Vegetative Propagation Techniques Research Articles

Trial on the Production and Use of Compost Made from Pterygota bequaertii Crushed Material and Terminalia ivorensis a Chev Crushed Material for the Production of Gmelina arborea Seedlings : A Study from Daloa, Central Western Côte d'Ivoire

The over-exploitation of natural resources in the semi-deciduous forests of the Côte d'Ivoire forest zone has led to the degradation of the vegetation cover. This has reduced the ecological continuity of the semi-deciduous forest biomes in the forest zone. To restore these ecosystems, plantations of agroforestry species are recommended. However, nursery production of these types of trees using seed or vegetative propagation techniques faces a number of problems, such as the use of substrates with unfavourable physico-chemical properties and often contaminated with pathogens. This article presents the results of a trial conducted at the UJLOG experimental plot in Daloa to produce and evaluate the agronomic characteristics of compost made from Pterygota bequaertii and Terminalia Ivorensis A Chev for the production of Gmelina arborea seedlings. To this end, after the compost was made, four compost-based substrates and a forest humus-based control were prepared, characterised from a physical and chemical point of view and tested in the nursery. Seedling growth and root regeneration capacity measured in the nursery, as well as recovery after planting, were the parameters used to judge the quality of the seedlings and the effect of the compost. The results show that pterygota bequaertii and Terminalia Ivorensis A Chev have good composting properties, and their compost can be easily produced with or without a stimulator. The behaviour of the plants in the five substrates also showed that significant qualitative improvements were recorded in the plants reared in the compost-based substrates compared with the control plants. The results obtained show that the constituent elements of the substrates (droppings, bursa, carbonised sawdust) combined with pterygota bequaertii grindings and Terminalia Ivorensis A Chev grindings, depending on how they are prepared, have a significant effect on the physico-chemical parameters recorded (pH, total porosity, aeration and retention porosity, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.); electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), and consequently, on germination (germination percentage) and vegetative behaviour (height, diameter, number of leaves and robustness ratio), as well as a better root regeneration capacity and a better recovery of the Gmelina arborea plants in the field compared with the control plants (forest compost). It is therefore possible to improve the quality of Gmelina arborea seedlings by using pterygota bequaertii compost and Terminalia Ivorensis A Chev as a growing medium instead of forest compost.

Quality and resistance optimization of banana (Musa acuminata L.) vegetative seeds through the addition of indole butyric acid with biological agents induction against fusarium wilt disease intensity

Banana plants are a vital agricultural commodity in Indonesia, but Fusarium wilt disease (Fusarium oxysporum) significantly hampers production. This research aims to improve the quality and resilience of vegetative banana seedlings by selecting superior seedlings and vegetative propagation techniques such as budding, shoot cutting, and tissue culture management. The research used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial with a combination of two factors, namely the addition of IBA and biological agents, with nine treatment combinations and three replications. IBA treatment significantly affected the initial emergence of shoots and leaf area, with the best result from treatment Z2 (IBA concentration of 1.5 g/l). The biological agent factor treatment significantly affected plant height, lower stem diameter, number of leaves, and hypothetical vigor index, with the best value shown by treatment B1. The use of IBA and biological agents can optimize the quality and resilience of vegetative banana seedlings, aiding farmers in enhancing the productivity and quality of agricultural products sustainably.

Advancements in the techniques for rescue and vegetative propagation of adult Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. trees

ABSTRACT This study focused on the method known as air layering to facilitate the growth of new plants from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. a technique relatively unexplored for this species. The primary goal was to ascertain whether air layering could effectively produce new clonal (genetically identical) plants. Additionally, the study aimed to establish and enhance a small-scale nursery for clonal plants. To this end, trials were conducted on segments of branches from six adult trees in a special setup which stimulates root growth using various indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations. Root development was monitored biweekly. Based on these experiments, a clonal mini-garden was established to observe the growth and health of these new plants, assessing the number of new shoots and mini-cuttings generated and their survival rates. The findings indicate that root development occurred under all conditions, although the IBA concentration did not significantly affect the outcome. The success of plant growth within the clonal mini-garden appeared to be linked to the quality of root development during the air layering process. Therefore, employing air layering to cultivate new Mimosa caesalpiniifolia plants is viable and can support the creation of a clonal mini-garden for subsequent propagation.

