Effect of Indole-3-butyric Acid and Maturity Level of Single Node Stem Cuttings on Propagation of Exacum ritigalensis

A study was conducted to observe the effect of different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and maturity levels of single node stem cuttings for vegetative propagation of E. ritigalensis. Branches of the plant were treated by 20% Clorox in 20 minutes and rinsed it two times using distilled water. Stems cuttings were grouped into three according to the diameter (20-30 mm, soft wood; 30-40 mm, semi hardwood and 40-50 mm, hardwood).Three different ways of leaves remaining in single node stem cuttings were used; half of single leaf, half double opposite leaves and without leaf. Stem cuttings were treated by IBA (0, 2, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 mgL-1) for 15 minutes. Plant propagators were prepared by poly bags (150 gauges) and filled by sterilized coir dust. Thereafter, they were kept in two months and observed the survival rates of cuttings (greenish or not),number of roots, length of the lengthiest root, number of buds and number of leaves per bud. Experiments were arranged in three factor factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) with ten replicates. Statistical analysis was performed with Duncan's multiple range test using SAS software (version 9.1.3). It was observed that rooting was at initial stage of all cuttings after one month. Result were showed that the semi hardwood single node stem with half single leaf or double leaves treated by 10 mgL-1 and 15 mgL-1 IBA were best for rooting compare to other all treatments and control, showed 100% survival rate with three buds per cutting.