Effect of growing media and natural plant growth regulators on the growth of tea stem cutting

¹ University of Bengkulu, Department of Crop Production, Bengkulu, Indonesia
² University of Bengkulu, Agroecotechnology Study Program, Bengkulu, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: nsetyowati@unib.ac.id

Abstract

Cuttings may generate plants with the same characteristics as the parent. However, there are issues with root formation and shoot development. Coconut water may function as a natural growth regulator due to auxin, which stimulates root and shoot development. The condition of the growing media, in addition to growth regulators, influences the development of plant cuttings. This study aims to determine the immersion time of tea stem cuttings into coconut water and the composition of the growing media for the growth of tea stem cuttings. This research was conducted from February to June 2019 at Sarana Mandiri Mukti, Tangsi Baru Village, Kabawetan District, Kepahiang Regency, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors. The first factor was the immersion time of coconut water, namely 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours. The second factor was the growing media, which consisted of 1000 g soil (Control), 750 g soil + 250 g cow dung, 750 g soil + 250 g chicken manure, and 750 g soil + 250 g goat manure. The findings revealed that 5 hours 53 minutes of immersion in coconut water on a mixed medium of 750 g soil + 250 g cow dung resulted in the longest root being 13.73 cm. The duration of immersion in coconut water influenced the shoot and root length of tea stem cuttings, whereas the growing medium influenced the dry weight of the roots.