Modern breeding methods in forestry aimed at preserving genetic diversity

This research is devoted to analysing the impact of modern breeding measures in forestry on the level of genetic diversity of forest tree species. It has been found that the main source of improved seed material for the genetic restoration of forests is base forest seed orchards. Aspects of the influence of determining factors – background pollination and the number of clones – on the indicators of genetic variability of progeny have been analysed in detail. The potential of background pollination in forest seed orchards in the context of a significant decrease in the effectiveness of breeding measures and a parallel increase in the level of genetic variability of progeny has been studied. An analysis of data on the minimum number of clones in seed orchards has been carried out based on the practical experience of other developed countries. The dynamics of clone variability in terms of fertility have been investigated. The potential impact of clonal selection on the genetic diversity of tree species, particularly in reducing it, has been identified. It has been confirmed that integrating the concept of family forestry, which involves the use of vegetative propagation techniques, into the breeding strategy significantly increases the level of genetic variability in progeny. The study has demonstrated that the multiple-population breeding system provides the optimal preconditions for synergising the process of long-term intensive breeding and preserving the gene pool of tree species. It has been determined that there is no negative impact on genetic diversity from implementing a complex of optimally planned breeding programs. At the same time, the potential for intensifying the quality of gene pool conservation in the process of forest ecosystem restoration through the use of improved seed material and clones in artificial orchards has been established. Special attention is given to the maintenance of ex situ – valuable genetic material in forest seed production facilities, including forest seed orchards, trial cultures, and clone archives of plus trees. Research has shown that the implementation of modern innovative solutions and scientific recommendations can minimise the loss of genetic diversity in forest tree species. The results can be applied in contemporary forestry breeding programs

Preserving the Heritage "Kapok Tree" [Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.] of the University of the Philippines through Vegetative Propagation

A Ceiba pentandra at the University of the Philippines Los Baños was a centennial tree that was felled as it posed a threat to the community. To preserve its historical value and sustain its lineage, a low-cost technique of vegetative propagation was undertaken by determining the effect of varying leaf numbers (one, two, and three leaves) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) doses (0, 100, and 500 ppm). Results of the analysis of variance revealed significant (P = 0.012) to highly significant (P < 0.001) variations in all rooting parameters after 2 wk, whereas significant (P = 0.037) only in terms of shoot length after 3 and 4 wk. Meanwhile, significant (P = 0.002) variations due to IBA were observed only on shoot length after 2 wk but not after 3 and 4 wk. A comparison of the means revealed the superiority of cuttings with the greatest number (3) of leaves. Furthermore, root traits and cutting sizes associations obtained positive and significant (r2 = 0.17–0.98, P < 0.0001). Both the weakest and strongest associations were detected in cuttings after 2 wk, whereas increasing percentages of the highest, positive, and significant correlations (r2 = 0.80–0.98, P < 0.0001) were observed from Weeks 2–4, suggesting that the effect of varying carbohydrate may be detected after 2 wk and tend to be more pronounced the longer they stayed in the improvised rooting chamber.

Preparation of citrus planting material: Socialization in the ecotourism activist community at Pajagan Village, Cisitu Sub-District, Sumedang Regency

The present community service was aimed to socialize techniques for preparing citrus planting materials in the ecotourism activist community at Pajagan Village, Cisitu District, Sumedang Regency. The socialization was attended by 30 people who were a combination of academics, representatives of Pajagan village-owned enterprise (Bumdes), and ecotourism activists whose daily professions are farmers in the Cipicung farmer group, Pajagan. To produce citrus planting material, grafting is a prerequisite vegetative propagation technique for obtaining standardized tangerine planting material. Grafted seedlings are more recommended than seed originated seedling, because of flower quickly, resistant to damping off, pests and diseases. Grafting is performed to connect the upper stem/scion of a tangerine cv. Siam Madu with superior fruit characteristics and the lower stem/rootstock of a sour rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri). It is hoped that this outreach activity can grow public interest and knowledge in producing planting material independently in the future.

