Abstract:
Purpose Vegetative propagation continues to be a popular method to propagate ornamental plant
species. Coconut water (CW) can be considered as an abundant source of hormones and other plant
growth regulators (PGRs). In this study, vegetative propagation of Polyscias fillicifolia was attempted
using PGRs isolated from CW.
Research method Stem cuttings were treated with varying concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50,100 μg mL-1) of
PGR isolated from CW. The results were compared with a control set (treated with distilled water) and
with those treated with solutions of pure synthetic indole acetic acid (IAA).
Findings P. fillicifolia canes treated with a 25 μg mL-1 concentration of IAA, isolated from CW, showed
the highest levels of root induction and development. Root development was more rapid (5 weeks) in the
samples treated with PGRs isolated from CW compared to the canes propagated in the field by placing
the canes on coir beds in plant nurseries. (6 weeks).
Originality This is the first study to use PGRs isolated from CW extracts to improve lateral root
proliferation, induce shoot development and leaf emergence in P. fillicifolia.
