Effect of combined naphthalene acetic acid and Indole-3-Butyric acid on the initial root formation on cuttings of selected ornamental plants

Abstract

The investigation on, “Effect of combined naphthalene acetic acid and indole-3-butyric acid on the initial root formation on cuttings of selected ornamental plants” was carried out at Wankoko KCCA plant nursery located in Bugolobi village. The objectives of the study were to find out the main goal of this study is to contribute to the successful propagation of quality ornamental nursery stock; to determine the effect of varying NAA and IBA rooting hormones on initial rooting of selected ornamental cuttings of Ixora spp, Brunfelsia spp and Bougainvillea spp and to determine the effect of explant fungicide treatment on rooting of selected ornamental cuttings. The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Design involving three ornamentals and five levels of hormone combination. Data were collected on number of cuttings alive (callused, rooted and shooted), number of budded shoots on the cuttings, number and length of roots developed per rooted cutting for each plant species. The results from the study showed a positive response of Bougainvillea spp, Ixora spp and Brunfelsia spp cuttings in the use of polythene dome. Polythene dome showed the highest quality and quantity of leaves and very long sprouts compared to open space. The application of IBA 1000 ppm + NAA 2000 ppm together with polythene dome interactively proved significantly superior in enhancing the rooting of Bougainvillea spp and Ixora spp cuttings. Although there are various materials that can be used for rooting stem cuttings, the use of polythene dome treated with IBA 1000 ppm + NAA 2000 ppm should be promoted for mass propagation of Brunfelsia spp, Bougainvillea spp and Ixora spp cuttings