Propagation of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Using Cross-Cuttings under a Controlled Environment

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable geophyte plant and one of the most expensive spices in the world. Recently, the demand for saffron spice has increased in worldwide markets owing to its enormous application and value. However, the production of saffron is limited by the vegetative propagation technique and the limited number of high-quality corms planted. Furthermore, climatic changes, notably increasing temperatures, negatively influence saffron multiplication and growth. Thus, it is important to develop alternative cultivation and propagation techniques for saffron under a controlled environment, which could ensure an increase in saffron yield and avoid the negative impact of climatic changes. The present study aimed to develop an alternative method for vegetative propagation of Crocus sativus under controlled conditions. The effect of different cross-cuttings, including basal cuttings (BCs) and top-to-bottom cuttings (CTBs), was evaluated on shoot, leaf, flower, and daughter corm production. All the growth parameters examined were influenced by the cutting treatment applied. The results showed that the highest number of shoots formed was obtained by BCs and CTBs, with an average of 6.68 and 5.47 shoots per corm, respectively, compared to the control with an average of 2.70 shoots per corm. The cutting treatment positively affected the formation of daughter corms in which, the high mean number of corms recorded was obtained by the BC treatment. Meanwhile, the lower size of the daughter corms was obtained after the cross-cutting treatment. This is the first report that provides an alternative propagation for saffron using a controlled environment, which could help to improve the production of saffron.

SHELTER EFFECT ON BUDDING AND SOME MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF SEEDLINGS OF PEPPER [Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae)] IN NURSERY

Cuttings are a vegetative propagation technique used by small farmers to improve crop yield and income. It promotes the conservation of the genetic heritage of plants. This study investigated the influence of shelter on sprouting and seedling growth of the Lompung cultivar of pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in nursery. This plant characterized by large leaves has been used for the production of tunnel and nursery shelter seedlings. The tests were conducted for three months (November 2016 - January 2017). The device used was a completely random block. The parameters studied included the timing and germination rate of the cuttings, the number of leaves, the leaf area, the length and the dry root biomass of the plants. ANOVA 1 and the Ducan test were used to analyze the results obtained. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the performance of the plants obtained under tunnels was higher than that of plants grown under nursery shelter. These include collet diameter, number of leaves and leaf area, length, and root biomass. On the other hand, the germination time was not influenced by the cropping systems. This study has shown that cuttings of pepper tunnels are favorable to vegetative multiplication.

Evidence of efficient in vitro micropropagation from bulb scales of starch grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum Guss. Ex. Ten.)

Muscari neglectum is a widespread plant species that grows in various areas of the Mediterranean region in the wild. The species has a high potential for use as cut flowers, outdoor or indoor ornamental or garden plants. It is also used as a food, and forage plant on limited scales in rural areas. There is a lack of commercial production protocols for M. neglectum. The development of a fast and efficient protocol for commercial production, may contribute to the economy of T?rkiye and improve local people?s quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to develop safe in vitro vegetative propagation techniques using 2, 3, 4, and 5 bulb scale explants on MS medium using 1 mg BAP L-1 + 0.00, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80, 1.00,1.20 mg NAA L-1. Any number of bulb scale explants obtained from freshly harvested bulbs were not suitable for micropropagation and developed necrosis. However, any number of bulb scales obtained from 6 weeks of waiting for bulbs did not show the problem. A regeneration percentage of 13.33 to 100% was noted on 2-scale explants. Additionally, 100% callus formation was observed on these scales using MS medium containing 1 mg BAP L-1 + 0.8, 1.0, and 1.20 mg NAA L-1 (3 combinations). In addition, 1.93 bulblets with a diameter of 0.97 cm (the largest) were observed on MS medium containing 1 mg BAP L-1 + 0.4 mg NAA L-1. Although, 3, 4, and 5 bulb scale explants induced bulblets in variable numbers, the rate of bulblet induction was not at par with bulblet induction on 2 scale explants. The largest bulblets developed on 2-scale explants were rooted on ? ? MS medium containing 0.5 mg NAA L-1. The results obtained for micropropagation of M. neglectum species are of great importance for the commercial production of the species.

