Growth promotion and preservation of bare rooted plants of Dracaena sanderiana for commercialization

Abstract

Bare rooted Dracaena sanderiana is a popular indoor plant with high commercial potential. D. sanderiana top cuttings were dipped in different growth promoting substances and preservatives to obtain disease free bare rooted plants within a short period of time. The six treatments tested included, three concentrations of chitosan, an organic root promoting extract, NaOCl and vinegar. Chitosan 0.002% w/v solution was found to be the most effective rooting substance. Plants grown in this solution had the highest root length (8.7 ± 0.8cm) and highest root number per plant (44.7 ± 2.2). Lowest number of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) of bacteria was recorded from the chitosan 0.002% w/v solution (18. 8 ± 3.3) compared to tap water (control) (233.2 ± 7.7). Considering both preservative and growth promoting effects, chitosan 0.002% w/v solution can be recommended for the production of disease free bare rooted plants within a short period of time.