Vegetative propagation of Combretum collinum Fresen. (Combretaceae), Combretum molle R. Br. ex G. Don (Combretaceae) and Piliostigma thonningii Schumach. (Fabaceae) by cuttings: Effects of rooting media and indole-3-butyric acid concentration

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> The aim of the current study was to examine the propagation potential of woodland tree species in Uganda. Specifically, the study assessed the rooting of stem cuttings of <italic>Combretum collinum</italic> Fresen. (Combretaceae), <italic>Combretum molle</italic> R. Br. ex G. Don (Combretaceae) and <italic>Piliostigma thonningii</italic> Schumach. (Fabaceae) under different rooting media and Indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). Three rooting media (pine bark, soil-sand and sand) and different concentrations of Indole-butyric acid (IBA) plant growth hormone were considered. Data on rooting, number of roots, root length and root collar diameter were collected. Rooting of <italic>C</italic>. <italic>collinum</italic> was highest when treated with IBA and propagated in soil-sand or sand medium while that of <italic>C</italic>. <italic>molle</italic> and <italic>P</italic>. <italic>thonningii</italic> in soil-sand medium when the cuttings were not treated with IBA. The highest number of roots of <italic>C</italic>. <italic>collinum</italic> and <italic>C</italic>. <italic>molle</italic> was when they were treated with IBA and propagated in soil-sand or pine bark or sand medium while <italic>P</italic>. <italic>thonningii</italic> when the cuttings were not treated with IBA and propagated in soil-sand or sand.The highest root length of the <italic>C</italic>. <italic>collinum</italic>, <italic>C</italic>. <italic>molle</italic> and <italic>P</italic>. <italic>thonningii</italic> was achieved when cuttings were treated with IBA and propagated in sand. The highest root collar diameter of <italic>C</italic>. <italic>collinum</italic> and <italic>C</italic>. <italic>molle</italic> was when cuttings were treated with IBA and propagated in pine bark while of <italic>P</italic>. <italic>thonningii</italic> when cuttings were not treated with IBA and propagated in soil-sand. Propagation of these three species ought to take into consideration the interaction between rooting medium and growth hormone.