Comparative analysis of three vegetative propagation techniques of Rhizophora racemosa G.F.W. Meyer for ex-situ conservation

Context: Mangroves are threatened by human activities and climate change which affect their biotopes. For the sake of their preservation, this prospective study of the adaptation of Rhizophora racemosa from the Marine Park of Mangroves (PMM) in the Democratic Republic of Congo was conducted on the sandy soils of Kinshasa, more than 400 km from its natural site. Methods: Three vegetative propagation techniques, including transplanting wildlings, germinating propagules and sowing propagule cuttings, were tested in pots. The experimental trial lasted six months. Results: The transplanted wildlings barely survived the end of the trial (20%). The immature and mature propagules recorded the germination rates of 99.5% and 100% respectively. The seedlings resulting from this vegetative propagation experienced good growth and development after 6 months of cultivation. The use of propagules and their cuttings is thus the most recommended technique for transplanting R. racemosa G.F.W. Meyer into the soil of Kinshasa. Conclusion: The domestication of R. racemosa G.F.W. Meyer ex situ based on propagule cuttings offers the possibility of ecologically relocating this plant species potentially threatened with extinction and thus ensuring its conservation.

The Natural Alternatives: The Impact of Plant Extracts on Snowbush (Breynia disticha Forst.) Cuttings’ Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics

The utilization of cuttings remains a prevalent method for vegetative propagation in various plant species. Synthetic rooting hormones have conventionally been employed to enhance the rooting process; however, their high cost and potential environmental risks have necessitated the exploration of natural alternative compounds. In this study, the efficacy of natural plant extracts (pure honey, aloe extract, willow extract, moringa extract, and cinnamon powder) and synthetic auxin derivatives (indole-3-butyric acid and α-naphthaleneacetic acid) at a concentration of 2000 ppm was compared for their influence on rooting and vegetative growth of snowbush (Breynia disticha) cuttings, a significant ornamental and medicinal shrub. Results demonstrated that while the synthetic hormones produced the highest survival percentages and root number, the roots were consistently short, thick, friable, and largely void of secondary roots. Conversely, the alternative natural plant extracts, particularly aloe extract, exhibited promising outcomes, showcasing good rooting percentage and root number, significantly increased root length, and fresh and dry root weight. Furthermore, aloe extract demonstrated the potential to enhance shoot length and alter the chemical constituents of the cuttings. The highest values of total phenols and nitrogen percentage were recorded with cuttings treated with indole-3-butyric acid, followed by cuttings treated with aloe extract. While using aloe extract, we recorded the highest values of total carbohydrates, phosphorus, and potassium percentages. Notably, the highest endogenous levels of indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid, along with the lowest abscisic acid concentration in cutting tissues, were associated with the highest rooting percentage observed with indole-3-butyric acid, followed by the use of aloe extract. We hypothesized that natural plant extracts, specifically aloe extract, have potential as a viable alternative for synthetic auxins in promoting successful rooting and vegetative growth in snowbush cuttings. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of these natural compounds in vegetative propagation techniques.

