Influence of Indolebutyric Acid Potassium Salt on Propagation of Semi-hardwood Stem Cuttings of Bougainvillea

Abstract

Bougainvillea glabra is a tropical species with reportedly difficulty to propagate. Previous research has shown the importance of talc-based rooting hormones when propagating Bougainvillea, yet little has been published on the efficacy of liquid-based formulations. Therefore, our objective was to determine the optimum concentration of indolebutyric acid potassium salt (KIBA) needed to effectively root semi-hardwood stem cuttings of Bougainvillea `California Gold' and `Helen Johnson'. Sub-terminal cuttings measuring 6.5 cm were harvested from stock plants of Bougainvillea on 3-week intervals from 6 June to 8 Aug. and repeated 6 Sept. to 8 Nov. 2005. Cuttings were dipped 0.5 cm in a solution of 0, 1500, 3000, or 6000 mg·L-1 KIBA or in a 1500-mg·L-1 solution containing indolebutyric acid (IBA) 1%: napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) 0.5% and propagated under mist. Cuttings were evaluated for percent survival, rooting quality (1 = poor; 5 = best), and number of primary and lateral roots 5 weeks after planting (WAP). Differences in `California Gold' for percent survival, average rank, and number of roots were determined not significant at P ≤ 0.05. However, application of rooting hormone to `Helen Johnson' increased rooting quality, number of primary roots, and number of lateral roots by up to 24%, 53%, and 50%, respectively. Results indicated rooting performance was generally improved with application of KIBA; therefore, cuttings of Bougainvillea may benefit from a 1500-mg·L-1 solution. KIBA was also found to be as effective as the industry standard liquid formulation. Growers will have to consider the availability and cost of KIBA when propagating Bougainvillea.