INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL FACTORS ON THE ROOTING OF LEAF-BUD CUTTINGS OF FICUS

Rooting of leaf-bud cuttings of Ficuselastica robusta was assessed by counting the total number of visible roots and the distribution of roots in each of four size categories ranging from <1cm up to >5cm long.
The root size data was used to calculate total root length.

A rooting temperature of 30°C induced rapid root development and was more satisfactory than either 24°C or 18°C. Neutralised^x peat was marginally superior to a rooting medium containing equal parts of perlite and peat.

Low levels of available nutrients (seedling compost content) reduced root initiation and development (up to 90.7% reduction in cumulative root length). However, the incorporation of a slow-release fertiliser (Osmocote 18-6-12) at 1.65 and 3.30g/l had no undesirable effect on root number and development during the rooting phase.
The most satisfactory pH was found to lie between 4.5 and 5.5.

The rooting hormones IBA and NAA and the growth retardant SADH were compared as rooting aids, alone and in combination, at a range of concentrations as dusts, dips and sprays.
All treatments, with the exception of SADH dips, enhanced rooting as compared with untreated controls.
The powder formulations were generally most effective, especially IBA at 0.8%. At the first recording date the top ten treatments (out of 27) in order of merit were NAA-treated.
At the final recording, one week later, nine out of ten of the best treatments were IBA-treated.

Symposium on Production of Potted Plants and Cut Flowers

J.V. Morgan, H.W. Lawlor

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1976.64.5