Systematic Review: Sejarah Persebaran dan Konservasi Famili Dipterocarpaceae melalui Perbanyakan Vegetatif

Dipterocarpaceae dominate plants of tropical forests, and their wood is exploiting until it's been rare plants. Conservation through generative propagation has several problems, and vegetative propagation then being as an alternative. This study has two purposes that to understand the history of distribution of Dipterocarpaceae and do research about the development of vegetative propagation techniques that apply for Dipterocarpaceae. This study was using a systematic review method. Commonly, vegetative propagation techniques that have been applied are cuttings and culture in vitro but other vegetative techniques have not to use yet. Research on the vegetative propagation of Upuna and Parashorea has not been available. Cutting is the most propagation technique used and has a good effect on several species of Dipterocarpaceae. Culture in vitro techniques have been used for several genus and need further research.
 Keywords: conservation, dipterocarpaceae, rare tree, systematic review, vegetative propagation

Mini-cutting as a technique to propagate Tabebuia aurea, an important tree found in tropical dry forests

Tabebuia aurea is a hardwood species from Brazil. This species yields high-quality wood for diverse applications and has a high value in phytosociological importance, but little has been done regarding an effective propagation method for large-scale production in nurseries. Alternatively, vegetative propagation techniques such as mini-cutting technology (an evolution of the cuttings technique) can be used, which has the potential to facilitate mini-stumps (stock plants), productive capacity, and vigour of the propagules (mini-cuttings). Therefore, this paper aimed to establish a protocol for vegetative propagation using the mini-cutting technique for Tabebuia aurea. For this, four independent experiments were conducted: the first evaluated the survival and production of mini-stumps between four harvests; the second tested the interaction between mini-cutting types (apical and intermediate) and different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 0, 2.000, 4.000, and 6.000 mg.L-1) on adventitious rooting; the third analysed the effect of leaf area reduction (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on mini-cuttings; and the fourth verified the substrate effect (100% coconut fibre, 50% coconut fibre + 50% commercial organic compost, and 100% commercial organic compost) on mini-cuttings rooting. The survival; percentage of rooted mini-cuttings; number of roots; length of the largest root; aerial dry mass; and root system dry mass were measured as response variables. The results indicated that all mini-stumps survived four harvests, remained productive, and produced propagules responsive to adventitious rooting. Rooting and mini-cutting survival rates were high, up to 80% without IBA, and the maximum mean setting value of 90% for apical mini-cuttings in the IBA concentration of 2000 mg.L-1 and 4000 mg.L-1 to intermediate mini-cuttings. Treatments without leaf reduction and with a reduction of 50% promoted better results concerning rooting and plant development. The substrate influences adventitious rooting; coconut fibre + organic compost (1:1) are indicated for the species propagation. For the highest system productivity, apical mini-cuttings with 2000 mg.L-1 of IBA, no leaf reduction, and coconut fibre + organic compost (1:1) are recommended as substrates

Pertumbuhan Stek Pucuk Mangga (Mangifera indica L.) terhadap Respon Konsentrasi IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) dan Macam Media Tanam

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a fruit plant that has long been known and has become a commodity that has high economic value and is a trade commodity between countries. Vegetative propagation technique is an alternative to reproduce this type of plant. This study aims to: 1) Determine the concentration of IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) which affects the growth of mango shoot cuttings (Mangifera indica L.). 2) Knowing the planting media that affect the growth of mango shoot cuttings (Mangifera indica L.). 3) To determine the interaction between the concentration of IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) and the planting medium which influences the growth of mango shoot cuttings (Mangifera indica L.). The research was carried out using Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 2 factors. The first factor was the concentration of IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) (0 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm) and the second factor was the planting medium (sand, husk charcoal and sand + husk charcoal) with 3 replications. The results of this study were 1) There was an effect of IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) concentration treatment on the growth of mango shoot cuttings (Mangifera indica L.). The effect occurred on the percentage of growing cuttings, days of shoot break, shoot length, and number of leaves. 2) There is an effect of growing media treatment on the growth of mango shoot cuttings (Mangifera indica L.). The effect occurred on the percentage of growing cuttings, shoot length and number of leaves. 3) There was no interaction between the treatment of IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) concentrations and the growing media on the growth of mango shoot cuttings (Mangifera indica L.).

