Propagation of Epipremnum aureum stem cuttings under synthetic and alternative rooting hormones

Rooting hormones for plant propagation are commonly used, especially by those who have difficulty growing plants. Although different synthetic hormones are available and ready to use, they can be costly. This study compared three different naturally-derived alternative rooting hormones (Aloe vera gel, garlic, and turmeric extracts) to the commercially-available synthetic rooting hormone, called TakeRoot®, in propagating stem cuttings from Epipremnum aureum. The active ingredient in synthetic hormone was IBA (Indole Butyric Acid, 0.01%). The E. aureum stem cuttings were placed in hydroponic pots and observed for 30 days. Data from the five parameters: (1) number of roots per stem cutting, (2) number of rooted cuttings, (3) length of the longest and (4) shortest roots of the cuttings, and (5) mean rooting time, were collected as the basis for comparison. Image J software was utilized to measure the root length of the stem cuttings. The collected data were interpreted using Analysis of Variance for a factorial Complete Randomized Design, and a mean comparison was made using Duncan’s multiple range tests. Among the alternative rooting hormones, stem cuttings treated with garlic and turmeric extracts did not produce significant results. Stem cuttings treated with Aloe vera gel have produced the longest roots compared to the synthetic rooting hormone. At the same time, there is no significant difference (p<0.05) in the means of synthetic and alternative rooting hormones. This study provided scientific evidence on applying naturally-derived rooting hormone in the propagation of stem cuttings. Further, the Aloe vera gel, known for plant growth benefits, is the best choice for plant root propagation.

在植物茎插繁殖中，生根剂的应用极为普遍，尤其适合难以成功培育植株的群体。尽管市面上已有多种现成的合成类生根剂可供直接使用，但其成本往往偏高。本研究以绿萝（Epipremnum aureum）的茎插条为材料，将三种天然来源的替代生根剂——芦荟凝胶、大蒜提取物与姜黄提取物，与市售合成生根剂TakeRoot®进行对比。该合成生根剂的有效成分为吲哚丁酸（Indole Butyric Acid，浓度0.01%）。将绿萝茎插条置于水培盆中，连续观察30天。本研究采集五项指标的数据作为对比依据：1）单茎插条的生根数量、2）生根插条总数、3）插条最长根长、4）插条最短根长，以及5）平均生根时间。采用Image J软件对茎插条的根长进行测定。采用析因完全随机设计的方差分析对采集的数据进行统计分析，并通过邓肯氏多重范围检验进行均值比较。在三种天然替代生根剂中，经大蒜提取物与姜黄提取物处理的茎插条未表现出显著效果。与合成生根剂处理的茎插条相比，经芦荟凝胶处理的茎插条生根最长。与此同时，合成类与天然替代类生根剂的整体均值并无显著性差异（p<0.05）。本研究为天然来源生根剂应用于植物茎插繁殖提供了科学依据。此外，已知可促进植物生长的芦荟凝胶，是植物生根繁殖的最优选择。