Effect of 6-BAP application on shoot production of Melaleuca alternifolia seedlings

Abstract

Abstract Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) is one of the families of Myrtacea, which produces essential oils from their leaves, called tea tree oil (TTO) that is used as ingredients for cosmetics, antiseptics and pesticides. TTO leaves production of M. alternifolia plants can be increased by stimulating the growth of new shoots using 6-BAP hormone. The purpose of this study was to obtain appropriate dosage of 6-BAP to induce shoots in M. alternifolia seedlings. This research was conducted at the Dramaga Permanent Nursery in Bogor for 6 weeks from July-Agustus 2019 with M. alternifolia seedlings originating from grafts over 4 months old. Completely randomized design (CRD) with different 6-BAP concentration treatments in 5 replicates was used. The 6-BAP (benzyl amino purine) with a concentration of 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, 20 ppm and without hormone (as control) were sprayed on the leaves and stem. The results showed that 6-BAP affected shoot length and number of leaves. Spraying with 5 ppm 6-BAP dose increased the length of shoots and the number of leaves after 6 weeks of application amounting to 1.9% and 11.4%, respectively.