Yield and yield components of superior cocoa (Theobroma cocoa L.) clones rejuvenated by ring budding technique

The ring budding technique gave a higher suitability for rejuvenation of cocoa plants compared to side cleft grafting it can be combined with the use of superior clones for optimal production. However, information related to this is still limited. The research aimed to determine the effects of ring budding technique on yield components and yields of three types of superior cocoa clones. The experiment was arranged in a Nested Design. The first factor is the type of vegetative propagation technique, consisting of side cleft grafting and ring budding. The second factor was clones, which consisted of clones KKM 22, RCC 70 and RCC 71. Clones were nested in vegetative propagation. The research was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021 at the Pagilaran Company. Observations were made on several yield component variables. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with the Least Significant Difference Test (LSD) at the 5%. The results showed that the number of pods and the weight of beans per cocoa stand were significantly higher in the ring budding technique than the side cleft grafting. This condition caused the dry bean weight per hectare much higher as well. The three cacao clones, which were rejuvenated by ring budding, gave a good response and high yields. Meanwhile, only KKM 2 gave good response and high yield after treated with side cleft grafting technique, while RCC 70 and RCC 71 clones gave low yields. The KKM 22 clone is the best option in terms of rehabilitation with ring budding and side cleft grafting.

Standardization of vegetative propagation technique of wild edible Himalayas pear (Pyrus pashia) on newly identified local rootstock, RC Sohjhur-3

Standardization of vegetative propagation technique of wild edible Himalayas pear (Pyrus pashia) on newly identified local rootstock, RC Sohjhur-3

Pelatihan Teknik Perbanyakan Vegetatif Tanaman Hias pada Ibu-Ibu PKK di Desa Bokor, Tumpang, Kabupaten Malang

TRAINING ON VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION TECHNIQUES OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS FOR PKK WOMEN IN BOKOR VILLAGE, TUMPANG, MALANG REGENCY. The Covid-19 pandemic that has hit the world in the last 2 years has harmed all sectors of human life. The Indonesian government issued a policy to reduce the activity and mobility of people outside the house to reduce the rate of transmission of the virus. This policy has hurt the people's economy. Activities that are only in the house environment can increase the potential for stress in the community. One solution to overcome the problems mentioned above is to cultivate ornamental plants in the yard of the house. The trend of ornamental plant cultivation has an impact on increasing the number of requests and prices of ornamental plants and it is directly related to the strengthening of the bargaining position of ornamental plant farming. Activities carried out include observation, training, practice of ornamental plant propagation and assistance, and evaluation. The vegetative propagation techniques used were leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, seedling separation, and a demonstration of grafting activities, which were carried out on 9 of ornamental plant species, namely sansevieria, zamioculcas, little hogweed, aglaonema, iris, carwx morrowii, spider ivy, dracaena, and codiaeum. The results of the activity showed that partner’s knowledge and skills in the vegetative propagation of ornamental plants increased by 19%. The participants were able to reproduce ornamental plants vegetatively well. The percentage of success in growing plants from partner propagation is 71.4-100%.

Influence of growth regulators and length of cuttings on the propagation potential of Piper pedicellatum C. DC. – A threatened wild leafy vegetable of North-East India

