Articles
Vegetative propagation of Plectranthus aliciae (madagascariensis)
Article number
1358_9
Pages
65 – 72
Language
English
Abstract
Plectranthus aliciae is a perennial aromatic herb widely used for ornamental purposes and in traditional medicine.
Essential oils of the species have been proven to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor and antioxidant activity.
A sustainable supply of plant material is needed for commercialisation of this species; however, theres low production of seeds of this species and micro-propagation is expensive.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a standardised vegetative propagation protocol for P. aliciae. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four block replicates per season.
Four growing media, two cutting position with application of two growth regulators and control were evaluated in two seasons on survival and rooting of P. aliciae cuttings.
Improved survival, higher percentage of rooted cuttings, root length and root weight were significantly observed in cuttings planted in summer compared to spring.
Apical cuttings planted in rooting media vermiculite: compost (1:2) and treated with Dynaroot 1 consistently resulted in higher survival percentage and better root quality.
Cuttings planted in sand performed poorly in all parameters measured.
Vegetative propagation using apical cuttings, mixture of vermiculite and compost (1:2) and the application of Dynaroot 1 in summer is the preferred method for production of P. aliciae plants.
Essential oils of the species have been proven to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor and antioxidant activity.
A sustainable supply of plant material is needed for commercialisation of this species; however, theres low production of seeds of this species and micro-propagation is expensive.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a standardised vegetative propagation protocol for P. aliciae. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four block replicates per season.
Four growing media, two cutting position with application of two growth regulators and control were evaluated in two seasons on survival and rooting of P. aliciae cuttings.
Improved survival, higher percentage of rooted cuttings, root length and root weight were significantly observed in cuttings planted in summer compared to spring.
Apical cuttings planted in rooting media vermiculite: compost (1:2) and treated with Dynaroot 1 consistently resulted in higher survival percentage and better root quality.
Cuttings planted in sand performed poorly in all parameters measured.
Vegetative propagation using apical cuttings, mixture of vermiculite and compost (1:2) and the application of Dynaroot 1 in summer is the preferred method for production of P. aliciae plants.
Authors
T. Moabelo, B. Matsiliza-Mlathi, R. Kleynhans
Keywords
cuttings, media, rooting, root length, rooting percentage
Online Articles (44)