The effect of naphthalene acetic acid and some rooting media on rooting abilities and shoot growth of Dwarf Nerium cuttings

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of different rooting media and naphthalene acetic acid on rooting abilities and shoot growth of Nerium ofeandercuttings. Methodology: Petite Red and Petite Salmon (Dwarf Nerium), the experiment was designed randomly to obtain data from three replicates (ten cuttings per replicate). The cuttings taken during mid February were rooted at different concentrations of NAA (500 and 1000 mg l(-1)) and in growth media (peat, per lite and municipal sewage sludge) for 45 days. The shoot length and number, fresh and dry weight of shoots, rooting ratios, root number and length, fresh and dry weight of roots were measured. Results: The results showed that the best rooting medium was peat and 500 mg f' of NAA increased rooting ratio by 60%, no difference was found between other two NAA concentrations. Moreover, in both varieties, peat growth media plus 500 mg NAA yielded the best results and addition of NM positively affected shoot fresh and dry weight. Interpretation: On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that peat was found to be the best rooting media and NAA addition in rooting media positively affected plant growth. Moreover, recycled municipal sewage sludge can be used in ornamental plant cultivation.