Piper pedicellatum C. DC. is a wild leafy vegetable belonging to the family Piperaceae and is categorized as threatened species. It is one of the widely used popular leafy vegetable in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Sikkim, locally known as Rahre, Raro or Rori. The species is rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, minerals, dietary fibre, antioxidants, protein, and energy and is also used as an ethnomedicinal plant. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of growth regulators IBA and IAA and length of stem cuttings on propagation potential of P. pedicellatum C. DC in the Forestry Nursery of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology during the years 2018 and 2019. The experiment revealed that the performance of stem cuttings viz., time taken for first sprouting, maximum sprout per cutting, length of sprouted shoot, number of leaves per cutting, and maximum fresh weight of shoot are found better in the treatment of T4 (L1 + IBA 1500 ppm), T7 (L1 + IAA 1500 ppm), T11 (L2 + IBA 1500 ppm) and T14 (L2 + IAA 1500 ppm), respectively. Similarly, the maximum number of roots per cutting, root length, fresh and dry weight of roots were also recorded in the treatment of T4 (L2 + IAA 1500 ppm) at par with T11 (L1 + IBA 1500 ppm) during both the year. The mean maximum survival rate of cuttings with a higher rooting percentage was observed in T11, which is at par with T7, T14, and T4. Although L2 cuttings performed better than L1 cuttings, the difference was not so prominent. Stem cuttings, irrespective of their length, treated with IBA 1500 ppm and IAA 1500 ppm showed significantly superior performance over the cuttings treated with lower concentrations of IBA and IAA. The outcome of the present study indicated that the P. pedicellatum is a promising wild leafy vegetable plant that can be exploited for conservation, domestication, and cultivation through the vegetative propagation technique, with standardization of its production technology for the adoption of commercial cultivation of the threatened species.

Oxytenanthera abyssinica A. Rich. Munro species-site suitability matching in Ethiopia

Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Lowland bamboo) is vital to the lowland environment, for restoration, biodiversity conservation as well as a substitute source of woody raw materials and non- wood products to rural and urban people, forest industries, construction and energy sectors. The species grows in lowland areas thriving on unproductive soils, even tolerating rocky outcrops, high temperature and low rainfall areas. Bamboo rhizomes are effective in protecting topsoil on steep slopes and river banks. In Ethiopia, the bulk (~85%) of lowland bamboo species is concentrated to the western part of the country, to the Benishangul- Gumuz Region, and less known to other parts with similar agroclimate. The present study aims at assessing environmental parameters for species-site suitability and matching to the potential regions where the species can thrive and produce biomass to provide the economic and ecosystem benefits at wider scale over the country. Climate, terrain and soil data collected from field survey coupled with growth parameters measured at introduced new sites indicated that O. abyssinica is versatile species, can thrive well in other areas in the country with similar edaphic and climatic conditions and altitudinal gradient as in its native range. Therefore, cognizant on the stated results, disseminating the species with seed collection and also /training and making aware communities on vegetative propagation techniques along with the potential uses is recommended to new potential areas in Ethiopia.

Use of biodegradable polyester-based microvessels for micropropagation of mature Eucalyptus microcorys

Background: Micropropagation, an in vitro vegetative propagation technique using small propagules is one of the main applications of plant tissue culture. It can be used to clone specific plants with desired traits and reduce the cost of plant propagation. In this study, we developed a protocol for micropropagation of Eucalyptus microcorys F.Muell using a selected mature tree, in which we tested various combinations of different culture media and evaluated the use of biodegradable polyester-based microvessels during the adventitious rooting and acclimatisation phases. Methods: Epicormic shoots were used as an explant source. After the in vitro explant establishment and multiplication, we tested 8 combinations of BAP, NAA and IBA in the elongation phase. Three types of microvessels were tested in the adventitious rooting phase and acclimatisation of the microcuttings. Results: Epicormic shoots had an establishment percentage of 40.6% and a total of 820 explants were generated by the 11th subculture, with an average of 12 buds per explant. Best shoot elongation results were achieved with BAP (0.05 mg L-1) + NAA (1 mg L-1) and BAP (0.05 mg L-1) + NAA (1 mg L-1) + IBA (1 mg L-1) combinations, whereas microvessel types M2 and M3 provided higher rooting and acclimatisation. According to the results of ISSR markers, at the end of 535 days of in vitro cultivation, cloning was successful between acclimatised micro-plantlets and the parent plant. Conclusions: The micropropagation protocol using microvessels was efficient in producing E. microcorys clonal micro-plantlets and is recommended for further studies with this species, and for testing in the micropropagation of other species.