Quality of Pelargonium graveolens L. Stem Cuttings as Affected by Rooting Substrates and IBA Concentrations

Quality of Pelargonium graveolens L. Stem Cuttings as Affected by Rooting Substrates and IBA Concentrations

The effect of different rooting substrates and IBA concentrations on rooting of geranium stem cuttings were investigated under mist chamber during 2009-2011. All the substrates significantly affected the rooting of stem cuttings. Maximum rooting (94.05 %) was recorded in cocopeat followed by perlite (84.89 %) as compared to garden soil (58.96 %). Length of root system and number of roots were found maximum in cocopeat (11.19 cm and 34.41), respectively. Root fresh and dry weight were found highest (4.00 g and 527.73 mg) in cocopeat and lowest in garden soil. Whereas shoot length and number of leaves were recorded maximum in garden soil (23.05 cm and 13.03) followed by cocopeat (22.21 cm and 12.28), respectively and minimum in sand. Among different substrates, cocopeat was found superior followed by perlite in rooting of cuttings, while poorest rooting was observed in garden soil. Among IBA concentrations, maximum rooting percentage and length of root system were recorded with IBA 1000 ppm (80.56 % and 8.28 cm) and minimum in control, whereas survival percentage was recorded highest with IBA 1000 ppm (72.09 %) as compared to control (65.26 %)..