutting on seed yield in fenugreek (<italic>Trigonella foenum- graecum</italic> L.) cv. Pusa Early Bunching. The treatments comprised of three row spacing (30, 45 and 60 cm) in main plot and three leaf cuttings (none, one and two cuttings) in sub plots. Row spacing at 45 cm recorded significantly higher leaf yield ha<sup>−1</sup> (89.05q) than 30 cm (70.53q) and 60 cm (75.95q) spacing, respectively. Spacing at 60 cm resulted in significantly higher test weight than the lower spacings. No leaf cutting treatment recorded higher test weight than one and two leaf cutting levels. The treatment comprising row spacing at 45 cm with one leaf cutting at 60 DAS resulted in a seed yield of 9.10 q ha<sup>−1</sup> and leaf yield of 48.96 q ha<sup>−1</sup>. This treatment also recorded highest net returns ha<sup>−1</sup> (Rs. 34065/-) and B:C ratio (1.41).

LEAF CUTTING PROPAGATION OF SEEMANIA SYLVATICA (KUNTH) HANTS

The present work aimed to determine the propagation of Seemania sylvatica by different leaf sections. Leaf cuttings 6 to 8 cm in length were transversely cut to achieve different types of cuttings: apical leaf cutting consists of apical blade leaves only; basal cuttings made of the basal section blade of leaf with the petiole, and whole leaf. The leaf cuttings were placed for rooting in vermiculite in a mist chamber for 60 days. At the end of 60 days of cutting, whole leaf cuttings of S. sylvatica produced an average of 10 roots with about 40 mm of length and 3 shoots with 40 mm of length. The basal leaf sections had an average of 10 roots with 30 mm of length, and 2 shoots with about 40 mm of length. Both types of cuttings were effective for producing plantlets. The apical leaf sections also present potential for the propagation of S. sylvatica, but this is a slower process.

Effect of leaf cutting on physiological traits and yield of two rice cultivars

Field experiments were conducted during two summer seasons 2003 and 2004 to study the effect of leaf cutting on physiological traits and yield of two rice cultivars hybrid (H5) (IR 70368 A /G 178) and inbred rice. The leaf cutting was followed from flag leaf as follows: 1.) L; Control = without leaf cutting, 2.) L1; flag leaf cut, 3.) L2; second leaf cut, 4.) L3; third leaf cut, 5.) L4; both flag leaf and second leaf cut. 6.) L5; flag leaf, second leaf and third leaf cut together. A split plot design with four replications was used; the main plots were devoted to the cutting of leaves, while the sub-plots were assigned to the two rice cultivars. Chlorophyll, sugar, starch and grain yield parameters were severely affected by L5, followed by L4, L1, L3 and L2 in sequence. However, as a single component affecting maximum to these parameters is the removal of flag leaf. The flag leaf contributed maximum to the yield of rice grains. L5, L4, L1, L2 and L3 treatments grain yield (relative % of control) by 59.87, 94.92, 44.89, 29.58 and 19.98 % respectively. Flag leaf contributed to 45% of grain yield and is the single most component for yield loss.The contribution of leaf removal in hybrid rice was minimum, suggesting the probability of maximum translocation of photosynthesis from stem to the grain during grain feeling stage of hybrid rice after leaf removal. Key words: Rice, leaf cutting, physiological traits, yield and cultivars.

ENRAIZAMENTO DE ESTACAS DE Ficus benjamina L.

Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) tem sido muito utilizada para ornamentação devido suas folhas serem perenes e brilhantes e por ser adaptável em ambientes internos com pouca iluminação. Como a principal forma de reprodução deste gênero é a propagação vegetativa, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o efeito de diferentes concentrações de ácido naftaleno acético (ANA) no enraizamento de estacas caulinares e de gema com folha de F. benjamina. Os experimentos foram realizados na UFPR em Curitiba – PR, entre abril e junho de 2005, com estacas caulinares confeccionadas com 10 cm de comprimento, contendo duas folhas apicais e estacas de gema com folha de 1 cm do caule contendo uma gema e uma folha inteira. As estacas, submetidas a tratamento com ANA nas concentrações de 500 e 1000 mg L-1 por 10 segundos e testemunha, foram plantadas em tubetes contendo vermiculita, e mantidas em casa-de-vegetação durante 56 dias. Avaliaram-se as porcentagens de estacas enraizadas, com calos, vivas e mortas, número e comprimento médio das raízes. Para estacas caulinares houve diferença estatística nas variáveis estacas enraizadas e comprimento médio de raiz, e para estacas de gema com folha, houve diferença significativa apenas no parâmetro comprimento de raiz. Assim para estacas caulinares sugere-se o uso de 500 mg L-1 de ANA, enquanto que para estacas de gema com folhas não é necessária a aplicação deste fitorregulador.

Effects of BA and Leaf Piece Orientation on Adventitious Bud Formation in Leaf Cutting of Begonia Tuberhybrida Group

We studied the effects of the type of leaf cuttings, 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) application, and the section position and orientation of leaf pieces on adventitious bud formation in leaf cuttings inserted in rockwool beds, using expanded young leaf blades of Begonia Tuberhybrida Group ‘Tenella’. In BA absence, 73% of whole leaf blades with petioles formed adventitious buds, whereas none of the 2 × 1.5 cm leaf pieces did at all. The percentages of surviving and adventitious bud formation of 2 × 1.5 cm leaf pieces without petioles were 47% and 0%, respectively. When these small leaf pieces were inserted in rockwool beds containing 0.25–2 ppm BA, the percentages of surviving and adventitious bud formation were 100% and 80%, respectively. In BA presence, the percentage of adventitious bud formation became lower from the base towards the tip of the leaf, and the leaf pieces at positions 2 cm away from the leaf bases did not form adventitious buds at all. When they were placed horizontally and vertically inverted, the percentages of adventitious bud formation were 60% and 80%, respectively.