Root growth promotion of Ficus species during air-layering

Abstract

Three chitosan concentrations (1%, 3%, 5% w/v) were tested for their root growth promotion properties in air-layering of three popular ornamental Ficus species namely Ficus triangularis, Ficus microcarpa and Ficus benjamina. Subsequently, these treatment responses were compared with a rooting hormone (naphthalic acetic acid) and an organic root promoting extract (Root Most) available in the local market. Tap water was used as the control. Air-layered plants were further subjected to export simulation for 14 days at 12-14 0C and 90% relative humidity (RH) with the aim of lengthening the storage period. 3% (w/v) chitosan treatment concentration was shown to promote the root growth significantly. 3% (w/v) chitosan treatment resulted in the highest mean root length of (15.3 cm) in F. triangularis compared to the 10.3 cm of tap water control. Similarly, highest mean root length of 38.8 cm was recorded for F. microcarpa for 3% (w/v) chitosan treated layers compared to 14.8 cm of tap water treated layers. Further, the highest mean root density of 3.17 was recorded for 3% (w/v) chitosan treated layers of F. triangularis. A cost effective packaging system was developed during this research which could be utilized in cold storage of air-layers during air or sea freight.