Potential of stem cuttings, rooting media and indolebutyric acid application for vegetative propagation of Warburgia Ugandensis sprague

Abstract

Potential of stem cuttings, rooting media and indolebutyric acid application for vegetative propagation of warburgia ugandensis sprague of different physiological ages was assessed in Uganda from 25th May- 25th August, 2009. The aim of the study was to develop vegetative propagating technique of W. ugandensis, with a view of increasing its domestication as a medicinal plant on-farm. The specific objectives were to: i) appraise rooting success of different stem cutting types, ii) determine the most appropriate rooting media and iii) determine the most appropriate hormone concentration for rooting stem cuttings of the tree species. A Complete Randomized Design with a factorial treatment structure was used. The experiment comprising a total of 540 stem cuttings were set in non-misting propagation tunnels and data collected over a period of three months. Collected data were statistically analysed using General Linear Model and Chi- square. Stem cutting type, rooting media and hormone concentration showed significant variations in callusing, rooting and shoot development for the different stem cuttings. There were also significant differences in number and length of roots and shoots developed by the different stem cutting types treated with hormone of different concentrations and propagated in different rooting media. Softwood stem cuttings treated with 0.8% IBA and propagated in milled pine bark medium recorded the highest percentage of cuttings that callused, rooted and developed shoots. The softwood stem cuttings also gave the greatest number and developed the longest roots and shoots. The result indicate that vegetative propagation of W. ugandensis can be appropriately achieved through softwood stem cuttings treated with 0.8% IBA and propagated in milled pine bark rooting medium. Although propagation of W. ugandensis can be achieved through use of 0.8% IBA hormone treated softwood stem cuttings in milled pine bark, further in-depth research using other hormone concentrations and mixtures of rooting media including assessment of effects of tissue culture on development of roots and leaves of the tree species is recommended.