Effect of Pectimorf on the rooting ability, and morpho-physiological trials of national cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) under different substrates

Abstract

Cocoa is an economical cash crop that is formerly planted worldwide. Cuttings are a method of vegetative propagation suitable for maintaining desirable characteristics in cocoa trees. A greenhouse experiment was performed to evaluate the optimal concentrations of Pectimorf® (0, 10, 50, and 100 mg L-1) for rooting ability and seedling establishment as well as some physiological trials of 4 months EETP-800 national cocoa cuttings grown under two different substrates (S1: 80% soil + 20% sand and S2: 70% soil + 20% sand + 10% rice husk). The data showed that in most cases there are no significant differences in vegetative growth and root characteristics as well as gas exchange parameters between the two substrates. On the other hand, the application of Pectimorf® concentration enhanced all tested traits compared to untreated plants. The most effective in this regard was 100 mg L-1, that giving the highest value of all trials. As for the interaction effect, the result also shows that the application of Pectimorf® concentration in special at 100 mg L-1 among two substrates had an additive effect on plant growth, gas exchange, and survival percentage compared to non-treated cuttings. The application of 100 mg L-1 Pectimorf® with S2 substrate produced stronger seedlings with a higher survival percentage. This protocol can be used commercially for cocoa propagation commercially.